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Garlic supplementation increases peripheral blood flow: a role for interleukin-6?
Nick Anim-Nyame1, Suren R Sooranna, Mark R Johnson
1Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK. n.anim@ic.ac.uk
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
|January 9, 2004
Summary
Regular garlic supplementation boosts tissue blood flow, potentially through increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. This study found garlic increased calf blood flow and IL-6 in healthy women, suggesting a cardiovascular benefit.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
- Physiology
Background:
- Garlic supplementation is linked to reduced cardiovascular risk.
- The mechanism involves vasodilation, possibly mediated by interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dietary garlic increases tissue blood flow.
- To determine if this effect is mediated by IL-6.
Main Methods:
- 13 healthy women received 600 mg garlic daily for 7 days.
- Calf blood flow measured by venous occlusion plethysmography.
- Plasma IL-6, nitrate, nitrite, and c-GMP levels analyzed.
Main Results:
- Garlic significantly increased calf blood flow (P=0.001).
- Plasma IL-6 levels significantly increased post-garlic (P=0.02).
- No significant changes in nitrate, nitrite, or c-GMP observed.
Conclusions:
- Garlic supplementation enhances resting tissue blood flow.
- Increased IL-6 levels appear to mediate this vasodilatory effect.
- Garlic may offer cardiovascular benefits through improved blood flow.