[Does garlic influence rheologic properties and blood flow in progressive systemic sclerosis?]
Alexander Rapp1, Gerald Grohmann, Peter Oelzner
1Kompetenzzentrum Naturheilverfahren, Klinik fur Innere Medizin II, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Deutschland.
Forschende Komplementarmedizin (2006)
|July 27, 2006
Summary
Dried garlic powder significantly improved blood flow properties in systemic sclerosis patients, reducing platelet and red blood cell aggregation. This suggests garlic may be a beneficial addition to conventional treatments for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Rheology
- Naturopathy
Context:
- Systemic sclerosis is characterized by impaired microcirculation, often unresponsive to standard therapies.
- Traditional European naturopathy classifies garlic as a 'heating agent' that enhances perfusion.
- Existing research on garlic's effects in clinical populations, particularly systemic sclerosis, is limited.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of dried garlic powder on rheologic properties and vasomotor function in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- To assess if garlic can improve impaired perfusion associated with systemic sclerosis.
Summary:
- A 7-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study involved 20 female systemic sclerosis inpatients.
- Participants received either 900 mg dried garlic powder or placebo daily.
- Rheologic properties and microcirculation were assessed, with significant reductions in ADP-induced platelet aggregation and erythrocyte aggregation observed in the garlic group after 7 days.
Impact:
- Garlic powder demonstrated a positive impact on key rheologic parameters in systemic sclerosis.
- The findings suggest a potential biological mechanism for garlic's traditional use in 'cold diseases'.
- Garlic may serve as a rational add-on therapy for systemic sclerosis, warranting further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...