An evaluation of the side effects of garlic as an antihypertensive agent

Eight spontaneously hypertensive rats representative of a diverse group with regard to age and sex were used to observe possible side effects from the use of garlic as an antihypertensive agent. Doses were administered at 6 h intervals daily for 28 days. Blood pressure, pulse rate and ECG were monitored once every 7 days for 28 days and then again 6 days after the day that the last dose was administered. All of the animals had erratic pulse rates and abnormal ECG. Weight loss occurred in all of the animals receiving the extract two and three times a day. All of the animals tested became lethargic and weak, had soft faeces and showed signs of dehydration. Also, the skin on the hindlimbs and forelimbs became very tender and could be easily torn. These effects were more pronounced in the animals receiving the extract two and three times a day.