Garlic Tablets Research Articles

Use of E-Nose in inspecting the effect of processing type on the aroma of garlic (Allium Sativum L.): a critical hint in the quality assessment

Controlling the quality and health of foodstuffs is of great importance. The quality of foods like garlic is strongly influenced by the conditions of processing. Fungal infection is one of the most common hazards of garlic productivity that can affect its processing as well. This research aimed to use the E-Nose to investigate the aroma of garlic as a quality control factor influenced by different treatments such as type of processing, type of fungal infection, and time elapsed since the date of inoculation. The data was investigated and categorized through different methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Support vector machine (SVM), and backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The Index of deterioration toughness increased during the monitoring period. In the analysis of the data related to the unprocessed whole (UW), dried slices (DS), garlic powder (PO), and garlic tablet (TA), the PCA included 55%, 75%, 47%, and 53% of the data, respectively. The LDA was able to classify the aroma of UW, DS, PO, and TA samples based on the TFI treatment with an accuracy of 90%, 93.33%, 88.89%, and 60%, respectively. Also, the BPNN classified the aromas of UW, DS, PO, and TA samples based on the TEI treatment with an accuracy of 90%, 95.6%, 72.2%, and 82.2%, respectively. The results revealed that the aroma alteration can be used as a comprehensive factor in the quality control of processed products. As well, the type of processing had significant effects on the severity of decay caused by fungal infection.Graphical

Effects of garlic tablet (GARLET) in combination with telmisartan on high blood pressure

Hypertension (HTN) is a health problem worldwide affecting tens of millions of people. Giving modern antihypertensive alone is not enough to cure this disease. Garlic has been used to treat and cure various diseases, including high blood pressure (BP). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of administering telmisartan with garlic in reducing BP. In this study, 96 people with mild to moderate HTN were randomly selected and assigned to three groups consisting of 32 subjects; each participant in the garlic group received 400mg BD, the telmisartan group received 20mg OD, and the mixed group received 400 mg garlic BD and 20mg telmisartan OD for 8 wk of treatment. Blood pressure was measured at the beginning of each week, as well as on the closing day of the 8 wk. Combining telmisartan with garlic is more effective in reducing systolic blood pressure/SBP (113.0±22.9 mmHg) compared to telmisartan (147.7±4.6 mmHg; p=0.015) and diastolic blood pressure/DBP (71.0±21.2 mmHg vs 90.75±11.9 mmHg; p=0.038) during 8 wk of treatment in hypertensive patients. No significant side effects were identified during the treatment period. In conclusion, garlic, like other BP control pills, increases the effectiveness of chemical pills to lower SBP and DBP.

Antioxidant Agent to Improve Endometriosis Related Pain (Dysmenorrhea, Dyspareunia, Pelvic Pain): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which causes estrogen-induced inflammation. Pelvic severe pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia are known as the most common symptoms in endometriosis patients. Antioxidants can help alleviate endometriosis-related pain. However, the mechanism is not fully understood. A study is needed to elucidate the inherent potential of an antioxidant in women with endometriosis. Material and Methods: The literature search was conducted in two databases. The outcome of interest is to measure mean changes based on pain severity using the VAS score in endometriosis-related pain, including dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. Some of the antioxidant agents formed in this study are vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, livergol (silymarin), garlic tablets, resveratrol, and melatonin compared to placebo. Meta-analysis was done using RevMan 5.4 using mean change from baseline data with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) provided. Results: Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were considered relevant for assessing the potencies of antioxidants in endometriosis patients (n=695). The antioxidant group had significantly better pelvic pain improvement (MD: -2.21, 95%CI: -3.40 to -1.03, p=0.0003), reduction in dyspareunia symptoms (MD: -1.47, 95% CI: -2.68 to -0.27, p=0.02) as well as improvement in dysmenorrhea with a mean difference -1.92 (95% CI: -3.41 to -0.43, p=0.01) than the placebo group. Antioxidants showed excellent potential to be an alternative treatment in managing endometriosis-related pain, particularly pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: The efficacy of antioxidant agents can be a potential treatment to alleviate pain associated with endometriosis, such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia.

The Effect of Garlic Tablet for Preventing Preterm Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: One of the important causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity is preterm birth. There is little evidence about the role of garlic in preventing preterm labor. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of garlic tablets in preventing premature birth. Methods: This is a double-blind clinical trial. Five hundred and thirty-seven singleton pregnant women in the 16th to 26th week of pregnancy with a history of threatened preterm delivery (delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy) were included in this study. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n = 272) and control groups (n = 265). The intervention group received garlic tablets (500 mg/day) every 24 hours for 10 weeks and 250 mg intramuscular progesterone every week until 36 weeks or delivery time. The control group received placebo tablets plus 250 mg intramuscular progesterone (every week until 36 weeks). The primary outcome was the incidence of Preterm delivery (gestational age < 37 weeks). Quantitative variables were expressed as frequency and percentage and compared using the chi-square or Fisher exact test with a small sample size. Numerical data were presented as mean and standard deviation. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to determine the normality of the data distribution. After that, the relationships of continuous variables with normal distribution were investigated using the independent t student test, and continuous variables without normal distribution were investigated with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis estimated different variables' interaction and confounding effects. Results: Four hundred and forty-five had term delivery (82.9%), and 92 (17.1%) had preterm delivery. Seventeen participants in the intervention group (6.3%) and 75 (28.3%) in the control group had preterm delivery (P < 0.001). By considering preterm labor as dependent and other independent variables, the study group (intervention or control) was the only predictor of preterm labor (OR-3.6, CI: 95%: 1.98 - 6.5, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that the combined treatment of oral garlic tablets and intramuscular progesterone significantly prolonged pregnancy or improved outcomes. Garlic tablets seem to be effective in preventing preterm birth.

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS OF GARLIC AND THEIR POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS - A REVIEW

– Garlic and its different value-added products are widely employed in food and pharmaceutical industries in a variety of forms due to its distinct flavour. It is processed into dehydrated garlic flakes, garlic slices or rings, garlic grits, garlic tablets, garlic pickles, garlic powder, digestive churns, paste, garlic oil, salts which are mostly demanded at national as well as international market due to its nutritional composition, health benefits and medicinal properties. The presence of various biologically active compounds in garlic has attracted the attention of modern medicine because of its effects in maintaining good health it reduces cholesterol, boosts the immune system, prevents from various ailments such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, blood pressure, and diabetes, through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties. Value addition of garlic in the form of various processed products will significantly increase the export of garlic and its value-added products and will also play an important role to augment the expanding garlic-based processing industries in India.

Evaluation of the Effect of Garlic Tablet as a Complementary Treatment for Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of garlic (Allium sativum L.) tablets as a complimentary herbal medication in diabetic macular edema. Methods A total of 91 diabetic participants (117 eyes) with central involved macular edema underwent a double-blind randomized trial. The patients used garlic tablets (500 mg) (2 tab/day) or placebo for 4 weeks and subsequently were examined by an expert ophthalmologist. Clinical manifestations including the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), central macular thickness (CMT, μm), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured as the main outcomes. Results BCVA was significantly improved by a 0.18 decrease in mean logMAR value in the garlic-treated patients in comparison with 0.06 in the control ones (P value = 0.027). CMT was decreased in both groups by a 102.99 μm decrease in the garlic group compared to 52.67 μm in the placebo group, albeit in a nonsignificant manner (P value: 0.094). IOP was decreased in the garlic group by 1.03 mmHg (P value: 0.024) and increased by 0.3 mmHg (P value: 0.468) in the placebo group. Conclusion Our trial suggests that garlic supplements can improve visual acuity, decrease the CMT and lower the IOP, and can be considered as an adjuvant treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema. Garlic was satisfactorily tolerated in diabetic patients, and no significant adverse effect interrupting the safety profile was observed.

Antimicrobial, immunological and biochemical effects of florfenicol and garlic (Allium sativum) on rabbits infected with Escherichia coli serotype O55: H7.

Florfenicol (FFC) is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic and garlic has a bactericidal action against coliforms. This study was carried out to compare the antimicrobial, immunological and biochemical effects of florfenicol and garlic, for their ability to treat enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O55: H7 infection in rabbits. Four groups (G1-G4) were included. G1 group was the negative control; G2 group was the infected with a field-isolated strain of E. coli and untreated; G3 group was the infected+treated with FFC for 5 days; and G4 group was the infected+treated with garlic tablets for 14 days. The rabbits were observed for clinical signs, growth performance and mortality rates. Garlic-infused disks had a larger clear zone of inhibition than other antibiotic disks. Garlic treatment improved growth performance, biochemical parameters, and immunological response and reduced the fecal shedding and histopathological lesions in E. coli O55: H7 infected rabbits compared to the other groups. Colonization of E. coli more rapidly declined in G3 & G4 than in G2. Hepatic and intestinal gene expressions; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly elevated in G2 compared to the other groups, and their levels were elevated more in G3 than in G4. Serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and phagocytic activity were significantly elevated in G4 compared to G3. G3 revealed macrocytic hypochromic anaemia that was confirmed histopathologically by moderate haematopoiesis of the bone marrow. In conclusion, garlic powder can reduce rabbit colibacillosis, like FFC, and can enhance the immune status of rabbits.

The Effect of Garlic Tablets on the Endometriosis-Related Pains: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory disease. Garlic contains components that have antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic on endometriosis symptoms. This was a randomized placebo-controlled triple-blind clinical trial. A convenience sample of 60 women was randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received usual care supplemented with 400 mg garlic tablets, and the placebo group received identical placebo tablets. A four-part Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the severity of pains. The pains were measured on four occasions (before the intervention and on one-, two-, and three-month follow-ups). Data were analyzed using the t-test, chi-square, repeated measures ANOVA, and ANCOVA by SPSS 16. The overall severity of pain reduced from 6.51 ± 0.86 to 1.83 ± 1.25 in the intervention group (p < 0.05). It increased from 6.41 ± 1.12 to 6.65 ± 1.37 in the control group (p = 0.02). The repeated measures ANOVA showed that there is a significant difference in the change of pain scores between intervention and control groups (p < 0.001, np2 = 0.572). Garlic extract can reduce pelvic and back pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia which are important symptoms of endometriosis.

Increased efficacy of a garlic supplement on knee osteoarthritis symptoms in patients with obesity

BackgroundObesity is a major risk factor for the incidence, progression, and poor outcomes of osteoarthritis (OA). It is unknown if obese patients could have different outcomes with complementary interventions. This study investigated joint symptoms following supplementation with a garlic tablet in obese women with knee OA. MethodsIn this secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 obese (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2) women with knee OA received either a 1000 mg garlic supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. The outcomes were joint symptoms, measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and pain severity based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). ResultsGarlic supplementation decreased WOMAC total score (29.2 ± 14.5 vs. 36.4 ± 14.3, P = 0.013), joint stiffness (1.3 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 2, P = 0.019), and physical function (20.5 ± 10.9 vs. 24.8 ± 10.3, P = 0.018) in the garlic compared with the control group. Pain severity decreased marginally (2 ± 3.1 vs. 0.4 ± 2.8, P = 0.073) in the garlic than the control group, which seemed to be clinically important. Additionally, all joint clinical outcomes improved remarkably in the garlic group compared to the baseline. There were no significant changes in anthropometric indices, body composition, and reported dietary intakes between the two groups at the end of the trial. ConclusionsA 12-week 1000 mg garlic supplementation exerted significant improvements in joint symptoms in the obese women with knee OA. Future studies should address the potential better response of obese patients to interventions as well as relevant underlying mechanisms.The study was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir, registration code IRCT201307179543N2).

Bio-Rational Management of Maize Weevil, Sitophilus Zeamais in Maize (Zea Mays) Seeds

Bangladesh is a sub-tropical and humid country. That is why, the infestation of insects during storage is very common here. The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), locally known as “Katta Poka”, is one of the most serious cosmopolitan pest of stored cereal grain, especially of maize (Zea mays L.), in tropical and subtropical regions including Bangladesh. Considering the issue, the study was conducted in the laboratory of Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications to evaluate the efficacy of four locally available botanicals and chemicals. The botanicals used were: Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf, Datura (Datura stramonium) leaf, Nishinda (Vitex negundo L) leaf and Garlic (Allium sativum L.) tablet powders at three different doses (3, 4 and 5gm)/100g of grain seed against maize weevil. The results revealed that all test materials at 5g doses exhibited higher mortality action against maize weevil while at 3g doses it gave the lowest percentage efficacy. Powdered leaves of neem and datura at 4 and 5gm were showed statistical significant (P&lt;0.01) differences while powdered leaves of nishinda at the similar rates were observed with moderately effectiveness and powdered tablet of garlic gave the lowest mortality rate within 28 days of exposure in all tested doses. These findings suggest that botanical treatments exerted better mortality of maize weevil and reduced maize seed weight loss with higher germination capacity compared to the untreated control. It was also observed that the highest mortality percentage, lowest seed weight loss and highest germination capacity in the seeds which were treated with Sevin 85SP at the rate of 0.25g/100g maize seeds. Maize grains treated with botanicals, indicated that insect reproduction and development were impaired in all botanical pesticides. It is suggested that datura leaf, neem leaf powder can be used as good alternatives to chemical insecticides against S. zeamays due to their higher mortality, lower seed weight losses and higher germination capacity.

Biopesticidal Management of Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus Chinensis L) in Chickpea Seeds

The pesticidal efficacy of four locally available leaves of botanicals like neem (Azadirachta indica), datura (Datura stramonium), marigold (Tagetes erecta) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) tablet powders was assessed on pulse bettle (Callosobruchus chinensis L) through adult mortality and emergence, oviposition performance, seed damage, weight loss and germination of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The above test biopesticides were tested at three different rates (0.5 g, 1.0 g and 1.50 g powder/kg of chickpea seeds). All the tested powder showed significant effect on the above parameters. The highest adult mortality was recorded when chickpea seeds were treated with datura leaf powder at 1.50 g/kg, whereas marigold showed the least effect on adult mortality. The powders used in the experiment effectively controlled oviposition and adult emergence of pulse beetle. The lowest number of adult emergence was obtained from chickpea seeds treated with datura leaf powder at 1.50 g/kg. The highest weight loss was observed in control seeds followed by marigold leaf powder 0.5 g/kg gram seeds. Datura leaf powder treated seeds showed the lowest seed weight loss followed by neem, garlic and marigold. Plant powders had profound effect on seed germination. The highest germination was observed in treated seed with datura leaf powder at 1.50 g/kg and the lowest germination in control seed followed by marigold leaf powder at 1.5 g/kg treated seeds. The pesticidal effect on oviposition, adult mortality, adult emergence, and seed weight loss was directly proportional to leaf powder rates.

HERBAL MEDICINES AGAINST BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The aim of this systematic review was to present the effect of herbal medicines on both clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of bacterial vaginosis in the reproductive age. Four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched for articles that evaluated the effect of herbal medicines on bacterial vaginosis and were published until July 31, 2019. Zataria multiflora was found to be as effective as oral or vaginal metronidazole in improvement of both clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters. However, it caused vaginal irritation and burning. The effect of garlic tablet was reported to be more marked than oral metronidazole in alleviating the clinical symptoms and comparable to that of oral metronidazole in improving laboratory findings. The effect of Nigella sativa was similar to metronidazole in treating both clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Hypericum perforatum vaginal gel 3 has proved to be as effective as metronidazole vaginal gel 0.75 in preventing bacterial vaginosis. Cure rate (recovery) in Myrtus communis L. plus metronidazole or Berberis vulgaris plus metronidazole was higher than that of metronidazole alone. Treatment with Hypercum perforatum for a week was very well tolerated, and caused no side effect. Herbal medicines including H. perforatum, Z. multiflora, B. vulgaris and Allium sativum was found to be as effective as metronidazole with a fewer side effect. Hence, they might be considered potential candidates to combat vaginosis. © 2019, Romanian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Therapeutic Potential of Allicin-Rich Garlic Preparations: Emphasis on Clinical Evidence toward Upcoming Drugs Formulation

Garlic has been used for a long time in human history. Allicin, the main active compound present in freshly injured garlic, is enzymatically formed from alliin. Allicin has shown doubtless beneficial effects and even be conceived as medicine. The present review highlights allicin-associated studies. Indeed, clinical studies on healthy subjects have evidenced that standardized garlic treatment (900 mg/day) significantly reduces total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-LDL). Besides, allicin also led to a marked improvement in mouth opening, burning sensation, and oral health-related quality of life on stage II oral submucous fibrosis patients. Interestingly, in children, allicin also has been proposed for thrush prevention and as an alternative antibiotic therapy. Nonetheless, there is particular attention to allicin bioavailability, given its high instability. Although clinical evidence has promoted allicin release from garlic powder tablets under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, garlic tablets are those that have provided less alliinase protection due to its fast disintegration, releasing low allicin amounts.

The effect of 12-week garlic supplementation on symptom relief in overweight or obese women with knee osteoarthritis.

Chronic joint pain and stiffness, and functional disability, are the major debilitating features of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 12-week supplementation with a garlic supplement on knee osteoarthritis outcomes in overweight or obese women. Seventy-six postmenopausal overweight or obese women (25≤BMI≤40kg/m2 ) with medically diagnosed knee OA participated in this randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial. After randomisation into 2 groups, patients received a daily dose of either 1000mg odourless garlic tablet, or placebo, for 12weeks. The total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), as well as pain, stiffness and physical function subscales, were evaluated pre- and poststudy. Anthropometric parameters and body composition (using bioelectrical impedance analysis) were also assessed. Following 12-week supplementation in overweight or obese women with OA, stiffness (but not pain, function or WOMAC total score) was significantly lower in the garlic group compared with the placebo group (1.4±1.6 vs 2.5±1.9, P=.023). The changes in WOMAC parameters showed no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. WOMAC total score (38.4±15.9-30.6±15.7, P=.004) and all the subscales, including pain (8.3±3.7-7±4.4, P=.026), stiffness (2.3±1.6-1.4±1.6, P=.013) and physical function (27.7±11.9-22.2±12.4, P=.001) improved significantly in the garlic group postintervention compared with pre-intervention; although pain subscale also decreased in the placebo group (9.6±3.1-6.9±3.7, P<.001). Although pre- to postintervention knee OA symptoms were improved in overweight or obese women receiving 12weeks garlic supplement, there was no significant difference in WOMAC changes compared with the placebo group. Further clinical trials are required to investigate the therapeutic value of garlic ingredients, and the potential role of placebo effect, in the management of OA symptoms.

The effect of a garlic supplement on the pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and on pain severity, in overweight or obese women with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, which is associated with chronic and disabling pain. The adipocytokines, resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), might play a role in OA pathogenesis and outcomes. PurposeThe aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of a garlic supplement on serum resistin and TNF-α concentrations and on pain severity in overweight or obese women with knee OA. Study designRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial. MethodsIn this study, 80 post-menopausal overweight or obese women (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 40 kg/m2, age 50–75 years) with mild to moderate knee OA were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive twice-daily either garlic tablets (total: 1000 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were fasting serum concentrations of resistin and TNF-α, and pain severity (assessed using 0–10 point visual analogue scale (VAS)). ResultsAt week 12, resistin concentrations were significantly decreased in the garlic group (6.41 ± 2.40 to 5.56 ± 2.16 ng/ml; P = 0.008). Serum TNF-α levels did not change significantly within or between the two groups. Pain scores were significantly reduced in the garlic (6.8 ± 2 to 5.3 ± 2.3; P = 0.002), but not in the placebo (6.7 ± 2.4 to 6.2 ± 2.5; P = 0.674), group. Pain scores were also significantly lower in the garlic, compared with the placebo, group following supplementation (5.3 ± 2.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.5; P = 0.043). ConclusionsThe findings suggest that garlic supplementation for 12 weeks might reduce pain severity in overweight or obese women with knee OA, which may, at least in part, be mediated via a reduction in the pro-inflammatory adipocytokine, resistin.

Diclofenac-Induced Post Infantile Giant Cell Hepatitis

INTRODUCTION: Post-infantile Giant Cell Hepatitis (PIGCH) is a rare type of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) characterized by an idiosyncratic response to liver injury from various causes in which liver cells respond to insult by rapid proliferation and without the appropriate cellular division, leading to the formation of the multi-nucleated giant cells. We encountered a case of Diclofenac induced PIGCH in a patient with untreated seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. To the best of our knowledge, this is first such case reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old Hispanic woman with type II diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, not on DMARDs presented with acute onset jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. She was taking 50mg of Diclofenac, 2 pills daily for the past 3 months and unknown quantity of garlic tablets. Workup for hepatitis including infectious and toxic etiologies were ruled out. Serum IgG levels were elevated with increased globuin gap, and positive ANA titer of 640, anti-smooth muscle cell antibodies elevated at 41 units (moderate to strong positive > 30 units). Liver biopsy demonstrated submassive necrosis in the setting of post-infantile giant cell hepatitis. The differential diagnoses included idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis, viral or drug induced injury. Our diagnosis was drug induced autoimmune liver disease (DIALD), the etiology is likely due to Diclofenac given temporal relationship of drug intake and symptom onset, as well as a calculated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score of 6, signifying probable drug-induced liver disease. Patient was started on Prednisone and Azathioprine with complete resolution of clinical and laboratory findings within 5 months. DISCUSSION: The outcome of PIGCH is unpredictable, usually adopts a fulminant course leading to cirrhosis within months, however, a more benign course has also been described. PIGCH is triggered by three primary etiologies: drugs, infection, and autoimmune liver injury. This case highlights that giant cell hepatitis is a multifactorial condition that can be precipitated by drug use in the setting of autoimmune phenotype. Garlic and garlic extracts, through their antioxidant activities, have been reported to provide protection against free radical damage in the body. The innocuous course of PIGCH in our patient could possibly be due to concurrent consumption of garlic tablets. Further research is needed in this area.

The effect of consumption of garlic tablet on proteins oxidation biomarkers in postmenopausal osteoporotic women: A randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundOsteoporosis (OP) is one of the most prevalent metabolic bone diseases at higher ages, especially in postmenopausal women.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of consumption of garlic tablet on proteins oxidation biomarkers in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.MethodsThe present study was a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial that included 42 postmenopausal women in Yazd during 2014–2015. Osteoporotic women were randomly assigned into two groups: the garlic group (GG) and the placebo group (PG). Participants in GG took two garlic tablets daily for 1 month and the participants in PG took placebo tablets in the same manner. After 30 days, the plasma level of carbonyl groups (PCO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed by spectrophotometric assays. Also, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured according to the procedure of Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18, using paired-samples t-test, independent-samples t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsThis study showed that garlic tablets had decreased PCO plasma levels (47.37±5.98 vs. 19.62±3.40 nM, p≤0.001, before and after the study, respectively), AOPPs (738.95±151.86 vs. 585.12±209.99 μM, p≤0.008, before and after the study, respectively), and increased TAC (11.34±10.80 vs. 47.93±17.80, p≤0.001, before and after the study, respectively). The parameters in placebo groups showed no significant differences before and after the study, respectively. The levels of MDA before taking the drug in comparison to before Garlic group was also reduced (1.30±1.04 vs. 0.92±0.81 μM, p=0.01, before and after the study, respectively).ConclusionThe role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of many diseases such as osteoporosis has been demonstrated. The present study showed that garlic consumption can reduce the oxidative stress.Trial registrationThe protocol of trial was registered at the Iranian clinical trial register (www.irct.ir) with ID: IRCT138811183273N1.FundingThis study funded by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences (Yazd, Iran).

Food or pharmaceuticals? Consumers' perception of health-related borderline products

The aim of this paper is to explore consumers' perception of health-related borderline products between food and pharmaceuticals. Such products emerge due to blurring of boundaries between the food and pharmaceutical industries. They fit the description of both food and pharmaceuticals to a certain extent. Literature suggests that such products present innovation avenues to companies. However, their ultimate success largely depends on consumers’ perception of their safety, efficacy, appearance, and the product category to which they may belong (food or pharmaceuticals). Our study investigated consumers' perception of seven health-related borderline products (Probiotic yoghurt, phytosterol margarine, vitamin juice, garlic tablets, omega-3 eggs, vitamin C tablets, echinacea tea). To this end, we conducted an online survey of 104 consumers in Germany. Findings from statistical analysis indicated that consumers in Germany in general, and specifically young and highly educated women appeared to be sceptical of the health-benefits of health-related borderline products. They perceived these products to be generally safe to consume. However, consumption of such products was not perceived to be an easy method of staying healthy. Product appearance also seemed to influence consumers’ perception of health-related borderline products as food or pharmaceuticals.

Impact of garlic tablets on nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients in intensive care units.

BackgroundNosocomial infections are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in hospitals, especially in intensive care units (ICUs).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of garlic tablets on nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients in intensive care units.MethodsThis clinical trial was carried out on 94 patients, admitted to the intensive care units in Kashani and Al-Zahra hospitals from January 21, 2014 to December 20, 2014. Firstly, the patients were randomly selected by simple sampling, then they were assigned into case and control groups. The case group administered one 400 mg garlic tablet daily for 6 days and the control group received placebo. During the study, inflammatory blood factors and infection occurrence in the two groups were compared. The Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 through descriptive tests such as independent t-test, Chi-square test, ANOVA and exact Fisher test for the analyses of primary and secondary outcomes.ResultsDuring the study period, 78 cases of intravenous catheter tip were sent to laboratory for culture, of which, 37 cases were in the intervention group and 41 in the control group. Culture results of Catheter tips was positive in 5 cases and all five cases were in the control group. Frequency distribution of catheter tip culture was significantly higher in the control group than that of the intervention group (p=0.03).ConclusionBased on the results of our study, in people with weakened immune systems and in people with high incidence of opportunistic infections, it is necessary to strengthen their body’s immune system stimulants before dealing with these infectious agents, and cause decrease in the diseases insusceptible people. It was suggested that garlic supplementation has shown to be effective in patients admitted to ICU, who are highly susceptible to nosocomial infection, and it can be used for the prevention of septicemia and urinary tract infections. However, further research with larger sample size is needed.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the Irct ID: IRCT207406156480N6.FundingShahrekord University of Medical Sciences financially supported this research.

Garlic tablet supplementation reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

This study was designed to investigate whether garlic tablets possess anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects in healthy adults. Twelve healthy adults participated in a randomized, cross-over design with a three-week treatment and a two-week washout period. Participants received either garlic powder tablets twice daily or two placebo tablets/day for three weeks. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from fasting blood samples at baseline and after each three-week treatment with garlic or placebo. PBMC were cultured, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and changes in cell culture supernatants tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were determined. In addition, changes in plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as well as plasma levels of lipids were determined. After three weeks of supplementation, LPS-stimulated TNF-α release in cell culture supernatant was lower after garlic than placebo ( P &lt;0.05) whereas no significant changes were observed in unstimulated TNF-α release or plasma TNF-α. There were no significant differences in plasma hs-CRP, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels between garlic and placebo. In healthy individuals, garlic supplementation did not change plasma levels of TNF-α and hs-CRP while it caused lower TNF-α release into cell culture supernatant after stimulation by LPS.