Numerous clinical investigations that have focused on the hypotensive effects of garlic-based preparations have led to controversial results that may be partially because of differences in the composition of the preparations and in the biological responses they induce. It is possible that garlic powder tablets with a prolonged mode of action could induce more potent biological effects. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an active control arm, the hypotensive action of time-released garlic powder tablets (Allicor) was compared with that of regular garlic pills (Kwai) in 84 men with mild or moderate arterial hypertension. After an 8-week placebo treatment run-in phase, patients were randomized either to 600 mg Allicor (n¼30) or to placebo (n¼20) daily for 8 weeks. In addition, in the open-label branch, patients received either 2400 mg Allicor daily (n¼18) or 900 mg Kwai daily (n¼16). Allicor treatment (600 mg daily) resulted in a reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 7.0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 5.3-8.7) and 3.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.7-4.8), respectively. Increasing the Allicor dosage to 2400 mg daily did not provide any additional benefit. Treatment with Kwai resulted in the same decrease in systolic blood pressure (5.4 mm Hg, 95% CI: 1.9-8.8) as that seen with Allicor, but no decrease in diastolic blood pressure was observed with Kwai. Different effects of Allicor and Kwai on diastolic blood pressure may be because of the prolonged action of Allicor, which allows better bioavailability of the vasoactive constituents of garlic powder. The results of this study show that time-released garlic powder tablets are more effective for the treatment of mild and moderate arterial hypertension than are regular garlic supplements.

Aim: Clinical investigations of the effects of garlic preparations in hypercholesterolemia have demonstrated somewhat controversial results. These discrepancies may be due to the differences of the composition of garlic preparations and the biological response they may induce. The study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that garlic powder tablets with a prolonged mode of action promise potent biological effects. Methods: The lipid-lowering effects of time-released garlic powder tablets, Allicor (600 mg daily), were investigated in a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized study in 42 men aged 35 − 70 with mild hypercholesterolemia. Results: Allicor treatment resulted in a moderate but statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol level that was observed after 8 and 12 weeks of active treatment. By the end of the study, total cholesterol in Allicor-treated patients had fallen by 7.6% (p 0.004) as compared to the level at randomization, and was 11.5% lower than the placebo group (p 0.005). LDL cholesterol in Allicortreated patients fell by 11.8% (p 0.002) and 13.8% (p 0.009), respectively. HDL cholesterol also increased significantly after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. By the end of the study, HDL cholesterol in Allicor-treated patients had increased by 11.5% (p 0.013). Conclusion

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