Effect of garlic on platelet aggregation in humans: a study in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease.

Garlic's value in preventing cardiovascular disease has been reported by several research groups. Garlic and its components are known to possess antiplatelet activity which has been demonstrated mostly in vitro. It was found that garlic oil administration to healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) inhibited platelet aggregation ex vivo. Though garlic components leave the body quickly, a slow build-up of the active ingredients may take place. This was evident from the observation that though a 2-3 fold higher dose was not effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation when administered once, a lower dose became effective in long-term administration.