In the present study, using a rat model we have shown
that garlic extract containing allicin when fed along with
2% high cholesterol diet has the ability to lower the
serum cholesterol, triglycerides and simultaneously the
systolic blood pressure. At present, some inconsistent
results concerning serum lipids and blood pressure lowering
effects of garlic in human trials have been reported
as described in the discussion section above. As the effect
of garlic extract and allicin at the molecular level seems to
mimic the latest cholesterol lowering ‘statin’, and blood
pressure lowering drugs, we suggest that inconsistency in
the published results may be due to the differences in
protocol designs and the type of the garlic or garlic products
used in the studies. Our experimental results show
that garlic extract may beneficially affect two risk factors
for atherosclerosis — hyperlipidemia and hypertension