Garlic powder, effect on plasma lipids, postprandial lipemia, low-density lipoprotein particle size, high-density lipoprotein subclass distribution and lipoprotein(a).

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that a garlic supplement alters plasma lipoproteins, postprandial lipemia, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) size and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution differently in 50 moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects classified as LDL subclass pattern A or B. BACKGROUND: Garlic has been variably reported to reduce or not affect plasma cholesterol values. Low-density lipoprotein pattern B is a common inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that has been shown to have a significantly greater response to several lipid lowering treatments including low fat diet when compared with LDL pattern A individuals. METHODS: A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial in an outpatient lipid research clinic was performed and included fifty moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects (mean LDL cholesterol = 166 +/- 22 mg/dl) classified as LDL subclass pattern A (predominantly large LDL, n = 22) or B (predominantly small LDL, n = 28). Following a two-month stabilization period, subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo or 300 mg three times a day of a standardized garlic tablet for three months. RESULTS: For all subjects, LDL pattern A and B subjects combined, garlic treatment for three months resulted in no significant change in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, HDL subclass distribution, postprandial triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]), LDL peak particle diameter or LDL subclass distribution. There was no significant difference in response for the same parameters among subjects classified as LDL pattern A or B with the exception of significantly greater (p = 0.01) reduction in mean peak particle diameter in pattern A subjects treated with either garlic or placebo. There was no significant change in LDL subclass distribution. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation confirms that garlic therapy has no effect on major plasma lipoproteins and further, that it has no impact on HDL subclasses, Lp(a), apolipoprotein B, postprandial triglycerides or LDL subclass distribution. Garlic may have a greater effect on LDL particle diameter in LDL pattern A compared with pattern B subjects. This difference was not reflected in other plasma lipid measurements.

Garlic powder and plasma lipids and lipoproteins: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Garlic powder tablets have been reported to lower serum cholesterol levels. There is widespread belief among the general public that garlic powder tablets aid in controlling cholesterol levels. However, much of the prior data demonstrating the cholesterol-lowering effect of garlic tablets involved studies that were inadequately controlled. OBJECTIVE: To determine the lipid-lowering effect of garlic powder tablets in patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week, parallel treatment study carried out in 2 outpatient lipid clinics. Entry into the study after 8 weeks of diet stabilization required a mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level on 2 visits of 4.1 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) or lower and a triglyceride level of 4.0 mmol/L (350 mg/dL) or lower. The active treatment arm received tablets containing 300 mg of garlic powder (Kwai) 3 times per day, given with meals (total, 900 mg/d). This is equivalent to approximately 2.7 g or approximately 1 clove of fresh garlic per day. The placebo arm received an identical-looking tablet, also given 3 times per day with meals. The main outcome measures included levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (43% male; mean +/- SD age, 58 +/- 14 years) received garlic powder treatment and 22 (68% male; mean +/- SD age, 57 +/- 13 years) received placebo treatment. There were no significant lipid or lipoprotein changes in either the placebo- or garlic-treated groups and no significant difference between changes in the placebo-treated group compared with changes in the garlic-treated patients. CONCLUSION: Garlic powder (900 mg/d) treatment for 12 weeks was ineffective in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Garlic shows promise for improving some cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the effects of garlic on several cardiovascular-related factors and to note its adverse effects. METHODS: English and non-English citations were identified from 11 electronic databases, references, manufacturers, and experts from January 1966 through February 2000 (depending on the database searched). Reports of cardiovascular-related effects were limited to randomized controlled trials lasting at least 4 weeks. Reports of adverse effects were not limited by study design. From 1798 pertinent records, 45 randomized trials and 73 additional studies reporting adverse events were identified. Two physicians abstracted outcomes and assessed adequacy of randomization, blinding, and handling of dropouts. Standardized mean differences of lipid outcomes from placebo-controlled trials were adjusted for baseline differences and pooled using random effects methods. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, garlic preparations may lead to small reductions in the total cholesterol level at 1 month (range of average pooled reductions, 0.03-0.45 mmol/L [1.2-17.3 mg/dL]) and at 3 months (range of average pooled reductions 0.32-0.66 mmol/L [12.4-25.4 mg/dL]), but not at 6 months. Changes in low-density lipoprotein levels and triglyceride levels paralleled total cholesterol level results; no statistically significant changes in high-density lipoprotein levels were observed. Trials also reported significant reductions in platelet aggregation and mixed effects on blood pressure outcomes. No effects on glycemic-related outcomes were found. Proven adverse effects included malodorous breath and body odor. Other unproven effects included flatulence, esophageal and abdominal pain, allergic reactions, and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Trials suggest possible small short-term benefits of garlic on some lipid and antiplatelet factors, insignificant effects on blood pressure, and no effect on glucose levels. Conclusions regarding clinical significance are limited by the marginal quality and short duration of many trials and by the unpredictable release and inadequate definition of active constituents in study preparations.

A possible emerging role of phytochemicals in improving age-related neurological dysfunctions: a multiplicity of effects.

It is rare to see a day pass in which we are not told through some popular medium that the population is becoming older. Along with this information comes the "new" revelation that as we enter the next millennium there will be increases in age-associated diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease) including the most devastating of these, which involve the nervous system (e.g., Alzheimer's disease [AD] and Parkinson's disease [PD]). It is estimated that within the next 50 years approximately 30% of the population will be aged 65 years or older. Of those between 75 and 84 years of age, 6 million will exhibit some form of AD symptoms, and of those older than 85 years, over 12 million will have some form of dementia associated with AD. What appears more ominous is that many cognitive changes occur even in the absence of specific age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Common components thought to contribute to the manifestation of these disorders and normal age-related declines in brain performance are increased susceptibility to long-term effects of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory insults. Unless some means is found to reduce these age-related decrements in neuronal function, health care costs will continue to rise exponentially. Thus, it is extremely important to explore methods to retard or reverse age-related neuronal deficits as well as their subsequent, behavioral manifestations. Fortunately, the growth of knowledge in the biochemistry of cell viability has opened new avenues of research focused at identifying new therapeutic agents that could potentially disrupt the perpetual cycle of events involved in the decrements associated with these detrimental processes. In this regard, a new role in which certain dietary components may play important roles in alleviating certain disorders are beginning to receive increased attention, in particular those involving phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables.

The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the plaque volumes in both carotid and femoral arteries of 152 probationers were determined by B-mode ultrasound. Continuous intake of high-dose garlic powder dragees reduced significantly the increase in arteriosclerotic plaque volume by 5-18% or even effected a slight regression within the observational period of 48 months. Also the age-dependent representation of the plaque volume shows an increase between 50 and 80 years that is diminished under garlic treatment by 6-13% related to 4 years. It seems even more important that with garlic application the plaque volume in the whole collective remained practically constant within the age-span of 50-80 years. These results substantiated that not only a preventive but possibly also a curative role in arteriosclerosis therapy (plaque regression) may be ascribed to garlic remedies.

Helicobacter pylori infection, garlic intake and precancerous lesions in a Chinese population at low risk of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cangshan County of Shandong Province has one of the lowest rates of gastric cancer (GC) in China. While intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia (DYS) are less common in Cangshan than in areas of Shandong at high risk of GC, these precursor lesions nevertheless affect about 20% of adults age > or = 55. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: In order to evaluate determinants of IM and DYS in Cangshan County, a low risk area of GC a survey was conducted among 214 adults who participated in a gastroscopic screening survey in Cangshan County in 1994. METHOD: A dietary interview and measurement of serum Helicobacter pylori antibodies were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori was lowest (19%) among those with normal gastric mucosa, rising steadily to 35% for superficial gastritis (SG), 56% for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 80% for IM, and 100% for DYS. The prevalence odds of precancerous lesions were compared with the odds of normal histology or SG. The odds ratio (OR) or CAG associated with H. pylori positivity was 4.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] : 1.7-10.0), while the OR of IM/DYS associated with H. pylori positivity was 31.5 (95% CI: 5.2-187). After adjusting for H. pylori infection, drinking alcohol was a risk factor for CAG (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1-9.2) and IM/DYS (OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.3-47.7). On the other hand, consumption of garlic showed non-significant protective effects and an inverse association with H. pylori infection. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that infection with H. pylori is a risk factor and garlic may be protective, in the development and progression of advanced precancerous gastric lesions in an area of China at relatively low risk of GC.

Efficacy of garlic supplementation in lowering serum cholesterol levels.

Previous studies using garlic have found alterations on a number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including blood pressure, plasma viscosity, platelet activity, and serum lipid levels. The latest clinical research suggests that consumption of garlic powder does not play a significant role in lowering plasma lipid levels when in conjunction with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Additional well-controlled, long-term studies that explore dosage and preparation type are necessary to confirm the efficacy of garlic in lowering cholesterol levels and to fully understand garlic's potential role in CVD.

Garlic extract therapy in children with hypercholesterolemia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether garlic extract therapy is efficacious and safe in children with hypercholesterolemia. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Specialized pediatric lipid disorders ambulatory clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty pediatric patients, aged 8 to 18 years, who had familial hyperlipidemia and a minimum fasting total cholesterol level greater than 4.8 mmol/L (> 185 mg/dL). INTERVENTION: An 8-week course of a commercially available garlic extract (Kwai [Lichtwer Pharma, Berlin, Germany], 300 mg, 3 times a day) or an identical placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute and relative changes in fasting lipid profile parameters. RESULTS: The groups were equivalent at baseline and compliance was similar in the 2 groups (P = .45). There was no significant relative attributable effect of garlic extract on fasting total cholesterol (+0.6% [95% confidence interval, -5.8% to +6.9%1) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.5% [95% confidence interval, -8.7% to +7.6%]). The lower limits of the confidence intervals did not include -10%, the minimum relative attributable effect believed to be clinically important. Likewise, no significant effect was seen on the levels of high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B-100, lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, homocysteine, or blood pressure. There was a small effect on apolipoprotein A-I (+10.0% [95% confidence interval, +1.2% to +16.5%] P=.03). There were no differences in adverse effects between groups. CONCLUSION: Garlic extract therapy has no significant effect on cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric patients with familial hyperlipidemia.

Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and tolerance of Otikon Otic Solution (Healthy-On Ltd, Petach-Tikva, Israel), a naturopathic herbal extract (containing Allium sativum, Verbascum thapsus, Calendula flores, and Hypericum perforatum in olive oil), compared with Anaesthetic (Vitamed Pharmaceutical Ltd, Benyamina, Israel) ear drops (containing ametocaine and phenazone in glycerin) in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media (AOM). DESIGN: Children between the ages of 6 and 18 years who experienced ear pain (otalgia) and who were diagnosed with eardrum problems associated with AOM were randomly assigned to be treated with Otikon or Anaesthetic ear drops, which were instilled into the external canal(s) of the affected ear(s). Ear pain was assessed using 2 visual analog scales: a linear scale and a color scale. Pain assessment took place throughout the course of 3 days. The mean score of pain reduction was used to measure outcome. SETTING: Primary pediatric community ambulatory centers. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred three children aged 6 to 18 years who were diagnosed with otalgia associated with AOM. RESULTS: Each of the 2 treatment groups were comparable on the basis of age, sex, laterality of AOM, and the effectiveness of ameliorating symptoms of otalgia. The 2 groups were also comparable to each other in the initial ear pain score and in the scores at each application of Otikon or Anaesthetic drops. There was a statistically significant improvement in ear pain score throughout the course of the study period (P =.007). CONCLUSIONS: Otikon, an ear drop formulation of naturopathic origin, is as effective as Anaesthetic ear drops and was proven appropriate for the management of AOM-associated ear pain.

Thromboxane-B2, prostaglandin-E2 and hypertension in the rat 2-kidney 1-clip model: a possible mechanism of the garlic induced hypotension.

Serum collected from unilaterally clipped and unclipped rats before and after treatment with water, garlic or cilazapril and subsequent to measuring blood pressure was assayed for thromboxane-B2 and prostaglandin-E2. The unclipped rats' thromboxane-B2 and prostaglandin-E2 levels were about 23 ng/ml and 2 ng/ml, respectively, and blood pressure was 126+/-3 mmHg. These values were not affected by either water or garlic administration. The clipped rats' thromboxane-B2 and prostaglandin-E2 concentrations were close to 34 ng/ml and 4 ng/ml, respectively, and declined only in response to garlic (by 15 ng/ml and 3 ng/ml) and cilazapril (by 12 ng/ml and 1.5 ng/ml). The blood pressure of these rats was 196+/-7 mmHg and again was reduced only by garlic to 169+/-14 mmHg and cilazapril to 137+/-5 mmHg. The no-treatment and water-treatment readings were significantly higher in the clipped rats. The data suggest that prostanoid system activity in the 2-kidney 1-clip rat is enhanced and mostly toward maintaining the hypertension. Furthermore, the blood pressure lowering effects of garlic and cilazapril might have been induced partially by a greater reduction in the synthesis of vasoconstrictor prostanoids.

Thromboxane-B(2) levels in serum of rabbits receiving a single intravenous dose of aqueous extract of garlic and onion.

We have shown previously that fresh garlic extract is effective in reducing thromboxane formation by platelets both in vivo and in vitro animal models of thrombosis. In the present study, the effect of different concentrations of a single dose of aqueous extracts of garlic and onion were evaluated on serum thromboxane-B(2)synthesis in rabbits. Different concentrations of garlic and onion were administered as single doses in the ear vein of rabbits. Rabbits were bled before and at different intervals after the infusion of garlic or onion extracts. Venous blood was collected and allowed to clot at 37 degrees C for 1 h. Thromboxane-B(2)level was measured in the serum by radioimmunoassay. It was observed that garlic inhibits the thrombin-induced platelet synthesis of TXB(2)in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Maximum inhibition of TXB(2)occurred between 0.5 h and 6 h at 25 and 100 mg kg(-1)garlic. At 24 h post-garlic infusion TXB(2)inhibition was reduced to 15% of the control and TXB(2)levels were comparable to that of the control values at 72 h pots-garlic infusion. Infusion of 100 mg kg(-1)onion extract did not elicit any inhibitory effect on TXB(2)synthesis in the serum of rabbit during the treatment period. The rapid recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase activity after infusion of a single dose of garlic suggests that garlic should be taken more frequently in order to achieve beneficial effects in the prevention of thrombosis.

An intervention trial to inhibit the progression of precancerous gastric lesions: compliance, serum micronutrients and S-allyl cysteine levels, and toxicity.

Gastric cancer is the second most frequent cause of death from cancer in the world and the leading cause of death from cancer in China. In September 1995, we launched a randomized multi-intervention trial to inhibit the progression of precancerous gastric lesions in Linqu County, Shandong Province, an area of China with one of the world's highest rates of gastric cancer. Treatment compliance was measured by pill counts and quarterly serum concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E and S-allyl cysteine. In 1999, toxicity information was collected from each trial participant to evaluate treatment-related side-effects during the trial. Compliance rates were 93% and 92.9% for 39 months of treatment with the vitamins/mineral and garlic preparation, respectively. The means for serum concentrations of vitamins C and E were 7.2 microg/ml and 1695 microg/dl among subjects in the active treatment groups compared with 3.1 microg/ml and 752 microg/dl among subjects in the placebo treatment group, respectively. No significant differences in side-effects were observed between the placebo treatment group and the vitamins/mineral and garlic preparation treatment groups during the 39-month trial period.

The potential application of Allium sativum (garlic) for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Additional studies are needed to identify the active ingredients in Allium Sativum (garlic) that are responsible for the observed antitumor activity and immune stimulation. Garlic seems to detoxify chemical carcinogens and prevent carcinogenesis and can also directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Current data suggest that low molecular weight sulfur compounds and protein F4 have immune-stimulation properties. Garlic is reported to stimulate immunity, including macrophage activity, natural killer and killer cells, and LAK cells, and to increase the production of IL-2, TNF, and interferon-gamma. These cytokines are associated with the beneficial Th1 antitumor response, which is characteristic of effective cancer immunotherapies. As is true of BCG, garlic stimulates the proliferation of macrophages and lymphocytes and protects against the suppression of immunity by chemotherapy and ultraviolet radiation. Garlic is clearly not a panacea for cancer, but its broad range of beneficial effects are worthy of serious consideration in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Garlic for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND: Commercially available preparations of garlic have been reported to have beneficial effects on some of the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of garlic (both dried and non-powdered preparations) for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. SEARCH STRATEGY: The reviewers searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group trials register, AMED, EMBASE, BIDS ISI, abstracts of relevant symposia and reference lists of relevant articles up to August 1998. The reviewers also contacted pharmaceutical companies, investigators and experts in garlic therapies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of garlic therapy in patients with lower limb atherosclerosis. The main outcomes were objective measures of progression of underlying atherosclerosis (e.g. ankle pressure measurements, treadmill testing) and subjective measures (e.g. symptom progression). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two reviewers extracted data and assessed trial quality independently. The reviewers contacted investigators to obtain information needed for the review that could not be found in published reports. MAIN RESULTS: One eligible trial with 78 participants was found. Both men and women (aged 40-75) were included. The follow-up period was short, 12 weeks only. After twelve weeks of treatment, pain free walking distance increased from 161 to 207 m in the group on garlic and from 172 to 203 m in the placebo group. This was not a statistically significant difference. There was no difference in change of systolic or diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, ankle and brachial pressures. No severe side effects were observed and nine patients taking garlic (28%) and four patients taking placebo (12%) complained of a noticeable garlic smell. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: One small trial of short duration found no effect on walking distance.

Chemical speciation influences comparative activity of selenium-enriched garlic and yeast in mammary cancer prevention.

A recent human intervention trial showed that daily supplementation with selenized yeast (Se-yeast) led to a decrease in the overall cancer morbidity and mortality by nearly 50%; past research has also demonstrated that selenized garlic (Se-garlic) is very effective in mammary cancer chemoprevention in the rat model. The goal of this study was to compare certain biological activities of Se-garlic and Se-yeast and to elucidate the differences based on the chemical forms of selenium found in these two natural products. Characterization of organic selenium compounds in yeast (1922 microg/g Se) and garlic (296 microg/g Se) was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or with electrospray mass spectrometry. Analytical speciation studies showed that the bulk of the selenium in Se-garlic and Se-yeast is in the form of gamma-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine (73%) and selenomethionine (85%), respectively. The above methodology has the sensitivity and capability to account for >90% of total selenium. In the rat feeding studies, supplementation of Se-garlic in the diet at different levels consistently caused a lower total tissue selenium accumulation when compared to Se-yeast. On the other hand, Se-garlic was significantly more effective in suppressing the development of premalignant lesions and the formation of adenocarcinomas in the mammary gland of carcinogen-treated rats. Given the present finding on the identity of selenomethionine and gamma-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine as the major form of selenium in Se-yeast and Se-garlic, respectively, the metabolism of these two compounds is discussed in an attempt to elucidate how their disposition in tissues might account for the differences in cancer chemopreventive activity.

Attempted chemoprophylaxis of cryptosporidiosis in chickens, using diclazuril, toltrazuril, or garlic extract.

Three battery tests were conducted to study the anticryptosporidial efficacy of the 2 commercially available anticoccidial triazinone derivates, diclazuril and toltrazuril, and a garlic extract. At the recommended level, diclazuril reduced the oocyst output of birds by 14.6%. The efficacy of toltrazuril was 52.1% at the recommended level, which could be moderately increased using 5 or 10 times the recommended dose. However, these doses resulted in significant weight gain reduction. The efficacy of garlic extract was 24.4%. It is concluded that none of the drugs can be recommended for chemoprophylaxis or therapy of cryptosporidiosis in chickens.

Modulation of lipid profile by fish oil and garlic combination.

Fish consumption has been shown to influence epidemiology of heart disease, and garlic has been shown to influence triglyceride levels. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fish oil and garlic combinations as a dietary supplement on the lipid subfractions. Forty consecutive subjects with lipid profile abnormalities were enrolled in a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Each subject received placebo for 1 month and fish oil (1800 mg of eicosapentanoic acid [EPA] + 1200 mg of docosahexanoic acid) with garlic powder (1200 mg) capsules daily for 1 month. Lipid fractionation was performed prior to study initiation, after the placebo period, and after the intervention period. Subjects all had cholesterol levels > 200. Subjects were instructed to maintain their usual diets. Supplementation for 1 month resulted in an 11% decrease in cholesterol, a 34% decrease in triglyceride, and a 10% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, as well as a 19% decrease in cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) risk. Although not significant, there was a trend toward increase in HDL. There was no significant placebo effect. These results suggest that in addition to the known anticoagulant and antioxidant properties of both fish oil and garlic, the combination causes favorable shifts in the lipid subfractions within 1 month. Triglycerides are affected to the largest extent. The cholesterol lowering and improvement in lipid/HDL risk ratios suggests that these combinations may have antiatherosclerotic properties and may protect against the development of coronary artery disease.

Topical application of garlic reduces northern fowl mite infestation in laying hens.

Northern fowl mites (NFM) are external parasites that can lower egg production and cause anemia and even death in laying hens. An experiment was conducted with New Hampshire Red and Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens. Hens were individually caged and provided a complete laying diet and water ad libitum. Hens were assigned to groups in a way that assured that treatments, within each breed, would be applied to comparable numbers of birds with light and heavy mite infestations. Each hen was sprayed around the vent with either water or 10% garlic juice in water. Spraying continued each week for 3 wk. During the fourth week, each bird was scored for the presence of NFM on its skin and feathers. A small snippet of feathers was removed from below the vent of each hen and placed in a labeled petri dish with a round, white filter paper insert. The NFM content of each dish was scored by two individuals approximately 1 h after sampling. There was no significant difference in the NFM scores for hens based on breed or future treatment. After the birds were treated for 3 wk, there was no significant difference in external NFM scores based on breed. There were significantly fewer NFM on the birds treated with garlic juice compared with controls, based on external and petri dish scoring (P < 0.002 and P < 0.04, respectively). The reduction in external NFM score was also significant (P < 0.004), with controls declining approximately 0.2 units, whereas garlic-treated hens had a 1.8-unit decrease in external NFM score. Topical application of garlic juice may be an effective way to decrease NFM in laying hens.

Food labeling: health claims; garlic, reduction of serum cholesterol, and the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults--FDA. Interim final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an interim final rule to prohibit the use on foods of a claim relating to the relationship between garlic, decreased serum cholesterol, and the risk in adults of cardiovascular disease. This interim final rule is in response to a notification of a health claim submitted under section 303 of the FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA). FDA has reviewed the statement that the petitioner submitted in that notification, and, in conformity with the requirements of FDAMA, the agency is prohibiting the claim because the statement submitted as the basis of the claim is not an "authoritative statement" of a scientific body, as required by FDAMA; therefore, section 303 of FDAMA, does not authorize use of this claim. As provided for in section 301 of FDAMA, this rule is effective immediately upon publication.

[Cancer of the prostate: influence of nutritional factors. A new nutritional approach]. / Cancer de la prostate: influence des facteurs nutritionnels. Une nouvelle approche nutritionnelle.

FIBERS: A group of vegetarian subjects have been shown to have a lower risk of cancer of the prostate than a control group. But the exact role of food fiber remains to be determined because plant foods also have an antioxidant effect on their own. PLANT PRODUCTS AND EXTRACTS: A compound called PD SPEC has been showed to have antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Evaluated in patients with a cancer escaping hormone control, the clinical response was a lower level of prostate specific antigen (PSA). SOYBEANS: Several studies have demonstrated the interesting properties of soybeans. No study has however been able to demonstrate the optimal dose per day. A prospective study is currently under way using a 40 g/day dose. OVERALL NUTRITIONAL APPROACH: Several studies are being conducted using a proposed diet where 15% of the total energy intake comes from fat (associated with a low saturated/unsaturated ratio), high fiber content (18 g/100 kcal) and 40 g daily soybean protein. Although large-scale studies with rigorous methodology are lacking, an overall nutritional approach could be an interesting strategy for the management of cancer of the prostate.