PROPER NAME:	Allium Sativum
COMMON NAMES:	Clove garlic, Poor-Man’s-Treacle, “Stinking Rose”, Kyolic, Kwai
PARTS USED:	The whole plant.
FORMS:	Raw, pills, or capsules.
CLAIMS:	Reduce harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase HDL cholesterol, reduce blood clotting by preventing clumping of blood platelets, block the ability of chemical carcinogens to transform normal cells into cancerous cells, stimulate various immunological factors that may help combat cancer, protect cells against damage by oxidizing agents and heavy metals, and prevent colds, allergies, and asthma. On a garlic supplement bottle, the FDA has not approved the statement claiming garlic can help prevent or correct heart disease.
DOSAGE:	There is no optimum daily intake for garlic, but 200-1200 mg/day is recommended. This would be equivalent to 1-4 oz. fresh garlic, or 2-6 capsules depending on potency. Raw garlic is best when eaten with a vegetable meal. It is also suggested a capsule or pill be be consumed with meals, not between meals.
SIDE EFFECTS:	There does not appear to be any adverse effects from supplementation of six capsules per day. In some people, fats in the blood may initially rise during garlic supplementation and then begin to drop. Higher doses could cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, and so should be taken under professional supervision only. Some people may experience skin eruptions with higher doses, but this side effect subsides when supplementation is reduced or stopped. Some evidence suggests that excessively large amounts of raw garlic in the diet may contribute to the development of anemia. Therefore, it is recommended anemic patients should take garlic extracts or garlic in cooked form, not in raw form. Other possible adverse reactions include: Mouth, esophagus, or stomach irritation Hypothyroidism Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Garlic odor May increase the risk of bleeding – do not use with anticoagulants

GARLIC REFERENCES:
Airola, P. (1996). The Miracle of Garlic. Oregon: Health Plus Publishers.

Garrison, R. & Somer, E. (1995). Nutrition Desk Reference. Connecticut.

Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines New Jersey: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Richason, J. (1995). The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Utah.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide basic information only. It is not a recommendation for use or endorsement of any product listed, by the Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association. Please consult your physician or a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.

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