Effects of a dried garlic preparation on fibrinolysis and platelet aggregation in healthy subjects.

The acute and chronic effects of a preparation of dried garlic powder (Sapec) in a total daily dose of 900 mg on fibrinolysis and platelet aggregation have been evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study of 12 healthy subjects. Total euglobulin fibrinolytic activity and t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) activity were significantly higher 4 and 6 h after garlic and placebo ingestion, and no differences were recorded between treatments. After 14 days of treatment, t-PA activity was significantly higher after garlic, with inter-treatment significance. No significant changes in PAI (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor) activity and fibrinogen levels were recorded. Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate and collagen, and especially beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) release after collagen stimulation were significantly inhibited 2 and 4 h after garlic ingestion; platelet aggregation values were also significantly lower after 7 and 14 days of garlic treatment. No significant changes were found in adenosine triphosphate release and serum TXB2 levels after acute garlic administration.