Effect of the Garlic Pill in comparison with Plavix on Platelet Aggregation and Bleeding Time

IntroductionPlatelet aggregation plays a significant role in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore,treatments to inhibit platelet aggregation can reduce the risk of coronary thrombosis. Severalstudies indicated that garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation. This study aimed to determine theeffect of garlic in comparison with Plavix on platelet aggregation.Materials and MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, platelet aggregation and bleeding time was obtained from 36healthy volunteers. Volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first, second and thirdgroups respectively received 600, 1200 and 2400 mg garlic and the fourth group received 75 mgPlavix for three weeks. Afterwards, platelet aggregation and bleeding time were both evaluatedand the results before and after the study were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSSsoftware version 16.ResultsPlatelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate and arachidonic acid agonists decreasedin the groups that used 1200 or 2400 mg garlic. This difference was statistically significant(p<0.05). As compared to the other groups, the bleeding time also increased in those received2400 mg garlic pill.ConclusionSince garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation, it is suggested to use it as a supplementary treatmentto reduce platelet aggregation is highly recommended.