EFFECT OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM) AS HYPOTENSIVE AGENT IN TWO AGE GROUPS OF HYPERTENSIVE ADULTS

Abstract

High blood pressure has been considered the most widespread health disorder in the world and has been identified as the main risk factor for various health. For this reason, in addition to health education, alternative treatments that can replace drug therapy have been sought in various parts of the world. Thus, it is popularly known that garlic extract (Allium sativum), is able to lower systemic blood pressure in hypertensive people. The mechanism that has been proposed is that some of the components of garlic extract could stimulate the enzyme nitric oxide synthase in vascular endothelial cells causing a vasodilatory effect, which could be reflected in a decrease in blood pressure.

Objective. To test effect of Allium sativum on blood pressure in hypertensive adults. Material and methods. Experimental study. Two age blocks were formed; 40 to 60 years old and 70 to 85 years old. The subjects that made up the blocks were randomized to assign one of the three doses used; 0, 500 or 1000 mg / day of Allium sativum to complement his pharmacological therapy. Results. A statistically significant decrease was found only in the systolic blood pressure of subjects of 70 to 85 years old who consumed 1000 mg/day. Conclusion. Hypotensive effect of Allium Sativum is still uncertain, in hypertensive adults, however, experimental evidence of a dose-dependent effect discriminating between systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained. We suggest strengthening health care at the first level of care.