Abstract
Background and Objectives: In this study we investigated the effect of garlic supplementation on the main determinants of hemorheology in sedentary individuals during their endurance training.
Materials and Methods: 44 inactive healthy males were randomly divided into four groups (each group comprised of 11 persons: First Group underwent Endurance training and received garlic (TG), Second group only received Garlic, group three received Endurance training plus placebo (TP), Fourth group only received Placebo (P). Subjects of groups 1 and 2 received two garlic tablets daily (tablet 500 mg allicin) over a period of 4 weeks. In addition to measuring the hemodynamic variables, two blood samples were taken before and after the period and were analyzed for hematocrit, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, blood viscosity, ESR, total protein and albumin. Data were compared using independent one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hock and Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
Results: After 4 weeks of interventions, there were a significant difference between TG and P groups in their fibrinogen concentration, plasma and blood viscosity (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of garlic supplement, hematocrit and ESR decreased and total protein and albumin increased in TG group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Garlic has favorable effects on fibrinogen and blood viscosity reduction, induced by endurance training. More research is needed to identify the effect of garlic supplementation in the future.