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

INTRODUCTION: Platelet aggregation plays a significant role in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, treatments to inhibit platelet aggregation can reduce the risk of coronary thrombosis. Several studies indicated that garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation. This study aimed to determine the effect of garlic in comparison with Plavix on platelet aggregation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, platelet aggregation and bleeding time was obtained from 36 healthy volunteers. Volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first, second and third groups respectively received 600, 1200 and 2400 mg garlic and the fourth group received 75 mg Plavix for three weeks. Afterwards, platelet aggregation and bleeding time were both evaluated and the results before and after the study were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. RESULTS: Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate and arachidonic acid agonists decreased in 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 received 2400 mg garlic pill. CONCLUSION: Since garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation, it is suggested to use it as a supplementary treatment to reduce platelet aggregation is highly recommended.