Valuable new research into the wellbeing effects of garlic has discovered a potential new life-saving effect derived from garlic oil. Researchers at Emory University Hospital suspect that diallyl trisulfide, a component of garlic oil, may provide the solution to cardiovascular protection. Diallyl trisulfide has been found to promote the production of hydrogen sulfide in the body. Hydrogen sulfide is a compound proven to protect the heart from damage, but under-used in medical practice because it is a volatile substance difficult to stabilise. The idea that a component of garlic oil may naturally stimulate its production is excellent news for us all.
The discovery satisfies scientists who seek new ways to administer hydrogen sulfide to the body without risk. Understandably, they looked first to nature for a guide in how to do this. While experimenting with a variety of orally active drugs and natural supplements, garlic oil was found to have the most promising results in achieving their aim. The scientists stimulated a heart attack in mice before administering diallyl sulfide. The compound was seen to reduce the amount of damaged heart tissue by a staggering 61%. The reason for this is that diallyl sulfide guards against the cell death normally caused by a heart attack. The process of mitochondria, or damage to the cells’ energy providers is slowed, and the reaction of oxygen-based molecules turned down.
This potential life-saving effect remains to be proven further, but looks likely to become one of a growing list of advertised health benefits associated with garlic. A series of studies have shown that garlic has effective anti-cancer properties, with promising results in relation to colon, cervical and skin cancer. The Emory University study adds to the growing body of literature about garlic and helps to swell further the growing number of us who swear by its health benefits.