Aged Garlic Extract May Be Preventative against the Development and Growth of Colorectal Adenomas

Category: Gastrointestinal (GI) Health

In epidemiological and animal studies Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) has been shown to be cancer preventative. A recent study completed in Japan was aimed at determining the effects of AGE on colorectal adenomas (polyps). Colorectal adenomas are precancerous growths in the colon. They are common presenting signs on a colonoscopy, and if treated correctly, can decrease the risk factors associated with one developing colon cancer.

The study measured the efficacy of AGE in 37 individuals over a one-year period. The participants were divided into two groups, one receiving a low dose of AGE (0.16 ml/day) and the other receiving a high dose (2.4 ml/day). The size and number of adenomas was measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.

The study found a 50% decrease rate of at least one adenoma after one year in the high dose group. There was no decrease in the number of polyps in the low dose group. There was also no increase in size in the high dose AGE group, whereas the low dose group had an overall increase in size of adenomas.

The authors concluded that there is a possible preventative effect of AGE on colorectal adenomas as well as preventative effect for adenomas and the possible onset of colorectal cancer. Larger studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Posted by on November 30, 2008 10:00 AM