Garlic compares to aspirin in delaying platelet aggregation in pial arterioles of the mouse, in vivo

Effect of garlic on platelet aggregation in pial arterioles of the mouse, in vivo, was compared to that of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). In one trial, garlic doses of 12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg were used and in another trial these garlic doses and of 100 mg/kg plus a 100 mg/kg dose of ASA were compared to non-treated controls. Each group in these trials consisted of 10 mice. Animals were anesthetized (urethane, 1-2 mg/g, i.p.), the trachea was intubated and a craniotomy was performed. Induction of platelet aggregation was carried out by a photothrombotic procedure, by activation of circulating sodium fluorescein (0.1 ml of 5% solution/25 g, i.v.) with an intense mercury light. Garlic, ASA and vehicle solutions were injected, i.p., 60 min prior to the photochemical insult, The time for the appearance of the first platelet aggregate and for aggregate growth to cause vascular occlusion were significantly delayed only by the 100 mg/kg doses of garlic and ASA (197±80, 125±64; 238±63, 138±81 sec, respectively, vs 122±59 and 93±28 for control]. These data revealed that garlic was comparable to ASA in delaying platelet aggregation, in vivo. Thus, garlic may be substituted for ASA in case of allergy to or intolerance of it.