01.01.09
The National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH/NCCAM) has issued a $600,000 grant to Silliker, Inc., Homewood, IL, to conduct a study on the allicin bioavailability of garlic products at its facility in Orem, UT. The study will evaluate the human bioavailability of allicin from a variety of commonly consumed powder supplements and garlic foods. Allicin is the main pharmacologically active compound of garlic, which provides the greatest reputed health benefits. The NIH/NCCAM grant covers a minimum two-year period. When completed, the study will provide clinical researchers with an understanding of what type of supplements should be used in a clinical trial and in what form it should be consumed, as well as how results can be extrapolated to crushed raw garlic. It will also provide supplement manufacturers with a correct standard for the design and evaluation of garlic supplements.