Garlic has been hailed a wonder drug for centuries and has been used to prevent gangrene, treat high blood pressure, ward off common colds and is even believed// by some to have cancer-fighting properties.
Now, scientists at The University of Nottingham are leading a new pilot study to see if the pungent bulb could also hold the key to preventing cystic fibrosis patients from falling foul of a potentially fatal infection.
The research will look at whether taking garlic capsules can disrupt the communication system of the pathogen Pseudomonas to prevent illness from taking hold.
The project will unite University experts in child health, respiratory medicine and molecular microbiology with clinicians at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that affects around 7,000 people in the UK, half of whom are children. The disease causes difficulties in digesting food and children may be slow to put on weight and grow properly. Both children and adults with the condition are vulnerable to repeated and chronic chest infections which damage the lungs and which may, ultimately, be fatal.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common causes of chronic infection in CF patients. Current treatment aims to eradicate it when it first appears. If the infection becomes established it may be suppressed with antibiotic nebulisers. However, these have a major impact on quality of life for the patient because they are time-consuming (given twice a day, every day, for life) and often the patient still has to be admitted to hospital for more intensive treatment.
During the study, half the volunteer CF patients will be given garlic capsules, while the other half will receive a placebo (olive oil capsules) over a two-month period. At the beginning and end of the study, researchers will measure the levels of germs in patients' sputum samples, the patients' lung funct
'"/>Page: 1 2 Related medicine news :1.
More to Garlic than warding of Dracula
2.
Garlic a day keeps cancer away3.
Garlic fights malaria and cancer4.
Garlic Supplements Impede HIV Therapy5.
Vegetables And Garlic Confer Protection From Skin Cancer6.
Another Feather In The Garlic Cap: Helpful In Avoiding Breast Cancer7.
Garlic inhibits fungal growth and protects food8.
Garlic Helps To Reduce Cholesterol in Rats9.
New Garlic Product Mimics Garlic to Perfection10.
Garlic compound may help treat cancer11.
Onions, Garlic may Reduce the Risk of Cancer