The researchers are looking at whether a natural product can help prevent diabetes or play a role in the treatment of the disease. "One of the other things that people with diabetes have is increased free radical activity which could have a role in these complications," said Dr. Nessar Ahmed, molecular biologist at the university's department of biological sciences. Aged garlic extract's antioxidant compounds fight free radicals which damage healthy cells, and have been widely studied.
Aged garlic extract is produced by a long extraction process, up to two years, creating an odorless product rich in active, bioavailable compounds. This extract is standardized to ensure consistent levels and ratios of these unique compounds. In fact, some of these beneficial compounds are not found in regular raw garlic or other garlic supplements.
More than 375 scientific studies have been completed on aged garlic extract, done in major universities and research centers. These studies have focused on various aspects of garlic's health benefits including the reduction of multiple risk factors such as cholesterol and high blood pressure lowering effects; homocysteine control; inhibition of LDL oxidation (reducing sticky cholesterol); blood-thinning effect; and stimulating blood circulation by widening blood vessels. In addition, other aged garlic extract research has concentrated on immune enhancement, improving memory (prevention of Alzheimer's), protecting liver function and anti-cancer effects.