German investigators recently sought to determine if antioxidant polyphenols from fruit juices or a fruit-vegetable-concentrate increased plasma antioxidant capacity. In a study of 23 HIV-positive and 18 sero-negative adults, participants were randomized to consume either fruit juice or fruit/vegetable concentrate along with their normal diet for 16 weeks. Investigators found that the juice and concentrate both increased plasma antioxidant capacity in HIV-positive participants but not in the healthy subjects. 
Source: Arendt BM, Boetzer AM, Lemoch H, Winkler P, et al. Plasma antioxidant capacity of HIV-seropositive and healthy subjects during long-term ingestion of fruit juices or a fruit-vegetable-concentrate containing antioxidant polyphenols. Eur J Clin Nutr 2001;55(9):786-792. 

More On Garlic Supplements

Recent published clinical evidence adds to the information presented in our previous newsletter issues (scroll down to Issue 14 to see the article abstract on garlic). As noted in several issues, many people living with HIV/AIDS use garlic for a variety of reasons. A recent literature review notes the herb as one of the top 10 complementary substances used by those living with HIV. Allicin (garlic's active ingredient) might be useful against drug-resistant infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In test tube studies, antioxidant properties of S-allyl cysteine (a garlic compound) were shown to inhibit damage caused by oxidative stress. In-vitro studies showed that S-allyl cysteine may act through antioxidant mechanisms to inhibit the atherogenic process. Zhang and colleagues conflicting 11-week study results noted that consuming garlic oil can increase HDL-cholesterol and glucose in women but reduce these same laboratory parameters in men. (1) Another article in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2) with a patient summary (3) also adds to information presented in the Sept/Oct 1998 HIV ReSource Review issue. Garlic may inhibit the growth of cancer possibly by stimulating the immune system preventing the suppression of immune response associated with increased risk of malignancy. (4)

Animal studies recently revealed that aged garlic extract may have more useful pharmacologic properties than raw garlic juice, heated garlic juice, or dehydrated garlic powder. (5) Animal and in-vitro studies provide evidence that garlic consumption may help to protect against stomach and colorectal cancer. (6) As noted in the Sept/Oct 2001 HIV Nutrition Update, people who use saquinavir should avoid the use of garlic supplements. Cooked garlic however, may not decrease saquinavir concentrations.