GARLIC METABOLISM AND CYTOCHROME P450 MODULATION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. There is growing concern over the quality, efficacy and safety of the many herbal products sold over the counter. A major safety concern is the potential of adverse interactions between herbs and drugs. In 2002, garlic supplements were the top selling herbal product in the U. S. The overall objective of this proposed research is to investigate the modulating effects of four commonly used garlic supplements, i.e., garlic powders with high and low allicin content, garlic oil and aged garlic, on the activity of several major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and the membrance efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp) in healthy subjects. In vivo activity of CYPs and Pgp will be measured using "cocktails" of CYP and Pgp-specific drug substrate probes following acute and chronic treatment of each garlic preparation. Information generated from these probe studies will allow us to predict potential interactions between garlic supplements and prescription drugs.