Alternative Health Blog

In a cross-sectional study involving a large, population-based volunteer cohort of twins (median age: 59 years), examining the effect of various dietary factors on osteoarthritis symptoms, followed up with in vitro trials examining the effects of allium-derived compounds, results revealed an inverse association between osteoarthritis of the hip and high intakes of fruits and vegetables, in particular non-citrus fruit and alliums, such as garlic. The in vitro follow up trials found that, "diallyl disulphide, a compound found in garlic and other alliums, represses the expression of matrix-degrading proteases in chondrocyte-like cells, providing a potential mechanism of action." These results suggest that a diet high in vegetables, non-citrus fruit, and alliums such as garlic, may benefit patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.