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Gastric administration of garlic powder containing the trpa1‐ agonist allicin induces specific epigastric symptoms and gastric relaxation in healthy subjects
Author(s) -
Führer Martina,
Dejaco Clemens,
Kopp Brigitte,
Hammer Johann
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
neurogastroenterology and motility
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.489
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1365-2982
pISSN - 1350-1925
DOI - 10.1111/nmo.13470
Subject(s) - allicin , barostat , placebo , medicine , garlic powder , distension , nausea , anesthesia , epigastric pain , nociception , gastric emptying , pharmacology , chemistry , vomiting , stomach , receptor , pathology , biochemistry , raw material , alternative medicine , organic chemistry
Background TRPA 1 is an excitatory ion channel and is involved in sensory processes including thermal nociception and inflammatory pain. The allicin in garlic is a strong activator of the TRPA 1 channel. Aim To evaluate the effect of intragastric garlic powder containing allicin on perception, gastric tone, and mechanosensitivity. Methods An infusion‐barostat balloon assembly was used for infusion of test solutions, for distension, and to measure proximal gastric compliance and tone. After an initial open label dose finding with 1 g, 2 g, 3.75 g, and 7.5 g commercially available garlic powder, a bolus of 2 g garlic powder (11 mg allicin)/60 mL H 2 O was considered to induce moderate but constant sensation and was used hereafter in a placebo‐controlled, single‐dose, double‐blind, randomized study in 7 volunteers to evaluate gastric sensation, tone, and mechanosensitivity. Key Results Bolus injection of garlic caused immediate epigastric symptoms, mean aggregate symptom scores ( AUC in 15 minutes) were 106 ± 49 vs. 35 ± 30 after placebo ( P = 0.01). Garlic induced significant epigastric pressure, stinging, and warmth ( P < 0.01 vs. placebo), while intensity of cramps, satiety, nausea, and pain was not significantly different to placebo ( P > 0.05). Garlic induced an immediate, short lived fundic relaxation (balloon volume 627 ± 349 mL vs. −145 ± 120 mL; P < 0.02). No effect of allicin on proximal gastric mechanosensitivity and compliance was observed ( NS ). Conclusion and Inferences Garlic containing allicin induces immediate epigastric symptoms of pressure, stinging, and warmth and induces fundic relaxation but does not influence mechanosensitivity or compliance. TRPA 1 is a receptor that is involved in gastric sensation and motility.