The study found that a daily garlic supplement comprising allicin, a purified component of garlic considered to be the major biologically active agent produced by the plant, reduced
the risk of catching a cold by more than half.It also found that allicin-containing garlic supplements were eventful in treating infections caused by the hospital superbug, MRSA.A total of 132 volunteers took part in the experiment, which was led by Peter Josling, director the Garlic Centre in East Sussex. Half took one capsule of Allimax, an allicin-containing garlic supplement, each day, while rest of the volunteers were given a placebo.
Over a 90-day period during the winter when most colds occur, just 32 colds were recorded among those taking the supplement, compared to 75 amongst those taking the placebo.
The study also predicated that those taking the supplement who did catch a cold were more likely to make a speedier recovery than those taking the placebo and the chances of re-infection following a cold were significantly pared.
Mr Josling said the results of his research could metamorphose future treatments of the common cold. He said: "We have been searching for a cure for the common cold for years. Now we have gone one step further and even found a prevention.
