Garlic Supplements

October 19, 2012 Written by JP    [Font too small?]

The issue of garlic supplementation is clouded by seemingly contradictory research. For instance, a current summary article in the esteemed Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that “evidence currently available is insufficient to determine whether garlic provides a therapeutic advantage versus placebo in terms of reducing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality”. A separate meta-analysis in the journal Science of Food and Agriculture notes that, in general, garlic consumption reduces total cholesterol and triglycerides. However, differences may be apparent based on the form of garlic used: aged garlic, garlic oil or powdered garlic. Nevertheless, the concluding remark of the latter review states that these effects “should benefit patients with risk of cardiovascular diseases”.

On occasion, I recommend garlic supplements to my clients. In the majority of instances, I opt for aged garlic extracts (AGE). In recent years the preponderance of positive research on garlic has been based on AGE. In fact, several studies published within the last year alone reveal that AGE: a) possesses potent antioxidant activity which may “reduce the risk of stroke and neurodegenerative damage”; b) reduces cold and flu incidence and severity by enhancing immune cell function; c) lowers cardiovascular risk factors (decreased arterial calcium build up, systemic inflammation and improved vascular elasticity) when combined with CoEnzyme Q10 (120 mg/day) and/or exercise. The dosage of aged garlic extract used in most of the research ranged from 1,200 mg to 2,560 mg daily.

Of late, three other studies have employed un-aged garlic supplements with notable results. The first reports that the use of twice daily garlic tablets modulate a pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha or TNF-a) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. This may be of importance because excess inflammation can contribute to the loss of bone density. The second trial utilized a popular garlic supplement known as KWAI. The findings of that intervention indicate that using KWAI alongside a conventional diabetic medication (Metformin) improves various markers of cardiometabolic health including: a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar, LDL (“bad”) and total cholesterol while markedly increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. However, it’s important to note that not all garlic research turns up smelling like a rose. The third and final study involved an analysis of garlic supplementation in female patients living with HIV. Combining garlic with standard care failed to produce beneficial effects in relation to immune function (CD4+ cell counts) or HIV viral load.

Note: Please check out the “Comments & Updates” section of this blog – at the bottom of the page. You can find the latest research about this topic there!

Click on the following links to learn more about the studies referenced in today’s column:

Study 1 – Garlic for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality (link)

Study 2 – A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials(link)

Study 3 – The Antioxidant Mechanisms Underlying the Aged Garlic Extract (link)

Study 4 – Supplementation w/ Aged Garlic Extract Improves Both NK and γδ-T Cell (link)

Study 5 – Aged Garlic Extract and Coenzyme Q10 Have Favorable Effect on (link)

Study 6 – Beneficial Effects of Aged Garlic Extract and Coenzyme Q10 on Vascular (link)

Study 7 – Independent Beneficial Effects of Aged Garlic Extract Intake w/ Regular (link)

Study 8 – The Effect of Garlic Tablet on Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in (link)

Study 9 – Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation w/ Standard Antidiabetic Agent (link)

Study 10 – Short-term Garlic Supplementation and Highly Active Antiretroviral (link)

Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) May Protect Against Degenerative Diseases

Source: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Volume 2012 (link)


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Posted in Food and Drink, Heart Health, Nutritional Supplements

17 Comments & Updates to “Garlic Supplements”

  1. JP Says:

    Update 07/13/15:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446086/

    J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 May 14;12:23.

    The effects of acute garlic supplementation on the fibrinolytic and vasoreactive response to exercise.

    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this project was to examine the effects of acute garlic supplementation on fibrinolysis and vasoreactivity both at rest and following maximal exercise.

    METHODS: Eighteen healthy trained males (20.9 ± 2.2 years, 178 ± 7.7 cm, 75.5 ± 9.6 kg, VO2max = 59.8 ± 6.7 ml • kg(-1) • min(-1)) performed a graded treadmill test to volitional exhaustion. Blood samples were taken at rest, within two minutes post-exercise, and one hour post-exercise. Eleven of the subjects also had a brachial vasoreactivity test performed immediately after the blood sample to assess flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Participants were randomly assigned to ingest either 900 mg of powdered garlic or a placebo three hours before the exercise session. The supplement was distributed in a double-blind, crossover fashion. Participants repeated the protocol with the other treatment after a 14-day washout period. Paired t-tests were used to compare VO2max between the two trials. A two-factor (treatment and time) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess changes in FMD, tPA activity, tPA antigen, and PAI-1 activity. A priori statistical significance was set at P <0.05.

    RESULTS: VO2max was greater for the garlic treatment trial vs. placebo (Placebo = 59.8 ± 6.7 ml • kg(-1) • min(-1); Garlic = 61.4 ± 6.6 ml • kg(-1) • min(-1)). There was no main effect for treatment and no treatment x time interaction for FMD or any fibrinolytic variables examined.

    CONCLUSION: Acute garlic supplementation does not alter vasoreactivity, fibrinolytic potential or the fibrinolytic response to exercise in young healthy trained males. Acute garlic supplementation does, however, cause a small but statistically significant increase in VO2max. It remains unclear if this increase in VO2max is of functional importance.

    Be well!

    JP

  2. JP Says:

    Update 07/13/15:

    http://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273%2813%2900242-8/abstract

    Int J Cardiol. 2013 Oct 3;168(3):2310-4.

    Aged garlic extract with supplement is associated with increase in brown adipose, decrease in white adipose tissue and predict lack of progression in coronary atherosclerosis.

    BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract with supplement (AGE-S) significantly reduces coronary artery calcium (CAC). We evaluated the effects of AGE-S on change in white (wEAT) and brown (bEAT) epicardial adipose tissue, homocysteine and CAC.

    METHODS: Sixty subjects, randomized to a daily capsule of placebo vs. AGE-S inclusive of aged garlic-extract (250 mg) plus vitamin-B12 (100 μg), folic-acid (300 μg), vitamin-B6 (12.5mg) and L-arginine (100mg) underwent CAC, wEAT and bEAT measurements at baseline and 12 months. The postcuff deflation temperature-rebound index of vascular function was assessed using a reactive-hyperemia procedure. Vascular dysfunction was defined according to the tertiles of temperature-rebound at 1 year of follow-up. CAC progression was defined as an annual-increase in CAC>15%.

    RESULTS: From baseline to 12 months, there was a strong correlation between increase in wEAT and CAC (r(2)=0.54, p=0.0001). At 1 year, the risks of CAC progression and increased wEAT and homocysteine were significantly lower in AGE-S to placebo (p<0.05). Similarly, bEAT and temperature-rebound were significantly higher in AGE-S as compared to placebo (p<0.05). Strong association between increase in temperature-rebound and bEAT/wEAT ratio (r(2)=0.80, p=0.001) was noted, which was more robust in AGE-S. Maximum beneficial effect of AGE-S was noted with increase in bEAT/wEAT ratio, temperature-rebound, and lack of progression of homocysteine and CAC.

    CONCLUSIONS: AGE-S is associated with increase in bEAT/wEAT ratio, reduction of homocysteine and lack of progression of CAC. Increases in bEAT/wEAT ratio correlated strongly with increases in vascular function measured by temperature-rebound and predicted a lack of CAC progression and plaque stabilization in response to AGE-S.

    Be well!

    JP

  3. JP Says:

    Update 07/13/15:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3561616/

    Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jan;67(1):64-70.

    Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose-response trial.

    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hypertension affects about 30% of adults worldwide. Garlic has blood pressure-lowering properties and the mechanism of action is biologically plausible. Our trial assessed the effect, dose-response, tolerability and acceptability of different doses of aged garlic extract as an adjunct treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

    SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 79 general practice patients with uncontrolled systolic hypertension participated in a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled dose-response trial of 12 weeks. Participants were allocated to one of three garlic groups with either of one, two or four capsules daily of aged garlic extract (240/480/960 mg containing 0.6/1.2/2.4 mg of S-allylcysteine) or placebo. Blood pressure was assessed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks and compared with baseline using a mixed-model approach. Tolerability was monitored throughout the trial and acceptability was assessed at 12 weeks by questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced by 11.8±5.4 mm Hg in the garlic-2-capsule group over 12 weeks compared with placebo (P=0.006), and reached borderline significant reduction in the garlic-4-capsule group at 8 weeks (-7.4±4.1 mm Hg, P=0.07). Changes in systolic blood pressure in the garlic-1-capsule group and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different to placebo. Tolerability, compliance and acceptability were high in all garlic groups (93%) and highest in the groups taking one or two capsules daily.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our trial suggests aged garlic extract to be an effective and tolerable treatment in uncontrolled hypertension, and may be considered as a safe adjunct treatment to conventional antihypertensive therapy.

    Be well!

    JP

  4. JP Says:

    Updated 08/12/15:

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197018615000959

    Neurochem Int. 2015 Jun 26.

    On the antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of S-allyl cysteine: An update.

    Therapeutic approaches based on isolated compounds obtained from natural products to handle central and peripheral disorders involving oxidative stress and inflammation are more common nowadays. The validation of nutraceutics vs. pharmaceutics as tools to induce preventive and protective profiles in human health alterations is still far of complete acceptance, but the basis to start more solid experimental and clinical protocols with natural products has already begun. S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a promising garlic-derived organosulfur compound exhibiting a considerable number of positive actions in cell models and living systems. An update, in the form of review, is needed from time to time to get access to the state-of-the-art on this topic. In this review we visited recent and refreshing evidence of new already proven and potential targets to explain the benefits of using SAC against toxic and pathological conditions. The broad spectrum of protective actions covered by this molecule comprises antioxidant, redox modulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, accompanied by anti-apoptotic, pro-energetic and signaling capacities. Herein, we detail the evidence on these aspects to provide the reader a more complete overview on the promising aspects of SAC in research.

    Be well!

    JP

  5. JP Says:

    Updated 08/12/15:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458355/

    Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2015 May 31;8(5):e14814.

    Fresh Garlic Extract Enhances the Antimicrobial Activities of Antibiotics on Resistant Strains in Vitro.

    BACKGROUND: Infections caused by strains with multi-drug resistance are difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. Garlic is a powerful remedy to protect against infections of many bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, little is known about the potentials of fresh garlic extract (FGE) to improve the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant strains to antibiotics.

    OBJECTIVES: In this study, we used the disk diffusion method to investigate the antimicrobial activities of FGE and the combination of antibiotics with FGE, on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, to evaluate the interactions between antibiotics and FGE.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical isolates were isolated from clinical specimens obtained from the inpatients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center. The isolates consisted of MRSA, (n = 30), C. albicans (n = 30) and P. aeruginosa (n = 30). Quality control for CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) disk diffusion was performed using S. aureus ATCC®25923, C. albicans ATCC®90028 and P. aeruginosa ATCC®27853. The 93 microorganisms were divided into four groups in a factorial design: control (deionized water), FGE, antibiotics without FGE, and antibiotics with FGE. Next, antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones according to performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS).

    RESULTS: Fresh garlic extract displayed evident inhibition properties against C. albicans and MRSA, yet weak inhibition properties against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, FGE showed the potential to improve the effect of antibiotics on antibiotic resistant pathogens. The synergism of fluconazole and itraconazole with FGE on C. albicans yielded larger sized inhibition zones compared with fluconazole and itraconazole without FGE (P < 0.01). The factorial analysis represents intense positive interaction effects (P < 0.01). The synergism of cefotaxime and ceftriaxone with FGE on P. aeruginosa yielded larger sized inhibition zones than cefotaxime and ceftriaxone without FGE (P < 0.01). The factorial analysis represents intense positive interaction effects (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that FGE can improve the antibiotic sensitivity of these pathogens to some antibiotics. Be well! JP

  6. JP Says:

    Updated 08/12/15:

    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jcbn/56/3/56_14-108/_pdf

    J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2015 May;56(3):179-85.

    Therapeutic administration of an ingredient of aged-garlic extracts, S-allyl cysteine resolves liver fibrosis established by carbon tetrachloride in rats.

    S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is the most abundant compound in aged garlic extracts (AGEs). AGE has been reported to ameliorate the oxidative damage implicated in a variety of diseases. However, the effects of SAC have not been established in liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of therapeutic administration of SAC in liver cirrhosis by chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration in rats. SAC or other cysteine compounds were administered from 4 weeks when liver fibrosis was confirmed to be in process. CCl4 administration elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase, plasma lipid peroxidation, liver hydroxyproline, and liver transforming growth factor (TGF)-β at 12 weeks. SAC prevented these changes induced by CCl4. Furthermore, SAC improved survival in a dose-dependent manner following consecutive CCl4 administration. The inhibitory mechanisms may be associated with a decrease in the profibrogenic cytokine, TGF-β as well as the antioxidative properties of SAC.

    Be well!

    JP

  7. JP Says:

    Updated 11/11/15:

    https://www.sma.org.sg/UploadedImg/files/SMJ/5610/5610a5.pdf

    Singapore Med J. 2015 Oct;56(10):567-72.

    Comparison of the therapeutic effects of Garcin(®) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis.

    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of garlic tablets (Garcin(®)) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis in women who presented to a health centre in Koohdasht, Iran, from August 2011 to March 2012.

    METHODS: The clinical trial was conducted on 110 married women (aged 18-44 years) who had complaints of itching or a burning sensation in the vaginal area. Candida vaginitis was diagnosed by pH measurement of vaginal secretions, direct microscopic evaluation and Sabouraud dextrose agar cultures of the vaginal discharge. On confirmation of diagnosis, the patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 55). One group received 1,500 mg of Garcin tablets daily and the other received fluconazole tablets 150 mg daily, over a period of seven days. Four to seven days after the completion of treatment, patients were examined for treatment response and possible side effects.

    RESULTS: Complaints related to the disease improved by about 44% in the Garcin group and 63.5% in the fluconazole group (p < 0.05). The overall symptoms of the disease (i.e. redness of vulva and vagina, cheesy discharge, pustulopapular lesions and abnormal cervix) improved by about 60% in the Garcin group and 71.2% in the fluconazole group (p > 0.05). Results of microscopic evaluation and vaginal discharge culture showed significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that Garcin tablets could be a suitable alternative to fluconazole for the treatment of Candida vaginitis. Be well! JP

  8. JP Says:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26764327?dopt=Abstract

    J Nutr. 2016 Jan 13.

    Garlic and Heart Disease.

    BACKGROUND: Thousands of studies have been published based on animal and human studies evaluating garlic’s effects and safety.

    OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the available literature investigating the effects of garlic supplements on hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary artery calcium (CAC), as well as available data on side effects.

    METHODS: We searched PubMed for all human studies using medical subject heading words through 30 May 2013 and assessed relevant review articles and original studies. Only double-blind, randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses of double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were included. The review of articles and data extraction were performed by 2 independent authors, with any disagreements resolved by consensus.

    RESULTS: Garlic supplementation reduced blood pressure by 7-16 mm Hg (systolic) and 5-9 mm Hg (diastolic) (4 meta-analyses and 2 original studies). It reduced total cholesterol by 7.4-29.8 mg/dL (8 meta-analyses). The most consistent benefits were shown in studies that used aged garlic extract (AGE). A few small studies that used AGE also showed favorable effects on CAC, CRP, and PWV. Although garlic is generally safe, rare adverse reactions have been documented with limited causality established.

    CONCLUSION: We conclude that garlic supplementation has the potential for cardiovascular protection based on risk factor reduction (hypertension and total cholesterol) and surrogate markers (CRP, PWV, and CAC) of atherosclerosis. Larger studies are warranted to evaluate these effects further.

    Be well!

    JP

  9. JP Says:

    Updated 1/16/16:

    http://jn.nutrition.org/content/early/2016/01/13/jn.115.210427.abstract

    Aged Garlic Extract Modifies Human Immunity1,2,3

    J Nutr. 2016 Jan 13.

    Garlic contains numerous compounds that have the potential to influence immunity. Immune cells, especially innate immune cells, are responsible for the inflammation necessary to kill pathogens. Two innate lymphocytes, γδ-T and natural killer (NK) cells, appear to be susceptible to diet modification. The purpose of this review was to summarize the influence of aged garlic extract (AGE) on the immune system. The author’s laboratory is interested in AGE’s effects on cell proliferation and activation and inflammation and to learn whether those changes might affect the occurrence and severity of colds and flu. Healthy human participants (n = 120), between 21 and 50 y of age, were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-intervention study to consume 2.56 g AGE/d or placebo supplements for 90 d during the cold and flu season. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated before and after consumption, and γδ-T and NK cell function was assessed by flow cytometry. The effect on cold and flu symptoms was determined by using daily diary records of self-reported illnesses. After 45 d of AGE consumption, γδ-T and NK cells proliferated better and were more activated than cells from the placebo group. After 90 d, although the number of illnesses was not significantly different, the AGE group showed reduced cold and flu severity, with a reduction in the number of symptoms, the number of days participants functioned suboptimally, and the number of work/school days missed. These results suggest that AGE supplementation may enhance immune cell function and may be partly responsible for the reduced severity of colds and flu reported. The results also suggest that the immune system functions well with AGE supplementation, perhaps with less accompanying inflammation.

    Be well!

    JP

  10. JP Says:

    Updated 12/06/16:

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814616316181

    Food Chem. 2017 Apr 1;220:219-224.

    Cooked garlic and antioxidant activity: Correlation with organosulfur compound composition.

    The antioxidant properties and the main beneficial organosulphur compounds of home-cooked garlic samples were studied in order to establish relationships between them. Antioxidant activity was tested by free radical scavenging against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS+), Fe(III) reducing ability (FRAP) and linoleic acid co-oxidation initiated by soybean lipoxygenase in a micelle system. DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays showed the highest activity for raw garlic samples, while β-carotene bleaching assay yielded the highest activity for stir-fried garlic. Pure organosulphur compounds tested by DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assays showed that allicin had an antiradical action mechanism, as well as iron reducing capacity; while antioxidant activity was the main mechanism for ajoenes and 2-VD. To our knowledge, this study is the first demonstration that home-cooked garlic retains its antioxidant activity, and, at the same time, elucidates the mechanisms involved in this activity.

    Be well!

    JP

  11. JP Says:

    Updated 07/01/17:

    https://www.journalagent.com/anatoljcardiol/pdfs/AJC-49932-ORIGINAL_INVESTIGATION-NASROLLAHZADEH.pdf

    Anatol J Cardiol. 2017 May 24.

    Effects of garlic on brachial endothelial function and capacity of plasma to mediate cholesterol efflux in patients with coronary artery disease.

    OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of garlic on brachial endothelial function and THP-1 macrophage cholesterol efflux (CE) and examined whether garlic modulates ATP-binding cassette (ABC) A1 and ABCG1 mRNA expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

    METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients with CAD were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving garlic powder or placebo tablets twice daily for 3 months. Brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed using ultrasound. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after period and PBMC and plasma were isolated. Human THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages, labeled with 3H-cholesterol, and incubated with plasma samples, and CE was assessed. ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA expressions were determined in PBMCs.

    RESULTS: After 3 months, brachial FMD values significantly improved (50.7%) in the garlic group compared with those in the placebo group (p=0.016). High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels significantly decreased in the garlic group, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed with regard to CE and ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA expressions in PBMCs. CE was negatively correlated with hs-CRP levels.

    CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with garlic may improve the endothelial function and may affect hs-CRP levels; however, it could neither significantly improve THP-1 macrophage CE nor affect ABCA1 or ABCG1 expressions in PBMCs.

    Be well!

    JP

  12. JP Says:

    Updated 2/7/18:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29403603

    Electron Physician. 2017 Nov 25;9(11):5670-5675.

    The effect of consumption of garlic tablet on proteins oxidation biomarkers in postmenopausal osteoporotic women: A randomized clinical trial.

    Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most prevalent metabolic bone diseases at higher ages, especially in postmenopausal women.

    Objective: To determine the effect of consumption of garlic tablet on proteins oxidation biomarkers in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

    Methods: The present study was a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial that included 42 postmenopausal women in Yazd during 2014-2015. Osteoporotic women were randomly assigned into two groups: the garlic group (GG) and the placebo group (PG). Participants in GG took two garlic tablets daily for 1 month and the participants in PG took placebo tablets in the same manner. After 30 days, the plasma level of carbonyl groups (PCO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed by spectrophotometric assays. Also, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured according to the procedure of Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18, using paired-samples t-test, independent-samples t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U test.

    Results: This study showed that garlic tablets had decreased PCO plasma levels (47.37±5.98 vs. 19.62±3.40 nM, p≤0.001, before and after the study, respectively), AOPPs (738.95±151.86 vs. 585.12±209.99 μM, p≤0.008, before and after the study, respectively), and increased TAC (11.34±10.80 vs. 47.93±17.80, p≤0.001, before and after the study, respectively). The parameters in placebo groups showed no significant differences before and after the study, respectively. The levels of MDA before taking the drug in comparison to before Garlic group was also reduced (1.30±1.04 vs. 0.92±0.81 μM, p=0.01, before and after the study, respectively).

    Conclusion: The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of many diseases such as osteoporosis has been demonstrated. The present study showed that garlic consumption can reduce the oxidative stress.

    Be well!

    JP

  13. JP Says:

    Updated 04/01/18:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29604599

    Biomed Pharmacother. 2018 Mar 28;102:792-797.

    Garlic extract favorably modifies markers of endothelial function in obese patients – randomized double blind placebo-controlled nutritional intervention.

    OBJECTIVE: Garlic exerts a range of effects relevant to human health. However, its influence on the endothelium in obese individuals remains unknown. We aimed to determine the effects of garlic extract (GE) on arterial stiffness and markers of endothelial function.

    METHODS: Ninety-two subjects were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg of GE or placebo daily for 3 months. The arterial stiffness index (SI) and markers of endothelial function such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL), triglycerides, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) were quantified at baseline and the end of study.

    RESULTS: At the end of study SI (p = 0.01), hsCRP (p < 0.001, PAI-1 (p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (p < 0.001), and TAS (p < 0.01) were reduced in the GE-supplemented group, but not in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrates that supplementation with GE favorably modifies endothelial biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk and suggests that GE can be used to suppress chronic inflammation in obese individuals. Be well! JP

  14. JP Says:

    Updated 08/22/18:

    https://www.primary-care-diabetes.com/article/S1751-9918(18)30200-6/abstract

    Prim Care Diabetes. 2018 Jul 23.

    The effect of garlic on lipid profile and glucose parameters in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PURPOSE: Several studies have been published about the effect of garlic on lipid profile and blood glucose in diabetic patients. Which, the results mostly contradict with each other. This study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic on lipid profile and serum glucose levels in diabetic patients using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODS: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between 1988 and 2016. For this purpose, two independent researchers searched SID medical information databases including MagIran, Irandoc, Medlib, Iran Medex, Science Direct, Scopus, Google and PubMed using keywords. Data were analyzed using STATA software.

    RESULTS: After the initial search, 23,000 articles were found, of which 33 had the required criteria for the meta-analysis. In the present study, the total sample under review was 1273 individuals, with a mean of 39 samples per study. Overall, the garlic was more influential than placebo in reducing the levels of lipid parameters including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1C. In the meta-analysis, the concentration of serum TC, LDL, TG, and HDL in the group receiving garlic compared with the placebo showed a significant decreased for 16.87mg/dl (95% CI, -21.01, -12.73) (P=0.001), 9.65mg/dl (95% CI, -15.07, -4.23) (P=0.001), 12.44mg/dl (95% CI, -18.19, -6.69) (P=0.001), and increased for 3.19mg/dl (95% CI, 1.85, 4.53) (P=0.001), respectively. Also, the concentration of serum FBS and HbA1C serum showed a significant decreased for 10.90mg/dl (95% CI, -16.40, -5.40) (P=0.001) and 0.60mg/dl (95% CI, -0.98, -0.22) (P=0.001), respectively.

    CONCLUSION: Garlic can reduce lipid profile as well as glucose parameters and be therapeutically effective in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

    Be well!

    JP

  15. JP Says:

    Updated 09/10/18:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711318301557?via%3Dihub

    Phytomedicine. 2018 Sep 15;48:70-75.

    The effect of a garlic supplement on the pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and on pain severity, in overweight or obese women with knee osteoarthritis.

    BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, which is associated with chronic and disabling pain. The adipocytokines, resistin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), might play a role in OA pathogenesis and outcomes.

    PURPOSE: The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of a garlic supplement on serum resistin and TNF-α concentrations and on pain severity in overweight or obese women with knee OA.

    STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial.

    METHODS: In this study, 80 post-menopausal overweight or obese women (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 40 kg/m2, age 50-75 years) with mild to moderate knee OA were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive twice-daily either garlic tablets (total: 1000 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were fasting serum concentrations of resistin and TNF-α, and pain severity (assessed using 0-10 point visual analogue scale (VAS)).

    RESULTS: At week 12, resistin concentrations were significantly decreased in the garlic group (6.41 ± 2.40 to 5.56 ± 2.16 ng/ml; P = 0.008). Serum TNF-α levels did not change significantly within or between the two groups. Pain scores were significantly reduced in the garlic (6.8 ± 2 to 5.3 ± 2.3; P = 0.002), but not in the placebo (6.7 ± 2.4 to 6.2 ± 2.5; P = 0.674), group. Pain scores were also significantly lower in the garlic, compared with the placebo, group following supplementation (5.3 ± 2.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.5; P = 0.043).

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that garlic supplementation for 12 weeks might reduce pain severity in overweight or obese women with knee OA, which may, at least in part, be mediated via a reduction in the pro-inflammatory adipocytokine, resistin.

    Be well!

    JP

  16. JP Says:

    Updated 10/30/18:

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6225

    Phytother Res. 2018 Oct 29.

    Effect of garlic supplementation on serum C-reactive protein level: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

    The present study was designed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that report on the effects of garlic supplementation on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. We conducted a literature search of Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to January 2018. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were estimated for net change in serum CRP. Subgroup analyses were also performed by duration of study, dose of supplementation, baseline CRP level, and the quality of studies. From 438 articles found and screened in our initial search, nine RCTs with the sum of total sample size of 363 were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the controls, garlic intake significantly reduced the concentrations of serum CRP by 0.8 mg/L (95% CI [-1.5, -0.1], p = 0.02) with the evidence of heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses showed that garlic significantly lowered CRP by 0.82 mg/L (95% CI [-1.02, -0.62], p < 0.001) among studies with a daily garlic dose ≥1,200 mg/day and by 2.44 mg/L (95% CI [-4.02, -0.87], p = 0.002) among studies with baseline CRP ≥2 mg/L. Current data confirmed that garlic supplementation would reduce serum CRP levels. However, the changes were related to the supplemental doses and baseline levels of serum CRP. Be well! JP

  17. JP Says:

    Updated 04/06/19:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30949665

    J Nutr. 2019 Apr 5.

    Garlic Supplementation Reduces Circulating C-reactive Protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor, and Interleukin-6 in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    BACKGROUND: Conflicting findings on the effects of garlic supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers have been observed in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to summarize study results regarding the effects of garlic supplementation on serum inflammatory biomarkers in adults.

    METHODS: We searched Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane library databases for relevant papers published until April 2018, using keywords such as “garlic” and “inflammatory biomarker.” We included RCTs that 1) were conducted in adults, 2) examined the effects of garlic supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers compared to a control group, and 3) reported sufficient data on inflammatory biomarkers. Results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% CI using random effects models. Cochrane’s Q and I-squared (I2) tests were used to determine heterogeneity among studies. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression test were used to assess publication bias.

    RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were included. Garlic doses ranged from 12 to 3600 mg/d, and intervention duration ranged from 2 to 52 wk. Garlic administration significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 13) (WMD: -0.61 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.12, -0.11, P = 0.018, I2 = 76.9%), IL-6 (n = 5) (WMD: -0.73 ng/L, 95% CI: -1.06, -0.40, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), and TNF (n = 7) (WMD: -0.26 ng/L, 95% CI: -0.41, -0.12, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), compared to controls. However, the effect of garlic supplementation on serum adiponectin (n = 3) (WMD: 0.18 µg/L, 95% CI: -0.21, 0.57, P = 0.35, I2 = 60.7%) and leptin (n = 2) (WMD: -1.25 µg/L, 95% CI: -2.64, 0.14, P = 0.07, I2 = 0.0%) concentrations were not significant. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis of RCTs, we found that garlic supplementation reduced serum concentrations of CRP, TNF, IL-6, but did not affect serum adiponectin and leptin in adults. More RCTs are needed to test the effects of garlic supplementation on inflammation. Be well! JP

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