Hypertension and hyperlipidaemia: garlic helps in mild cases

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Mild hypertension affects a significant portion of the adult population.
• Lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions are key to managing hypertension.
• Natural compounds are increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a standardized garlic powder preparation (Kwai) in patients with mild hypertension.
• To assess the impact of garlic supplementation on blood pressure and plasma lipid levels.
• To compare the effects of garlic powder against a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial involving 47 non-hospitalized patients with mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 95-104 mmHg).
• Participants received either garlic powder (Kwai) or an identical placebo for 12 weeks.
• Blood pressure and plasma lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) were monitored at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Garlic powder treatment led to a significant reduction in supine diastolic blood pressure, decreasing from 102 mmHg to 89 mmHg by week 12 (p < 0.01).
• Significant reductions in serum cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the garlic group after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment.
• No significant changes in blood pressure or lipid profiles were noted in the placebo group.

Conclusions:

• Standardized garlic powder (Kwai) is effective in lowering diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension.
• Garlic supplementation also demonstrates a beneficial effect on serum lipid profiles, reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Garlic powder represents a safe and effective natural therapeutic option for managing mild hypertension and associated dyslipidemia.