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Garlic powder intake and cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Jin Sook Kwak1, Ji Yeon Kim2, Ju Eun Paek1
1Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, Korea.
Background/Objectives:
Although preclinical studies suggest that garlic has potential preventive effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, clinical trials and reports from systematic reviews or meta-analyses present inconsistent results. The contradiction might be attributed to variations in the manufacturing process that can markedly influence the composition of garlic products. To investigate this issue further, we performed a meta-analysis of the effects of garlic powder on CVD risk factors.
Materials/Methods:
We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct and EMBASE through May 2014. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on 22 trials reporting total cholesterol (TC), 17 trials reporting LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), 18 trials reporting HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), 4 trials reporting fasting blood glucose (FBG), 9 trials reporting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 10 trials reporting diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
Results:
The overall garlic powder intake significantly reduced blood TC and LDL-C by -0.41 mmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.69, -0.12) (-15.83 mg/dL [95% CI, -26.64, -4.63]) and -0.21 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.40, -0.03) (-8.11 mg/dL [95% CI, -15.44, -1.16]), respectively. The mean difference in the reduction of FBG levels was -0.96 mmol/L (95% CI, -1.91, -0.01) (-17.30 mg/dL [95% CI, -34.41, -0.18]). Evidence for SBP and DBP reduction in the garlic supplementation group was also demonstrated by decreases of -4.34 mmHg (95% CI, -8.38, -0.29) and -2.36 mmHg (95% CI, -4.56, -0.15), respectively.
Conclusions:
This meta-analysis provides consistent evidence that garlic powder intake reduces the CVD risk factors of TC, LDL-C, FBG and BP.
Insights
Garlic powder intake significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure. This meta-analysis confirms garlic
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Preclinical studies suggest garlic's cardiovascular benefits, but clinical trial results are inconsistent.
- Variations in garlic product manufacturing may explain differing clinical outcomes.
- This study addresses inconsistencies by focusing on garlic powder's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of garlic powder on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
- To provide consistent evidence regarding garlic powder's impact on key health markers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and EMBASE databases up to May 2014.
- Random-effects meta-analysis of 22 trials for total cholesterol (TC), 17 for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), 18 for HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), 4 for fasting blood glucose (FBG), 9 for systolic blood pressure (SBP), and 10 for diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
Main Results:
- Garlic powder intake significantly reduced TC (-0.41 mmol/L) and LDL-C (-0.21 mmol/L).
- Significant reductions were observed in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (-0.96 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-4.34 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (-2.36 mmHg).
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis provides consistent evidence for the efficacy of garlic powder in reducing major CVD risk factors.
- Garlic powder intake positively impacts total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure.
