Indication: Cholesterol

Source: Arch Intern Med, February 26, 2007;167:346-353.

Research:
In this parallel design trial, 192 adults with LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations of 130 to 190 were randomly assigned to one of the following four treatment groups: raw garlic, powdered garlic supplement, aged garlic extract supplement or placebo. Garlic product doses equivalent to an average-sized garlic clove were consumed 6 days a week for 6 months. The primary outcome was LDL-C concentration. Fasting plasma lipid concentrations were assessed monthly. Extensive chemical characterization of study materials was conducted throughout the trial.

Results:
Retention was 87% to 90% in all four treatment arms, and chemical stability of study materials was high throughout the trial. However, there were no statistically significant effects of the three forms of garlic on LDL-C concentrations. While 6-month mean changes in LDL-C concentrations were minimal, researchers also said there were no statistically significant effects on HDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels or the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.