A systematic review of the effectiveness of garlic as an anti-hyperlipidemic agent

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anticholesteremic-agents #bezafibrate #cholesterol #female #garlic

A systematic review of the effectiveness of garlic as an anti-hyperlipidemic agent

Alder et al., 2003 | J Am Acad Nurse Pract | Meta Analysis

Citation

Alder Ryan, Lookinland Sandra, ... Williams Mary. A systematic review of the effectiveness of garlic as an anti-hyperlipidemic agent. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2003-Mar;15(3):120-9

Abstract

PURPOSE: To 1) conduct a thorough search of the literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the efficacy of garlic as an antihyperlipidemic agent, 2) critically appraise those studies, and 3) make a recommendation for practicing health care professionals. DATA SOURCES: Two independent reviewers extracted data from the articles identified from several data bases, using the previously tested Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) as the standard. RESULTS: Six of ten studies found garlic to be effective. The average drop in total cholesterol was 24.8 mg/dL (9.9%), LDL 15.3 mg/dL (11.4%), and triglycerides 38 mg/dL (9.9%). The overall average MQI score was 39.6% (18%-70%). Major shortcomings of many of the RCTs included short duration, lack of power analysis and intention to treat analysis, as well as lack of control of diet as a confounding variable. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: The low methodological quality of the studies make it difficult to recommend garlic as an antihyperlipidemic agent. Until larger RCTs of longer duration, which correct the existing methodological flaws, are designed and carried out, it is best not to recommend garlic be used to treat mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.

Key Findings

Six of ten studies found garlic to be effective. The average drop in total cholesterol was 24.8 mg/dL (9.9%), LDL 15.3 mg/dL (11.4%), and triglycerides 38 mg/dL (9.9%). The overall average MQI score was 39.6% (18%-70%). Major shortcomings of many of the RCTs included short duration, lack of power analysis and intention to treat analysis, as well as lack of control of diet as a confounding variable. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: The low methodological quality of the studies make it difficult to recomm

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Bezafibrate
  • Cholesterol
  • Female
  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Research Design
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

  • PMID: 12696542
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09