A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for the effects of garlic on serum lipid profiles

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#allium #cardiovascular-diseases #cholesterol #humans #phytotherapy

A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for the effects of garlic on serum lipid profiles

Zeng et al., 2012 | J Sci Food Agric | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zeng Tao, Guo Fang-Fang, ... Xie Ke-Qin. A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for the effects of garlic on serum lipid profiles. J Sci Food Agric. 2012-Jul;92(9):1892-902. doi:10.1002/jsfa.5557

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inconsistent results were obtained for the lipid-regulating effects of garlic in clinical trials. With increasing interest in complementary medicine for hyperlipoidemia, it is important to explore the real effects of garlic. This meta- analysis was performed to investigate the influence of garlic on serum lipid parameters. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies were included into meta-analysis. Overall, garlic was superior to placebo in reducing serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Compared with the placebo groups, serum TC and TG levels in the garlic group were reduced by 0.28 (95% CI, -0.45, -0.11) mmol L⁻¹ (P = 0.001) and 0.13 (95% CI, -0.20, -0.06) mmol L⁻¹ (P < 0.001), respectively. The effects of garlic were more striking in subjects with long-term intervention and higher baseline TC levels. Garlic powder and aged garlic extract were more effective in reducing serum TC levels, while garlic oil was more effective in lowering serum TG levels. In contrast, garlic did not influence other lipid parameters, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein B, and TC/HDL-C ratio. CONCLUSION: Garlic could reduce serum TC and TG levels, and garlic therapy should benefit patients with risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Key Findings

A total of 26 studies were included into meta-analysis. Overall, garlic was superior to placebo in reducing serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Compared with the placebo groups, serum TC and TG levels in the garlic group were reduced by 0.28 (95% CI, -0.45, -0.11) mmol L⁻¹ (P = 0.001) and 0.13 (95% CI, -0.20, -0.06) mmol L⁻¹ (P < 0.001), respectively. The effects of garlic were more striking in subjects with long-term intervention and higher baseline TC levels. Garlic powd

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population long
Sample Size 26
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Allium
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cholesterol
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

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