Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#blood-pressure #dietary-supplements #dose-response-relationship-drug #garlic #humans

Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a meta-analysis

Wang et al., 2015 | J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Hai-Peng, Yang Jing, ... Yang Xiang-Jun. Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a meta-analysis. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2015-Mar;17(3):223-31. doi:10.1111/jch.12473

Abstract

Garlic supplements are thought to reduce blood pressure (BP). The authors performed a meta-analysis to investigate garlic's effect on BP. Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, and PubMed (1946 to November 2013) were used to search for randomized controlled trials. Seventeen trials were included. Pooled analysis showed that garlic intake caused a 3.75-mm Hg reduction (95% confidence interval [CI], -5.04 to -2.45, I(2) =30.7%; P<.001) in systolic BP and a 3.39-mm Hg reduction (95% CI, -4.14 to -2.65, I(2) =67%; P<.001) in diastolic BP compared with controls. Meta-analysis of subgroups showed a significant reduction in systolic BP in hypertensive (-4.4 mm Hg; 95% CI, -7.37 to -1.42, I(2) =0.0%; P=.004) but not normotensive patients. No significant reduction in diastolic BP was seen. After sensitivity analysis, heterogeneity disappeared and significant diastolic BP reduction (-2.68 mm Hg, 95% CI, -4.93 to -0.42, I(2) =0.0%; P=.020) was shown in hypertensive patients. This meta-analysis suggests that garlic supplements are superior to controls (placebo in most trails) in reducing BP, especially in hypertensive patients.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis suggests that garlic supplements are superior to controls (placebo in most trails) in reducing BP, especially in hypertensive patients.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • systolic blood pressure
  • diastolic blood pressure

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Hypertension
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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