Garlic intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#blood-glucose #diet #fasting #garlic #glycated-hemoglobin

Garlic intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Hou et al., 2015 | Asia Pac J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hou Li-qiong, Liu Yun-hui, Zhang Yi-yi. Garlic intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2015;24(4):575-82. doi:10.6133/apjcn.2015.24.4.15

Abstract

Garlic is a common spicy flavouring agent also used for certain therapeutic purposes. Garlic's effects on blood glucose have been the subject of many clinical and animal studies, however, studies reporting hypoglycemic effects of garlic in humans are conflicting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant trials of garlic or garlic extracts on markers of glycemic control [fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial glucose (PPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)]. A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic intake on human was done to assess garlic's effectiveness in lowering glucose levels. Two reviewers extracted data from each of the identified studies. Seven eligible randomized controlled trials with 513 subjects were identified. Pooled analyses showed that garlic intake results in a statistically significant lowering in FBG [SMD=-1.67; 95% CI (-2.80, -0.55), p=0.004]. Our pooled analyses did not include PPG control and HbA1c outcomes. Because only 1 study included in the meta-analysis reported PPG variables and only 2 studies reported HbA1c variables. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis showed that the administration of garlic resulted in a significant reduction in FBG concentrations. More trials are needed to investigate the effectiveness of garlic on HbA1c and PPG.

Key Findings

More trials are needed to investigate the effectiveness of garlic on HbA1c and PPG.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 513
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Diet
  • Fasting
  • Garlic
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Postprandial Period
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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