Effects of garlic supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#alanine-transaminase #aspartate-aminotransferases #dietary-supplements #garlic #humans

Effects of garlic supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Panjeshahin et al., 2020 | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Panjeshahin Asieh, Mollahosseini Mehdi, ... Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh. Effects of garlic supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2020-Aug;34(8):1947-1955. doi:10.1002/ptr.6659

Abstract

Current evidence on the beneficial effects of garlic on liver enzymes is contradictory. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of garlic supplementation on human liver enzymes, such as Alanine Transaminase (ALT/SGPT) and Aspartate Transaminase (AST/SGOT). To collect the required data, PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google scholar databases were systematically searched from inception to June 2019. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model to evaluate the effects of garlic supplementation on ALT and AST levels. The Cochran's Q-test and inconsistency index were also used to evaluate heterogeneity among the studies. Among a total of 15,514 identified articles, six studies (containing 301 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Results of the meta-analysis showed that garlic supplementation significantly decreased AST level (Hedges' g = -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.72, -0.004, p = .047); whereas, it had no significant effect on ALT level (Hedges' g = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.64, 0.20, p = .310). Results showed that garlic supplementation reduced AST levels significantly; however, had no significant effect on ALT levels. Further studies are still needed to confirm the results.

Key Findings

Further studies are still needed to confirm the results.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 301
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Liver
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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