The effect of garlic on vascular function: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #cardiovascular-diseases #cardiovascular-physiological-phenomena #dietary-supplements

The effect of garlic on vascular function: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Emamat et al., 2020 | Clin Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Emamat Hadi, Tangestani Hadith, ... Nasrollahzadeh Javad. The effect of garlic on vascular function: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Clin Nutr. 2020-Dec;39(12):3563-3570. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2020.02.016

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Atherosclerosis and its associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) represent a major global health problem worldwide and vascular dysfunction is important in its pathogenesis. Clinical trials investigating the effect of garlic on vascular function measured by several non-invasive methods and their results are inconsistent. This study aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of garlic as one of the world's most ancient medicines on measures of vascular reactivity and/or stiffness in adults. METHODS: All published RCTs in English were systematically searched on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar search engines up to Oct 2019. The exposure and outcome variable of interest were garlic and vascular function measurements. Ten trials which met inclusion criteria were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 45 studies were found through search databases. After excluding duplicates, the 25 remaining studies were screened by title and abstract which 15 of them excluded. Finally, ten trials were included in this review study, which were published between 2004 and 2018. CONCLUSIONS: Findings were inconsistent. However, garlic has the potential to improve vascular function, particularly in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. Additional human studies on garlic and its constituents should consider the population and the specific type of garlic preparation.

Key Findings

A total of 45 studies were found through search databases. After excluding duplicates, the 25 remaining studies were screened by title and abstract which 15 of them excluded. Finally, ten trials were included in this review study, which were published between 2004 and 2018.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population cardiovascular risk factors
Sample Size 45
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Garlic
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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