Garlic: A systematic review of the effects on cardiovascular diseases

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #garlic #cardiovascular-diseases #carotid-intima-media-thickness #triglycerides

Garlic: A systematic review of the effects on cardiovascular diseases

Imaizumi et al., 2023 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Imaizumi Vitor Massami, Laurindo Lucas Fornari, ... Barbalho Sandra Maria. Garlic: A systematic review of the effects on cardiovascular diseases. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(24):6797-6819. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2043821

Abstract

Allium sativum (garlic) certainly is one of the oldest horticultural crops in the world and presents bioactive compounds that are related to the garlic's effects on human health. Several authors have shown beneficial effects on diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are among the most relevant causes of mortality in the world. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of garlic in the risk factors of CVD and evaluate its economic importance. MEDLINE-PubMed, COCHRANE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The included studies showed that the use of garlic can reduce blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, LDL-c, non-HDL-c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers. It also can increase the levels of HDL-c and can improve cardiovascular parameters such as coronary artery calcium, microcirculation, epicardial and periaortic adipose tissue, post occlusive reactive hyperemia, low attenuation plaque, carotid intima-media thickness; and carotid intima-media thickness. Due to these reasons, garlic can be considered in the prevention and treatment of CVD risk factors.

Key Findings

Due to these reasons, garlic can be considered in the prevention and treatment of CVD risk factors.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • inflammatory markers

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Garlic
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
  • Triglycerides
  • Hypertension
  • Risk Factors
  • Antioxidants

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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