Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of garlic in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease #garlic #liver-function-tests #antioxidants

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of garlic in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Rastkar et al., 2022 | Indian J Gastroenterol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rastkar Mohsen, Nikniaz Leila, ... Nikniaz Zeinab. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of garlic in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Indian J Gastroenterol. 2022-Dec;41(6):548-557. doi:10.1007/s12664-022-01287-8

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analyses to examine the therapeutic effect of garlic on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases for retrieving articles investigating the impact of garlic on NAFLD patients. The comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2.0 was used for statistical analysis. The standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported and the effect size was calculated. RESULTS: A preliminary search yielded a total of 293 articles. After screening articles based on inclusion criteria, four articles were included in the final analyses. This systematic review included 186 patients with NAFLD. The result of the meta-analysis showed significant differences between the garlic and placebo groups regarding changes in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar. Moreover, the probability of a decrease in hepatic steatosis was 2.75 times lower in the garlic group compared with the placebo group (RR [95% CI]: 2.75 [1.79, 4.23], p-value<0.001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that garlic supplementation had a positive effect on hepatic steatosis, liver enzyme levels, and metabolic profile of patients with NAFLD. However, considering the potential limitation of the included studies, more high-quality clinical trials are needed.

Key Findings

A preliminary search yielded a total of 293 articles. After screening articles based on inclusion criteria, four articles were included in the final analyses. This systematic review included 186 patients with NAFLD. The result of the meta-analysis showed significant differences between the garlic and placebo groups regarding changes in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar. Moreover, the

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population nafld
Sample Size 186
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Garlic
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Antioxidants
  • Cholesterol

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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