Effects of garlic supplementation on components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #garlic #metabolic-syndrome #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #antioxidants

Effects of garlic supplementation on components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

Fu et al., 2023 | BMC Complement Med Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fu Zhenyue, Lv Jiayu, ... Song Qingqiao. Effects of garlic supplementation on components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023-Jul-22;23(1):260. doi:10.1186/s12906-023-04038-0

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Garlic (Allium sativum), the underground bulb of the Allium genus, has been consumed on Earth for thousands of years. Many clinical trials of garlic supplementation on components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have emerged in recent years, but there is no consensus on the effect. This meta-analysis aimed at systematically evaluating the effect of garlic supplementation on components of MetS. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we searched Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Medline, Web of Science databases, and clinical trials online sites from inception to November 1, 2022, with language restrictions to English. We engaged participants > 18 years and eligible for the clinical diagnosis of MetS or those with metabolic disorders and garlic was the only intervention. Outcomes included waist circumference, and body mass index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted based on six covariates (total sample size, the mean age, the mean dose, the duration of intervention, the oral form of garlic, and the dietary intervention). RESULTS: Results from 19 RCTs were included engaging 999 participants. Compared to placebo, garlic significantly reduced TG [SMD (95%CI) = -0.66 (-1.23, -0.09)], TC [SMD (95%CI) = -0.43 (-0.86, -0.01)], LDL [SMD (95%CI) = -0.44(-0.88, -0.01)], DBP [SMD (95%CI) = -1.33 (-2.14, -0.53)], BMI [SMD (95%CI) = -1.10(-1.90, -0.20)], and WC [SMD (95%CI) = -0.78(-1.09, -0.47)]. Meta-regression showed age and sample size are potential effect modifiers. CONCLUSION: According to the results of meta-analysis, the modulatory effect of garlic on some MetS components is evident. More high-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm iat based on the high heterogeneity and potential publication bias of the current data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=373228 , ID: CRD42022373228.

Key Findings

Results from 19 RCTs were included engaging 999 participants. Compared to placebo, garlic significantly reduced TG [SMD (95%CI) = -0.66 (-1.23, -0.09)], TC [SMD (95%CI) = -0.43 (-0.86, -0.01)], LDL [SMD (95%CI) = -0.44(-0.88, -0.01)], DBP [SMD (95%CI) = -1.33 (-2.14, -0.53)], BMI [SMD (95%CI) = -1.10(-1.90, -0.20)], and WC [SMD (95%CI) = -0.78(-1.09, -0.47)]. Meta-regression showed age and sample size are potential effect modifiers.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 999
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Garlic
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Antioxidants
  • Biological Products
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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