Garlic supplementation for the treatment of chronic liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #garlic #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #antioxidants #non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease

Garlic supplementation for the treatment of chronic liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Xiaohui et al., 2023 | Afr Health Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Xiaohui Liu, Jinqi Li, ... Renxiu Niu. Garlic supplementation for the treatment of chronic liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Afr Health Sci. 2023-Jun;23(2):409-415. doi:10.4314/ahs.v23i2.47

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of garlic supplementation for chronic liver disease remains controversial. We conduct a meta-analysis to explore the influence of garlic supplementation versus placebo on the treatment of chronic liver disease. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through September 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of garlic supplementation versus placebo for chronic liver disease. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Four RCTs and 212 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for chronic liver disease, garlic supplementation is associated with significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and weight, but demonstrates no substantial impact on the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic supplementation is effective to treat chronic liver disease.

Key Findings

Four RCTs and 212 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for chronic liver disease, garlic supplementation is associated with significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and weight, but demonstrates no substantial impact on the incidence of adverse events.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 212
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Garlic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Antioxidants
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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