Garlic Extract in Rheumatological Diseases: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#garlic #humans #plant-extracts #rheumatic-diseases #female

Garlic Extract in Rheumatological Diseases: A Systematic Review

Freire et al., 2025 | Complement Med Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Freire de Carvalho Jozélio, Lerner Aaron, Benzvi Carina. Garlic Extract in Rheumatological Diseases: A Systematic Review. Complement Med Res. 2025;32(4):296-300. doi:10.1159/000547181

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Garlic and garlic extract (GE) are highly consumed traditional and popular food spices. They are reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and infection-protecting properties. The aim of this study was to review the use of GE in various rheumatic diseases. SUMMARY: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and SciELO were searched for articles on GE and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and May 2024. Four articles were found, including 176 patients. The investigated diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 3) and osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 1). Age varied from 51.06 ± 13.8 to 58.9 ± 7.5 years old, and female gender was the only one included in all studies. The disease duration was 6.58 ± 7.75 years. The GE dosage ranged from 600 mg to 1,000 mg/day. The follow-up ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. All articles demonstrated improvements in the diverse rheumatic disease parameters (e.g., pain, function, disease activity, tender and swollen joints, stiffness, and WOMAC) and reduced inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, malondialdehyde). KEY MESSAGES: GE is a safe and well-tolerated therapy for RA and OA. However, studies with more participants are needed to confirm, replicate, and further explore the topic.

Key Findings

However, studies with more participants are needed to confirm, replicate, and further explore the topic.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Rheumatic Diseases
  • Female
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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