Garlic supplementation beneficial for patients with metabolic syndrome

For this purpose, the researchers searched online databases, and clinical trial online sites from inception to November 1, 2022. Participants > 18 years and eligible for the clinical diagnosis of MetS or those with metabolic disorders and garlic was the only intervention were included. The outcomes of the study included fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass index, and waist circumference.

Based on six covariates (the mean age, total sample size, the mean dose, the oral form of garlic, the duration of intervention, and the dietary intervention) meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted. Results from 19 randomized controlled trials were included engaging 999 participants.

The researchers reported the following findings:

• Compared to placebo, garlic significantly reduced TG [SMD = -0.66], TC [SMD = -0.43], LDL [SMD = -0.44], DBP [SMD = -1.33], BMI [SMD = -1.10], and WC [SMD = -0.78].
• Meta-regression showed age and sample size are potential effect modifiers.

"According to the results of the meta-analysis, the modulatory effect of garlic on some components of metabolic syndrome is evident," the researchers wrote. "However, based on the current evidence, we cannot draw a robust conclusion on the beneficial extent of garlic supplementation on MetS, and there is a need for further large-scale RCTs to support this conclusion."

Reference:

Fu, Z., Lv, J., Gao, X. et al. 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 23, 260 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04038-0