Garlic supplementation may improve glycemic markers but has no effect on androgens in PCOS

"Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) a concerning public health problem and is one of the commonest hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age. The condition affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed."

Garlic is a well known spice with its healing properties, commonly used for treating high blood pressure or hypertension. However, there are many more benefits that are yet to be evaluated and PCOS is one such condition were benefits of garlic has to be brought to light.

A new study in International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that garlic as a supplementation had no such effects on androgen levels but did show benefits in fasting plasma glucose (FGP) and insulin resistance.

The researchers conducted 8 weeks of randomized double-blinded control trial, 80 women were randomly assigned into two groups in which patients were asked to intake either 800 mg/day garlic or an identical placebo. A blood sample was obtained pre- and post-trial to assess androgens and glycemic-related parapets. A 3-days- food record and a short form of international physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ) were also evaluated at the beginning and end of the trial.

The key findings of the study are

• Garlic supplementation resulted in significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (-3.22 ± 7.41 vs. 0.72 ± 5.37; P = 0.008) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.29 ± 1.45 vs. 0.28 ± 1.20; P = 0.02).

• In addition, a trend to a significant improvement was detected in free androgen index (FAI) (P = 0.09), insulin levels (P = 0.07), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (P = 0.06).

• However, no significant difference was found in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (P > 0.05).

Researchers ended that this present study indicates that garlic supplementation could be beneficial for FPG and insulin resistance improvement. However, garlic supplementation does not show remarkable efficacy on androgens. Further studies are warranted to confirm the results.

Reference: Zadhoush R, Alavi-Naeini A, Feizi A, Naghshineh E, Ghazvini MR. The Effect of Garlic (Allium Sativum) on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Related Hormones and Glycemic Parameters: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial. Int J Prev Med. 2023 Jul 27;14:98. doi: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_308_21.