No effect of garlic extract supplement on serum lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects

Abstract

Objective : We assessed the effects of an enteric-coated Thai garlic extract tablet standardized for allicin-releasing potential on serum lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Subjects and Methods : We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 136 hypercholesterolemic subjects (cholesterol concentrations ≥5.2 mmol/L; mean age ± SD:47.0±6.6 y). All subjects were given dietary advice to lower fat intake within 4 weeks and were advised to be on usual diet during the study period. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive an enteric-coated Thai garlic extract tablet once daily (standardized to 1.12% allicin or 5.6 mg/tablet), or placebo after evening meal for 12 weeks. Seventy subjects (32.9% male; mean age ±SD and BMI of 47.0 ±6.6 y and 24.6 ±3.3 kg/m2) received the garlic extract treatment while 66 subjects (37.9% male, mean age ±SD and BMI of 47.0 ±6.0 y and 24.3 ±3.4 kg/m2) received placebo. Results : There were no statistically significant changes in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol after a 12-week treatment as analyzed on repeated measures by analysis of variance. In addition, no changes in plasma glucose, liver and renal functions were found. Conclusions : Treatment with an enteric garlic-coated Thai garlic extract and dietary advice did not produce any significant changes in lipid levels in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.