Garlic and Endothelial Function
Szulińska M,Kręgielska-Narożna M Świątek J, Styś P, Kuźnar-Kamińska B, Jakubowski H, Walkowiak J, and Bogdański P. “Garlic Extract Favorably Modifies Markers of Endothelial Function in Obese Patients -Randomized Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Intervention.” Biomed Pharmacother 102 (2018): 792–97.
is higher in people with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or a history of smoking. The metabolic underpinnings of these major risk factors overlap, so it’s common to see more than one risk factor in the same person.
Some of the metabolic patterns associated with cardiovascular risk include systemic , endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Biomarkers that provide insight into these include high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and the arterial stiffness index.
Improvements in biomarkers don’t always translate into a lower incidence of cardiovascular events, but they’re the best way to measure the efficacy of short-term interventions.
The arterial stiffness index is a particularly useful biomarker. The largest evaluation of the arterial stiffness index data to date, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018, concluded that this biomarker is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality.
Interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk , lifestyle, and medications. In addition to these interventions, provide support for cardiovascular health. Garlic (Allium sativum) has previously shown promise in supporting cardiovascular health by supporting antioxidant status,, and supporting profiles.
However, prior to this study, there were no clinical trials evaluating the effects of garlic on endothelial function in obese people.
OBJECTIVE
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial measured 12 biomarkers (including hs-CRP, PAI-1, the arterial stiffness index, and lipid profiles) to assess the effects of garlic supplementation on endothelial function in obese adults.
STUDY DESIGN
Ninety-two men and women (age 25 to 60) with a body mass index equal to or greater that 25 kg/m2 enrolled in the study, and 88 completed it.
Participants were randomized to take either a placebo or two capsules of Garlicin (Olimp Laboratories, Poland) with breakfast daily for three months. The Garlicin capsules provided 400 mg per day of odorless extract of garlic (2 percent allicin). Participants continued their usual diet and exercise routines.
Primary outcome measures were PAI-1 and hs-CRP. Secondary outcome measures were the arterial stiffness index, , lipid profile, and total.
KEY FINDINGS
From baseline to three months, the garlic group had decreases in BMI, weight, PAI-1, hsCRP, arterial stiffness index, and LDL cholesterol. There was also an increase in total
When compared with placebo, all of these changes were significant except for . There were no significant changes in blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides.
The biggest changes in the garlic group were in hsCRP (decreasing from a median of 3.36 to 1.29 mg/L) and LDL cholesterol (decreasing from a median of 123 to 96 mg/dL).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
More than one in three adults worldwide are obese. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are foundational to improving and reducing cardiovascular risk in these people. For some patients, dietary supplements can provide additional
The results of this study suggest that 400 mg per day of garlic extract supports endothelial function in obese, but otherwise healthy, adults. Garlic supplementation might offer a simple and affordable option for obese individuals aiming to support cardiovascular health.