Garlic extract therapy in children with hypercholesterolemia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether garlic extract therapy is efficacious and safe in children with hypercholesterolemia.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
Specialized pediatric lipid disorders ambulatory clinic.


METHODS
Thirty pediatric patients, aged 8 to 18 years, who had familial hyperlipidemia and a minimum fasting total cholesterol level greater than 4.8 mmol/L (> 185 mg/dL).


METHODS
An 8-week course of a commercially available garlic extract (Kwai [Lichtwer Pharma, Berlin, Germany], 300 mg, 3 times a day) or an identical placebo.


METHODS
Absolute and relative changes in fasting lipid profile parameters.


RESULTS
The groups were equivalent at baseline and compliance was similar in the 2 groups (P = .45). There was no significant relative attributable effect of garlic extract on fasting total cholesterol (+0.6% [95% confidence interval, -5.8% to +6.9%1) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.5% [95% confidence interval, -8.7% to +7.6%]). The lower limits of the confidence intervals did not include -10%, the minimum relative attributable effect believed to be clinically important. Likewise, no significant effect was seen on the levels of high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B-100, lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, homocysteine, or blood pressure. There was a small effect on apolipoprotein A-I (+10.0% [95% confidence interval, +1.2% to +16.5%] P=.03). There were no differences in adverse effects between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Garlic extract therapy has no significant effect on cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric patients with familial hyperlipidemia.
McCrindle
B W
BW
Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario, Canada.
Helden
E
E
Conner
W T
WT
D000293:Adolescent; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005737:Garlic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D002784:Cholesterol