A systematic review of the effectiveness of garlic as an anti-hyperlipidemic agent.
OBJECTIVE
To 1) conduct a thorough search of the literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the efficacy of garlic as an antihyperlipidemic agent, 2) critically appraise those studies, and 3) make a recommendation for practicing health care professionals.


METHODS
Two independent reviewers extracted data from the articles identified from several data bases, using the previously tested Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) as the standard.


RESULTS
Six of ten studies found garlic to be effective. The average drop in total cholesterol was 24.8 mg/dL (9.9%), LDL 15.3 mg/dL (11.4%), and triglycerides 38 mg/dL (9.9%). The overall average MQI score was 39.6% (18%-70%). Major shortcomings of many of the RCTs included short duration, lack of power analysis and intention to treat analysis, as well as lack of control of diet as a confounding variable.


CONCLUSIONS
The low methodological quality of the studies make it difficult to recommend garlic as an antihyperlipidemic agent. Until larger RCTs of longer duration, which correct the existing methodological flaws, are designed and carried out, it is best not to recommend garlic be used to treat mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.
Alder
Ryan
R
College of Nursing, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA. sandra_lookinland@byu.edu
Lookinland
Sandra
S
Berry
Judith A
JA
Williams
Mary
M
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001629:Bezafibrate / Q000494:pharmacology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005737:Garlic; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D001629:Bezafibrate