title: Efficacy and safety of fermented garlic extract on hepatic function in adults with elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alcoholic liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are well-known risk factors for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; it is a major global health concern, but there are few effective and safe management options. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of fermented garlic extracts (FGEs) on hepatic function in adults with mild hepatic dysfunction without underlying hepatic disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, seventy-five adults with elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were included in a FGE-administered group (n = 36) or a placebo group (n = 39), and received either two sachets/day containing FGEs or placebo over a 12-week period. Primary endpoint was the change in serum GGT levels. Data were analysed using a generalized linear mixed effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant group × time interactions for serum levels of GGT (F = 3.98, P = 0.022) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; F = 3.28, P = 0.043) were observed with an improvement in levels of GGT (P = 0.066) and ALT (P = 0.014) in the FGE group compared to that reported for the placebo group at the 12-week visits. There was no intergroup difference in the prevalence of adverse events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intake of FGEs improved serum GGT and ALT levels in adults with mildly elevated serum GGT level without reported adverse side effects. FGEs might be effective and safe management options for mild hepatic dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ha-Na
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Goo
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yong Kyun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Roh
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Kyu
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea. sswkoj@unitel.co.kr.
authors.forename: Sang-Wook
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Song
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D044466:Asian People; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D005511:Food Handling; D005737:Garlic; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018401:Sample Size; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase
keywords: Alanine aminotransferase; Fatigue; Fermented garlic extract; Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; Hepatic dysfunction