In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients , a group of researchers in China conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of garlic on blood lipid and glucose levels in humans. Systematic Review: Effects of Garlic on Glucose Parameters and Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Randomized Controlled Trials . Image Credit: Igor Normann / Shutterstock Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes, cause 41 million deaths annually.
Glucose and lipids are crucial for energy, and their dysregulation can lead to atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver disease . Dyslipidemia, with high total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Current treatments for metabolic diseases focus on symptom relief and have side effects.
Garlic, rich in compounds like allicin, shows potential in regulating glucose and lipids. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms, optimal dosage, and long-term effects. In the present study, four databases- Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to February 2024 using terms related to garlic, glucose, and lipid metabolism.
Additional eligible trials were identified through manual searches, and the study adhered to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting.
