Garlic

 

• Extra source of cysteine (like NAC). 

• In NAFLD, 43.6% patients with a garlic treatment and 14.5% patients with placebo treatment had an improvement in hepatic steatosis after 12 weeks. Lowered ALT by -10, AST by -6. 

• Supplementation lowers BP, TC, LDL. Increases HDL. The effects are fairly significant. 

• SBP by an average of 8 mmHg and DBP by 5mmHg, similarly to standard anti-hypertensive medications. 

• Helps dissolve blood clots (fibrinolytic activity). Inhibits platelet aggregation.

• Supplementation with Aged Garlic Extract reduced the rate of atherosclerosis progression. 

• Most effective plant-food against cancer cells in cell cultures (including RCC). 

• Supplementation reduced HS-CSP, TNF, and IL-6 in adults.

• C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 13) (WMD: -0.61 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.12, -0.11, P = 0.018, I2 = 76.9%)

• IL-6 (n = 5) (WMD: -0.73 ng/L, 95% CI: -1.06, -0.40, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%)

• TNF (n = 7) (WMD: -0.26 ng/L, 95% CI: -0.41, -0.12, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), 

• Garlic powder is very energizing, feels very different from Aged Garlic Extract. 

• Enhances antiviral immunity and Natural Killer Cell activity. 

• Extended lifespan of senescence accelerated mouse and C elegans. [1, 2, 3].

• Increases antioxidant enzymes in humans, as well as reduce oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure (7, 9, 20).

• Part of Chris Beat Cancer regimen (alongside with Celery Juice, Carrots etc).

[Sources: Garlic powder, kyolic aged garlic extract]

Garlic contains active organosulfur compounds thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering effects.167 One research team published three reports based on a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 110 subjects with NAFLD and gave them either 400 mg of garlic powder twice daily for 15 weeks or placebo. Garlic was found to reduce blood pressure and levels of hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) (a marker of inflammation),168 reduce ultrasound-measured liver steatosis, decrease liver enzyme levels, improve parameters related to lipid and glucose metabolism,169 and reduce body weight and body fat compared with placebo.170 A randomized controlled trial involving 90 participants found 1,600 mg garlic powder daily improved parameters of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Garlic treatment lowered blood pressure, waist circumference, GGT levels, triglyceride levels, insulin levels, insulin resistance, and appetite more than placebo after three months. In addition, garlic significantly decreased the fatty liver index, which is calculated using BMI, waist circumference, GGT, and triglycerides.171 The same research team reported that compared with placebo, 1,600 mg garlic daily for three months reduced liver fat (assessed by ultrasound) and improved liver enzyme levels and lipid profiles.172 It also decreased waist circumference and body fat, and improved markers of oxidative stress and glucose metabolism.173

Effect of garlic powder supplementation on hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes and lipid profile in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial, 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a range of disorders from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. There is no proven drug treatment for NAFLD, and diet modification is considered part of the main line of treatment for this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of garlic supplementation in NAFLD patients. The effect of garlic powder supplementation on hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes and lipid profile was investigated in NAFLD patients. Ninety NAFLD patients were randomly assigned to take either a garlic powder supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. The treatment group received four tablets of garlic daily (each tablet contained 400 mg garlic powder). The control group received four tablets of placebo (each placebo contained 400 mg starch). At the end of the study, hepatic steatosis was significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the control group (P = 0·001). In addition, a significant decrease was seen in the serum concentration of alanine transaminase (P < 0·001), aspartate transaminase (P = 0·002), γ-glutamyltransferase (P = 0·003) as well as total cholesterol (P = 0·009), TAG (P < 0·001), HDL-cholesterol (P < 0·001) and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0·01) in the treatment group compared with the control group. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase. Overall, garlic powder supplementation improved hepatic features and lipid profile among NAFLD patients.

Figure 2 The changes in the ultrasound findings of hepatic steatosis from baseline to 15-week intervention in the garlic and placebo group. *Within-group comparisons with the use of a Wilcoxon rank-sum test showed a significant improvement in the degree of hepatic steatosis in the garlic group from baseline to 15-week intervention. Mann–Whitney U-test showed that the improvement in the degree of hepatic steatosis in the garlic group was significantly higher than the placebo group (P value=0.001).

Effects of garlic supplementation on serum inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, 2020

• Garlic consumption could generally reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration.

• Aged Garlic Extract supplementation could reduce the level of Tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α).

• Garlic supplementation did not have any significant effect on the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) level.

Therapeutic Effects of Garlic on Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy (2020)

Background and aims: Emerging evidence suggests that garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its bioactive components can mitigate hepatic steatosis by the modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the garlic administration on hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD.

Patients and methods: This clinical trial was conducted on adult patients with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD. Eligible participants were randomly assigned, with the use of the stratified blocked procedure, to receive 800 mg garlic or placebo for 15 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement in the hepatic steatosis diagnosed by ultrasound technique after 15 weeks of intervention.

Results: A total of 110 patients underwent randomization, and 98 patients completed the trial. Twenty-four (51.1%) patients in the garlic group achieved improvement in the hepatic steatosis compared to eight (15.7%) patients in the placebo group with the relative risk of 5.6 (95% CI: 2.17 to 14.5; P=0.001), which remained significant after adjusting for baseline value of hepatic steatosis. There were significant reductions in weight and serum ALT, AST, FBS, Hb A1C, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and TG concentration with the garlic intake compared to placebo (P<0.05). The results were also significant after adjusting for weight change, energy intake, and physical activity. No serious adverse effects were observed with the garlic intake.

Conclusion: The intake of garlic powder was accompanied by a significant improvement in the hepatic steatosis and comorbidity related to this condition among subjects with NAFLD.

Effect of garlic powder consumption on body composition in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Advanced biomedical research (2016)

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease that is becoming a public health problem in recent decades. Obesity and overweight play a key role in NAFLD pathogenesis. Thus, weight loss (especially body fat mass) is one component of therapeutic strategies in NAFLD. Results from experimental studies have shown that garlic (Allium sativum L.) can reduce body weight and body fat mass. However, the effect of garlic on body fat mass and weight in the human population, which is addressed in this study, is still obscure.

Materials and methods: In this clinical trial, 110 subjects with NAFLD were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group. The intervention group received two garlic tablets (containing 400 mg of garlic powder) daily while the control group received placebo tablets. Dietary intake and physical activity of participants were obtained by a validated questionnaire. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.

Results: In the intervention group, significant reductions were observed in body weight and body fat mass (P < 0.05). We also observed a significant reduction in body weight in the control group, but there were no significant changes in total body water and lean body mass in both groups (P > 0.05). In the intervention group, the percentage change in body weight was significantly greater than the control group (-2.6 vs. -0.7, P = 0.02). No serious side effects associated with the intervention were reported.

Conclusion: Our trial suggests that garlic supplemfrom experimental studies have shown thatentation can reduce body weight and fat mass among subjects with NAFLD.

Effects of garlic powder supplementation on metabolic syndrome components, insulin resistance, fatty liver index, and appetite in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. (2021)

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing. It is closely linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Garlic consumption as a strategy for the management of MetS has been suggested. We investigated the effect of garlic supplementation on MetS components, insulin resistance, fatty liver index (FLI), and appetite in subjects with MetS. Ninety subjects were assigned to receive 1,600 mg/d garlic powder or placebo for 3 months. The primary outcomes included MetS components. The secondary outcomes included insulin resistance, FLI, and appetite. Garlic supplementation compared with the placebo led to a significant increase in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (4.5 vs. -1.8, p < .001) and a significant reduction in waist circumference (-1.3 vs. 0.0, p = .001), diastolic blood pressure (-6.7 vs. 0.0, p < .001), systolic blood pressure (-7.7 vs. 0.5, p < .001), triglyceride (-40.0 vs. 0.1, p < .001), γ-glutamyl transferase (-3.2 vs. 0.6, p = .01), FLI (-5.5 vs. 0.1, p < .001), insulin (-2.9 vs. -1.1, p < .001), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (-0.5 vs. -0.3, p < .001) and appetite (hunger: -11.7 vs. 1.7, p < .001; fullness: 10.0 vs. 0.3, p = .001; desire to eat: -6.7 vs. 2.1, p < .001; and ability to eat: -11.5 vs. -1.0, p < .001). Garlic improves MetS components, insulin resistance, FLI, and appetite.

Effects of garlic powder supplementation on insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and body composition in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled clinical trial (2020) 

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and obesity are major contributors to NAFLD pathogenesis. The effects of garlic powder supplementation on these risk factors in patients with NAFLD was investigated.

Methods: In this 12-wk, randomized controlled clinical trial, ninety patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group received four tablets of garlic (each coated tablet contained 400 mg garlic powder) daily and the control group received four tablets of placebo (each coated tablet contained 400 mg starch).

Results: A significant decrease was seen in the treatment group compared to the control group in waist circumference (P = 0.001), body fat percent (P < 0.001), serum concentration of fasting blood sugar (P = 0.01), insulin (P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (P < 0.001), and malondialdehyde (P < 0.001), as well as significant increase in skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.002), serum concentration of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Garlic powder supplementation improved risk factors of NAFLD. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of garlic on hepatic features in patients with NAFLD. The study protocol was registered at Iranian clinical trials website under code IRCT20170206032417N4.

Effects of garlic supplementation on serum inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, 2020

• Garlic consumption could generally reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration.

• Aged Garlic Extract supplementation could reduce the level of Tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α).

• Garlic supplementation did not have any significant effect on the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) level.

Garlic and Organosulfur Compounds

https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/food-beverages/garlic

[BP] In a recent 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in untreated hypertensive subjects, daily intake of aged garlic extract (1.2 g of which contained 1.2 mg of S-allyl-L-cysteine [SAC]) was shown to significantly lower SBP by 11 mm Hg and DBP by 6 mm Hg on average in 50%-60% of participants, but reductions in blood pressure were not reported in 40%-50% of participants compared to placebo (110). 

[Atherosclerosis] In a recent double-blind, controlled study, the extent of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed with cardiac computed tomography angiography in 72 individuals (55 at study completion) at high risk of coronary heart disease randomized to receive either 2,400 mg of aged garlic extract or placebo for 52 weeks (98). The result suggested a significant decrease in the extent of coronary plaques with low-attenuation area (a type of vulnerable plaques prone to rupture) (99, 100) with aged garlic extract compared to placebo, but no differences in total plaque volume and proportions of non-calcified plaques and dense calcium were found between treatment and placebo groups (98).

[Platelet aggregation] Another study in 14 healthy volunteers showed that aged garlic extract dose-dependently inhibited ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation by downregulating the fibrinogen binding activity of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa fibrinogen receptor found on platelets (46).

[Antimicrobial] In another preliminary randomized controlled trial, circulating immune innate cells (γδT-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells), isolated from healthy adults supplemented with aged garlic extract, proliferated better in ex vivo culture than those from volunteers who consumed a placebo, suggesting a greater pathogen-fighting ability. The number of self-reported illnesses was similar between groups after 90 days of aged garlic extract or placebo supplementation, but aged garlic extract significantly reduced the severity of self-reported cold or flu symptoms (87).

[Inhibition of angiogenesis]  Aged garlic extract was also found to suppress in vitro angiogenesis by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, loss of adhesion, motility, and tube formation (78).

Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of common vegetables: A comparative study (link)

Garlic and Leek found to be most potent against kidney and other cancers.

Allicin inhibits human renal clear cell carcinoma progression via suppressing HIF pathway (link)

 

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) protects hypoxic cells from apoptosis or necrosis under ischemic and anoxic conditions. Allicin is characterized by the anti-cancer characteristics. This study aims to explore whether allicin is involved in renal clear cell carcinoma progression through HIF-1α. A total of 40 RCC tissues and 39 normal renal tissues were collected H&E and immunohistochemistry were applied to study morphology changes. MTT assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis. In vitro colony formation assay and wound healing assay were conducted to explore cell migration. The protein levels of Bcl-2, VEGF and HIF-1α were increased in RCC tissues. More importantly, treatment with allicin significantly decreased HIF-1α protein level, thereby reducing Bcl-2 and VEGF expression. In addition, allicin also obviously enhanced apoptotic cells. And colony formation capacity and cell migration rate were reduced in RCC-9863 cells treated with allicin. Further study revealed that overexpression of HIF-1α could partially repress allicin-induced downstream effects. To conclude, allicin inhibits human renal clear cell carcinoma progression partially by suppressing HIF pathway.

Allicin inhibits human renal clear cell carcinoma

Allicin is the major component of garlic, which is proved to inhibit cancer progression partially through relieving oxidative stress in gastric cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer and so on

James McCraw Heals from GBM with Garlic and Curcumin

Ate raw garlic as much as possible (1-2 cloves). High doses of bio-available curcumin from supplements. Added cayenne pepper and ginger. See the kindle exerpt for details.

Aged garlic extract has potential suppressive effect on colorectal adenomas in humans.

The study enrolled 51 patients who were diagnosed as carrying colorectal adenomas. Thirty-seven patients (19 in the active group, 18 in the control group) completed the study and were evaluated for the efficacy of AGE. The number of adenomas increased linearly in the control group from the beginning (the baseline), but AGE significantly suppressed both the size and number of colon adenomas in patients after 12 mo of high-dose treatment (P=0.04). The results suggest AGE suppresses progression of colorectal adenomas in humans. 

Phytochemicals of garlic: Promising candidates for cancer therapy (link)

A published meta-analysis demonstrated a consistent inverse association between a high garlic intake and colorectal cancer. A mix of intervention trials and associations studies shown in Table 2.

Consumption of a garlic clove a day could be beneficial in preventing thrombosis, 1995

The effect of the consumption of a fresh clove of garlic on platelet thromboxane production was examined. A group of male volunteers in the age range 40-50 years participated in the study. Each volunteer consumed one clove (approximately 3 g) of fresh garlic daily for a period of 16 weeks. Each participant served as his own control. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2, a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2), cholesterol and glucose were determined in serum obtained after blood clotting. After 26 weeks of garlic consumption, there was an approximately 20% reduction of serum cholesterol and about 80% reduction in serum thromboxane. No change in the level of serum glucose was observed. Thus, it appears that small amounts of fresh garlic consumed over a long period of time may be beneficial in the prevention of thrombosis.

In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds

Aged Garlic Extract Prevents A Decline Of NK Cell Number And Activity In Patients With Advanced Cancer

In persons with inoperable tumors given either aged garlic extract (500mg daily) or placebo for six months, there was no apparent increase in quality of life associated with the garlic supplement yet an increase in both natural killer cell activity and content, although activity per cell was unchanged (so the increase in overall activity was just due to more natural killer cells).

It was noted that while 5 persons in placebo experienced a 25% decline in NK cell activity, none in the garlic group did. No increase in cortisol was noted despite an increase in control.

Examine.com, link

HDL-C - 

Garlic supplementation tends to increase HDL cholesterol in persons with cardiovascular disease risk reliably and in the range of 10-15% when looking at individual trials and by 1.49mg/dL (95% CI of 0.19-2.79mg/dL) as assessed by meta-analysis.

LDL-C - 

There appears to be a reliable and significant reduction in circulating LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic persons with garlic supplementation, and the magnitude of this change tends to be in the range of 10-20% (more potency in those with worse profiles at baseline)

Total Cholesterol - 

Garlic supplementation or the raw garlic bulb appears to reduce cholesterol (total cholesterol, mostly due to LDL reductions) reliably and in the range of 10-15%

Blood Pressure  - 

Garlic supplementation appears to reduce blood pressure, and the magnitude is quite respectable in persons with hypertension (around 10 points systolic or 8-10%) whereas there is a smaller but present reduction in persons with normal blood pressure.

Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis (2020)

The meta-analysis of 12 trials and 553 hypertensive participants confirmed that garlic supplements lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) by an average of 8.3±1.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, n=8 trials, n=374 subjects) by 5.5±1.9 mmHg, similarly to standard anti-hypertensive medications. This reduction in blood pressure was associated with a 16–40% reduction in the risk of suffering from cardiovascular events. 

Medicinal garlic throughout time

Researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell University studied the medicinal use of garlic throughout history. They found references to garlic in ancient texts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India.

For example, in ancient Greece and Rome, people considered garlic an aid to strength and endurance.

The original Olympic athletes in Greece ate garlic to improve their performance. The ancient Romans fed garlic to the soldiers and sailors.

Workers who built the pyramids in Egypt ate garlic. In fact, this is a theme throughout early history -- workers eating garlic to increase their strength.

Enhanced immune functions (link)

Subjects receiving aged garlic extract at 1800 mg a day for three weeks showed a 155.5% increase in natural killer immune cell activity that kills invaders and cancer cells. Other subjects receiving large amounts of fresh garlic of 35g a day, equivalent to 10 cloves, showed an increase of 139.9%. In six weeks, patients with AIDS receiving aged garlic extract showed an enhancement of natural killer cells from a seriously low level to a normal level.

Garlic Supplementation Reduces Circulating C-reactive Protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor, and Interleukin-6 in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2019)

Garlic doses ranged from 12 to 3600 mg/d, and intervention duration ranged from 2 to 52 wk. Garlic administration significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 13) (WMD: -0.61 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.12, -0.11, P = 0.018, I2 = 76.9%), IL-6 (n = 5) (WMD: -0.73 ng/L, 95% CI: -1.06, -0.40, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), and TNF (n = 7) (WMD: -0.26 ng/L, 95% CI: -0.41, -0.12, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), compared to controls. However, the effect of garlic supplementation on serum adiponectin (n = 3) (WMD: 0.18 µg/L, 95% CI: -0.21, 0.57, P = 0.35, I2 = 60.7%) and leptin (n = 2) (WMD: -1.25 µg/L, 95% CI: -2.64, 0.14, P = 0.07, I2 = 0.0%) concentrations were not significant. 

In this meta-analysis of RCTs, we found that garlic supplementation reduced serum concentrations of CRP, TNF, IL-6, but did not affect serum adiponectin and leptin in adults. More RCTs are needed to test the effects of garlic supplementation on inflammation.

Epidemiologic studies, preclinical investigations, and clinical trials support the role of garlic extract as a potent anticancer agent (Yedjou 2012; Miron 2008). Ajoene, a natural sulfur-containing compound extracted from garlic, has anti-leukemia properties (Yedjou 2012; Dirsch 2002; Ahmed 2001; Hassan 2004). Apart from inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in several leukemia cell lines, ajoene was able to induce apoptosis in myeloblasts from CLL patients. Moreover, ajoene profoundly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of two chemotherapeutic drugs (cytarabine and fludarabine) in chemotherapy-resistant human myeloid leukemia cells (Hassan 2004; Ahmed 2001). Allicin, another compound derived from garlic, was shown to induce apoptosis in a leukemia cell line in one study (Miron 2008). (link)

Vitamin, mineral, and specialty supplements and risk of hematologic malignancies in the prospective VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) study

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that nutrients from fruits and vegetables have chemoprotective effects on various cancers including hematologic malignancies, but the effects of nutritional supplements are poorly examined.

Methods: Herein, we prospectively evaluated the association of vitamin, mineral, and specialty supplements with incident hematologic malignancies in 66,227 men and women aged 50 to 76 years from Washington State recruited from year 2000 to 2002 to the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort study. Hematologic malignancies cases (n = 588) were identified through December 2008 by linkage to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. HRs and 95% CIs associated with supplement use were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: After adjustment, high use of garlic supplements [≥4 days per week for ≥3 years; HR = 0.55 (95% CI = 0.34-0.87); P(trend) = 0.028] and ever use of grape seed supplements [HR = 0.57 (95% CI = 0.37-0.88)] were inversely associated with hematologic malignancies in our models. In addition, high use (8-10 pill-years) of multivitamins was suggestive of an inverse association [HR = 0.80 (95% CI = 0.64-1.01)]. In contrast, no associations were observed for the remaining supplements.

Conclusions: These data indicate that the use of garlic and grape seed may be associated with reduced risk of hematologic malignancies.

Impact: This is the first cohort study to suggest a possible role of these supplements in the chemoprevention of hematologic malignancies.

Prolongation of life span and improved learning in the senescence accelerated mouse produced by aged garlic extract, 1994

The effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on longevity and learning and memory performances were studied in the senescence accelerated mouse (SAM). A solid diet containing 2% (w/w) AGE was given to SAM from 2 months of age. The survival ratio of SAM P8, senescence accelerated animals, treated with AGE was significantly higher than that of untreated controls. AGE, however, did not affect the life span of SAM R1, a senescence-resistant strain.

Garlic and Heart Disease, 2016

Three small-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated the positive effects of garlic on the progression of Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC), employing it as a surrogate marker for clinical endpoints (Budoff et al., 2004; Budoff et al., 2009; Zeb et al., 2012). These studies uniformly utilized the standardized Kyolic brand Aged Garlic Extract (KB AGE) at typical doses (e.g. 1.2g/day).

The first study by Budoff et al. (2004) indicated that among 23 patients with known coronary artery disease or high-risk patients (Framingham risk >20% over 10 years), KB AGE reduced the progression of CAC over a year compared to a placebo. Specifically, the progression rate was 7.5 ± 9.4% in the KB AGE group, whereas it was 22.2 ± 18.5% in the placebo group.

In a subsequent study, Budoff et al. (2009) achieved significant outcomes in a sample of 65 intermediate-risk patients (average age of 60 ± 9 years) with a Framingham risk of 10–20% and a baseline CAC greater than 30. The treatment involved KB AGE supplemented with vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin B-6, and L-arginine. Over a one-year follow-up period, the CAC progression was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (6.8% compared to 26.5%, P = 0.005).

Lastly, Zeb et al. (2012) conducted a study involving 65 asymptomatic, intermediate-risk men (average age 55 ± 6 years, baseline CAC >10), who were treated with KB AGE plus coenzyme Q10. The results after a year demonstrated a significantly lower mean CAC progression in the treatment group than in the placebo group (32 ± 6 compared with 58 ± 8, P = 0.01).

Given the connection between CAC progression and an elevated risk of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), and considering the evidence from these three studies indicating that garlic treatment reduces the progression rate of CAC, it is reasonable to hypothesize that garlic could help decrease IHD rates. However, it's important to highlight that while all three studies used KB AGE, two of them used additional treatments alongside KB AGE, which could potentially have influenced the outcomes.

In a 2020 study with 2.4g Aged Garlic Extract, the placebo group had a significantly increased annular CAC progression of 28% compared to the AGE supplement group (20%).  

The rate of increase in coronary artery calcium scoring, a marker for atherosclerosis, was measured in subjects taking an aged garlic product or placebo (2004). The mean change of the calcium score was significantly lower in subjects taking the active garlic product along with a trend towards improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and homocysteine levels.

Since then, studies using coronary CT angiography, a more advanced imaging modality, have been completed (2016). Over the course of a year, subjects consuming aged garlic extract experienced a significantly lower change in plaque compared to subjects taking a placebo. Using a different vascular assessment, the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) test, a group of subjects taking garlic powder tablets or placebo were studied (2013). After 3 months of treatment, CIMT differences existed with superior prevention of progression in the garlic group.

Garlic Consumption and All-Cause Mortality among Chinese Oldest-Old Individuals: A Population-Based Cohort Study (2019)

In vitro and in vivo experimental studies have shown garlic has protective effects on the aging process; however, there is no evidence that garlic consumption is associated with all-cause mortality among oldest-old individuals (≥80 years). From 1998 to 2011, 27,437 oldest-old participants (mean age: 92.9 years) were recruited from 23 provinces in China. The frequencies of garlic consumption at baseline and at age 60 were collected. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential covariates were constructed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) relating garlic consumption to all-cause mortality. Among 92,505 person-years of follow-up from baseline to September 1, 2014, 22,321 participants died. Participants who often (≥5 times/week) or occasionally (1–4 times/week) consumed garlic survived longer than those who rarely (less than once/week) consumed it (p < 0.001). Participants who consumed garlic occasionally or often had a lower risk for mortality than those who rarely consumed garlic at baseline; the adjusted HRs for mortality were 0.92(0.89–0.94) and 0.89(0.85–0.92), respectively. The inverse associations between garlic consumption and all-cause mortality were robust in sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses. In this study, habitual consumption of garlic was associated with a lower all-cause mortality risk; this advocates further investigation into garlic consumption for promoting longevity.