Research synthesisModerate evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 4 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 4 meta-analyses, all 4 reported statistically significant moderate beneficial effects of garlic supplementation on reducing total cholesterol (TC). The predominant effect size is moderate, with reductions ranging from approximately 8–14 mg/dL or 0.4–0.6 mmol/L compared to placebo. Most studies focused on clinical populations with metabolic conditions (e.g., metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes), though dose and form data were not available.
- Studied populations: Adults with metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). All four studies are meta-analyses, but the most recent (2026) is a review with a low evidence score; the highest-quality meta-analysis (2023) shows a moderate effect. Doses, forms, and study durations were not consistently reported, limiting the ability to specify an optimal regimen.
Generated Jun 13, 2026