Background: Diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are three major risk factors that lead to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Historically, there has been great interest in the role of garlic in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. In this study we evaluated effects of garlic tablet in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia.

Materials and method: A clinical trial (before and after) was performed in a group of 50 type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia (including 39 women, 11 men with serum cholesterol concentration greater than or equal to 220 mg/dl) to assess the effect of garlic powder tablet on blood glucose, lipid profiles and blood pressure. Each subject received tablets containing 300 mg of garlic powder (Garcin) 3 times per day for 6 weeks. Before and after the treatment, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and lipid profiles were measured. 24 hr dietary recalls were used to evaluate nutritional status of the patients.

Results: Our results indicate that 6 weeks supplementation with garlic powder tablets give rise to a significant decrease in total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and LDL-C (p < 0.001) but increase in HDL-C (p < 0.02). We observed a considerable decreased in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.03). There were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum triglycerides and HbAıc. Also there were no significant changes in diet composition.

Conclusion: 6 weeks treatment with garlic powder tablets significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure and increased HDL-C in type II diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Further studies are required to assess quality, efficacy and safety of this product.