role of garlic powder and gemfibrozil in lowering lipid levels in patients of diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

To study the effects of powdered garlic [Allium sativum] on the lipid profile of patients of diabetes mellitus with hyperlipedemia. DESIGN: Controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients fasting serum cholesterol levels of 280 mg/ 100 ml or more and /or triglyceride 180 mg / 100 ml or more were treated with powdered garlic at a dose of 6 grams/ day for four weeks. Gemfibrozil 1200 mg/day was used on seven patients for 4 weeks as standard drug for comparison. The data obtained showed a marked reduction in total serum lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL- Cholesterol levels while mean serum HDL - Cholesterol levels were significantly raised which was more marked with garlic as compared to gemfibrozil, CONCLUSIONS: Garlic power has got significant effect on lowering most of the serum lipids. HDL- C levels were raised with its use. In diabetic patients the beneficial effects of garlic powder are significant and economical