Effect of garlic [Allium Sativum] powder on lipid profile in patients of ischemic heart disease [IHD]

ABSTRACT

The effects of garlic [Allium Sativum] powder were studied on the lipid profile in patients of ischemic heart disease [I.H.D] and compared with gemfibrozil [Lopid], a standard lipid lowering agent. Twenty one patients of I.H.D. with raised lipid levels were administered 6 grams of garlic powder, in three divided doses, orally for four weeks. Seven patients of I.H.D. with raised lipid levels were given 1200 mg gemfibrozil orally per day in two doses for four weeks. Garlic powder reduced serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C more than gemfibrozil but the differences were non-significant [P>0.05]. Garlic powder increased the level of HDL-C more than gemfibrozil and the difference was significant [p<0.01]. No side effect specifically comparing with gemfibrozil was detected in the patients treated with garlic