Effect of garlic on plasma lipid profile of hyperlipidaemic patients-role of insulin

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work is to study the effect of garlic on lipid profile and serum insulin in hyperlipidaemic patients. The study was performed on 30 hyperlipidaemic patients and 15 healthy volunteers. Garlic was given in a dose of 600 mg daily over a period of 6 weeks and blood samples were analyzed initially, after 3 weeks and after 6 weeks. Hyperlipidaemic patients were subgrouped according to their age [below or above 45 years] and according to their clinical manifestations. Best responses were obtained from the young group and the coronary artery disease group, where serum triglyceride dropped and serum HDL rose to significant levels. Serum cholesterol and LDL levels did not show significant falls with different clinical presentations. Serum insulin concentration dropped in the young group and the coronary artery disease group. Insulin is known to promote an atherogenic lipid profile. The fall in insulin concentration [though not statistically significant] could be a factor contributing to the hyperlipidaemic effect of garlic therapy. This needs further investigation to clarify, whether or not, insulin could play a role in the hyperlipidaemic effect of garlic therapy