Effect of aged garlic extract on blood pressure and other cardiovascular markers in hypertensive patients and its relationship with dietary intake

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study evaluates the intake, tolerability and effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on cardiovascular markers (blood pressure, body composition, glycemic and lipid parameters), stool consistency and its relationship with dietary factors. Casuistry and MethodsThis is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 19 hypertensive volunteers. Participants were randomly treated daily with 1.2 g of AGE (1.2 mg of s-allylcysteine) or placebo for 12 weeks. Mixed model analysis was used to detect possible pressure, dietary and body changes, which were assessed every 4 weeks. At these times the consistency of the stool was also evaluated using the Bristol scale. The biological markers, collected before and after the experimental period (fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol) were analyzed using parametric tests. ResultsOnly the AGE group showed significant reductions in systolic levels at week 4 and 12. This pressure variation was correlated with the average intake of vitamin B12 and B9. An improvement in stool consistency was identified only in the experimental group. Modest reductions in biochemical markers were identified in the AGE group and a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin occurred in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in dietary and anthropometric variables in the treated groups. ConclusionThe 12-week intervention of 1.2 mg of AGE resulted in a decrease in systolic blood pressure and clinical improvements in stool consistency, glycemic parameters and low-density lipoprotein in hypertensive patients with treated but uncontrolled blood pressure. In addition, we found a correlation between the variation in blood pressure levels and the dietary intake of vitamins B9 and B12 in the group treated with AGE.