Garli-Eze
Also known as: Garli-Eze, Garlic extract, aged garlic extract (AGE), garlic powder, garlic oil, Allium sativum
Overview
Garli-Eze is a dietary supplement derived from *Allium sativum*, commonly known as garlic. It is typically standardized to contain bioactive sulfur compounds such as allicin or components of aged garlic extract. These supplements are primarily utilized for their potential benefits in cardiovascular health, liver support, metabolic regulation, and cancer risk reduction. Garlic supplements are available in various formulations, including powder, oil, and aged extract, with the specific form influencing bioavailability and therapeutic effects. Research on garlic supplements is extensive, featuring numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, indicating a moderate to high quality of evidence for several of its purported benefits.
Benefits
Garlic supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits. It has been shown to modulate liver enzymes, with a meta-analysis indicating a significant reduction in Aspartate Transaminase (AST) levels (Hedges' g = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.004, p=0.047), suggesting liver protective effects, though effects on Alanine Transaminase (ALT) were not significant. For non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, garlic supplementation significantly improves hepatic steatosis and metabolic parameters, including ALT, AST, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar, with a relative risk reduction in hepatic steatosis of 2.75 times compared to placebo (RR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.79-4.23, p<0.001). Furthermore, some RCTs suggest garlic can reduce BMI and improve lipid profiles in individuals with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, particularly in interventions shorter than 12 weeks. Observational studies also link garlic intake to a lower risk of gastrointestinal cancers, especially gastric cancer (OR=0.65, 95% CI=0.49-0.87, p<0.001), although evidence for colorectal cancer is less consistent.
How it works
Garlic's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its bioactive sulfur compounds, such as allicin and S-allyl cysteine. These compounds exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering actions within the body. They modulate liver enzyme activity, reduce oxidative stress, and improve lipid metabolism by influencing various metabolic pathways related to glucose and lipid homeostasis. Additionally, these compounds may induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in cancer cells, contributing to its potential anti-cancer properties. The bioavailability and stability of these active compounds vary significantly depending on the preparation, with aged garlic extract generally providing more stable and bioavailable forms compared to raw garlic.
Side effects
Garlic supplements are generally considered safe, with most reported side effects being mild. The most common adverse reactions include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea, as well as body odor or bad breath. No significant severe adverse effects have been reported in analyzed randomized controlled trials, even at daily doses up to several grams. However, garlic possesses antiplatelet effects, which means it can thin the blood. This property leads to potential interactions with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using garlic supplements. It is generally contraindicated for use immediately prior to surgical procedures due to the increased bleeding risk.
Dosage
Effective dosages for garlic supplements vary widely depending on the specific formulation (e.g., aged garlic extract, powder, oil) and the targeted health condition, ranging from 80 mg to 6000 mg daily in studies. For liver and metabolic benefits, trials commonly use aged garlic extract at doses between 600-1200 mg per day. The timing of administration and the specific formulation significantly influence absorption and overall efficacy. While there is no officially established maximum safe dose, higher doses are associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing mild side effects like gastrointestinal upset. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for any adverse reactions.
FAQs
Is Garli-Eze effective for liver health?
Yes, evidence supports that garlic supplementation can reduce AST levels and improve markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including hepatic steatosis and lipid profiles.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Generally, garlic supplements are considered safe for long-term use. However, individuals on anticoagulant medications should monitor for bleeding risk and consult their doctor due to garlic's antiplatelet effects.
How quickly can I expect to see benefits?
Benefits on liver enzymes and metabolic parameters, such as cholesterol and blood sugar, often become noticeable within 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does it help reduce cancer risk?
Observational studies suggest that regular garlic intake is associated with a reduced risk of certain gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric cancer.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32135032/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (n=301) investigated garlic's effect on liver enzymes. It found a significant reduction in AST levels (Hedges' g = -0.36, p=0.047) but no significant effect on ALT. The study noted moderate heterogeneity and limitations due to small sample sizes and varied garlic preparations.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36576698/ – A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n=186 NAFLD patients) demonstrated that garlic supplementation significantly improved liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and reduced the risk of hepatic steatosis (RR=2.75, p<0.001). Limitations included the small number of studies and moderate quality of evidence.
- https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1024/0300-9831/a000607 – This meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (approx. n=680) explored garlic's metabolic effects, showing significant BMI reduction in short-term trials (<12 weeks) and improvements in lipid profiles. The study highlighted heterogeneity in populations and garlic forms, with some trials combining garlic with other interventions.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ol.2022.13245 – A meta-analysis of observational studies on garlic intake and gastrointestinal cancer risk revealed a significant reduction in gastric cancer risk (OR=0.65, p<0.001). However, results for colorectal cancer were inconsistent, and potential publication bias and geographic variations were noted as limitations.
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