Odourless Garlic
Also known as: Odourless garlic, aged garlic extract (AGE), garlic powder, garlic supplements, Allium sativum
Overview
Odourless garlic supplements are derived from the bulbs of Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic. These supplements undergo specific processing methods, such as aging or extraction, to reduce or eliminate the characteristic strong odor associated with raw garlic. This processing stabilizes key bioactive sulfur compounds, particularly S-allylcysteine (SAC), which are responsible for many of garlic's therapeutic effects. Odourless garlic is primarily utilized for its benefits in cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and lipid regulation, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. It also shows promise in metabolic health, such as glucose regulation. The 'odourless' formulation significantly improves user compliance by mitigating issues like garlic breath and gastrointestinal discomfort often linked with raw garlic consumption. Research on odourless garlic is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, particularly in the areas of blood pressure reduction and inflammation.
Benefits
Odourless garlic offers several evidence-based health benefits, primarily in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory domains. The most robust evidence supports its role in blood pressure reduction: a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 553 hypertensive subjects demonstrated that garlic supplements can lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 8.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by about 5 mmHg over at least two months. These reductions are clinically significant for reducing cardiovascular risk. Regarding lipid profiles, meta-analyses indicate modest reductions in total cholesterol (around 17 mg/dL), though effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol are inconsistent across studies. Furthermore, garlic supplementation, especially with aged garlic extract, has been shown to reduce circulating inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), highlighting its anti-inflammatory effects. While some animal studies suggest potential hypoglycemic effects, human data are less conclusive. The benefits are most pronounced in hypertensive adults, with effects typically observed after 2 to 24 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Garlic's therapeutic effects stem from its rich array of sulfur compounds, including allicin and S-allylcysteine (SAC). These compounds exert their effects through multiple biological pathways. They contribute to vasodilation by influencing nitric oxide pathways and can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), both mechanisms contributing to blood pressure reduction. Garlic compounds also possess significant antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. Furthermore, they modulate the immune system by influencing inflammatory cytokines, specifically by downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways like NF-κB, which leads to reduced levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP and TNF-α. Odourless garlic preparations, particularly aged garlic extract, enhance the bioavailability of stable compounds like SAC, ensuring more consistent absorption and delivery of active ingredients compared to the unstable allicin found in raw garlic.
Side effects
Odourless garlic supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used within recommended dosages (300-2,400 mg/day). Common side effects, though mild and infrequent, primarily include gastrointestinal discomfort. The processing into an 'odourless' form significantly reduces the likelihood of garlic breath and other odor-related issues often associated with raw garlic. Uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence) may include mild allergic reactions or skin rashes. A rare but significant concern (<1% incidence) is an increased risk of bleeding, particularly in individuals taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs, due to garlic's inherent antiplatelet effects. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery. Odourless garlic may also interact with antihypertensive medications, potentially leading to an additive blood pressure-lowering effect. Data on its safety during pregnancy and in children are limited, so it is generally recommended to avoid or use with caution in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for odourless garlic is approximately 600 mg per day of standardized garlic powder or an equivalent amount of aged garlic extract. Optimal dosage ranges from 600 to 2,400 mg per day, typically divided into multiple doses, depending on the specific preparation and the desired health outcome. Clinical trials have shown doses up to 2,400 mg per day to be safe; however, higher doses should be approached with caution. It is generally recommended to take odourless garlic supplements with meals to enhance tolerability and absorption. For consistent efficacy, it is crucial to use preparations standardized for active compounds like allicin or S-allylcysteine (SAC). Aged garlic extract is often preferred due to its enhanced bioavailability of stable compounds. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, but general nutritional status can influence overall health outcomes.
FAQs
Is odourless garlic as effective as raw garlic?
Yes, odourless garlic, especially aged garlic extract, retains its bioactive compounds and demonstrates similar or even improved efficacy compared to raw garlic, with the added benefit of better tolerability due to reduced odor and gastrointestinal side effects.
How long does it take to see the effects of odourless garlic?
Improvements in blood pressure and inflammatory markers are typically observed after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. For some benefits, effects may become noticeable within 2 to 24 weeks.
Can odourless garlic replace blood pressure medications?
No, odourless garlic supplements should not replace prescribed antihypertensive medications. While they can complement existing treatments and contribute to blood pressure management, any changes to medication should only be made under strict medical supervision.
Is odourless garlic safe for long-term use?
Studies up to 6 months have shown good safety and tolerability for odourless garlic. While longer-term data are somewhat limited, no major safety concerns have been reported with extended use within recommended dosages.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6966103/ – This meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 553 hypertensive adults found that garlic supplementation significantly lowered systolic blood pressure by 8.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 5 mmHg over at least two months. The study highlights garlic's significant effect in hypertensive individuals, despite some heterogeneity in garlic preparations used across trials.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/garlic.html – This source provides a summary of meta-analyses on garlic, including its effects on lipid profiles. It indicates modest reductions in total cholesterol (around 17 mg/dL) but notes inconsistent effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol across 39 studies involving 2,298 adults with hypercholesterolemia. The quality of included studies varied, with a prioritization of placebo-controlled RCTs.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32673835/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials investigated garlic's anti-inflammatory effects. It concluded that garlic supplementation, particularly aged garlic extract, significantly reduces circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicating its anti-inflammatory properties. The study noted variability in dose and formulations, with limited data on IL-6.
Supplements Containing Odourless Garlic
Odourless Garlic 2 mg
Simply Supplements
High Strength Odourless Garlic 500 mg
Simply Supplements
Odourless Garlic Oil 15000 mg
WeightWorld
Odourless Garlic Oil 15000 mg
WeightWorld
New Roots Herbal Candida Stop
New Roots Herbal
Candida SAP
NFH