Garlic reduces TC to a modest extent , an effect driven mostly by the modest reductions in TAG , without appreciable LDL lowering or HDL elevation .
Higher baseline line TC levels and the use of dietary modification may alter the effect of garlic on these parameters .
In order to determine the impact of  garlic on total cholesterol ( TC ) , TAG levels , as well as LDL and HDL  , and establish if any variables have an impact on the magnitude of this effect , a meta- analysis was conducted .
Does garlic alter the lipid pattern in normal volunteers?
Clinical trials have shown that garlic can reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels . No information , however , exist on its effects on normal lipid patterns . Therefore a r and omised , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the effects on blood lipids of 15 weeks ' medication of garlic ( 600 mg dried garlic powder per day , Kwai , Lichtwer Pharma Berlin , st and ardised on 1.3 % allicin ) in 68 normal volunteers . During a two week " wash-out " period all measurements were stable . There was a significant drop ( from 223 to 214mg/dl ) in total cholesterol after 10 weeks ' medication , triglycerides decreased numerically ( from 124 to 118mg/dl ) without reaching the level of significance . Blood pressure remained constant throughout . No changes occurred in the placebo group . It is concluded that the medication of garlic induces changes in blood lipids , even if these variables had been normal to start with
Garlic reduces TC to a modest extent , an effect driven mostly by the modest reductions in TAG , without appreciable LDL lowering or HDL elevation .
Higher baseline line TC levels and the use of dietary modification may alter the effect of garlic on these parameters .
In order to determine the impact of  garlic on total cholesterol ( TC ) , TAG levels , as well as LDL and HDL  , and establish if any variables have an impact on the magnitude of this effect , a meta- analysis was conducted .