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 .
Aged garlic extract may be safe for patients on warfarin therapy.
Garlic has been known to have antiplatelet properties . Because of the lack of major clinical data regarding the safety of concomitant use of garlic supplements and anticoagulants , we decided to evaluate the safety of using garlic extract along with oral anticoagulation therapy . During this project we tested aged garlic extract ( AGE ) , a commercial garlic preparation , with warfarin ( Coumadin ) .  Sixty-six ( 66 ) patients were screened for a double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled pilot study . Fifty-two ( 52 ) patients were r and omized for the project . Forty-eight patients ( 30 men and 18 women , with a mean age of 56+/-10 years ) completed the study . Eighteen patients ( 14 before r and omization , 4 after r and omization ) were dropped from the study . The study medication ( AGE or placebo ) was administered at a dose of 5 mL twice a day for 12 wk . Potential bleeding and thromboembolic episodes were monitored . There was no evidence of increased hemorrhage in either the placebo or the AGE group . Adverse events included headache , fatigue , colds , and dizziness . However , no significant difference was found in the incidence of these minor adverse events between the groups . Thus , the adverse events are unlikely to be attributable to AGE . The results suggest that AGE is relatively safe and poses no serious hemorrhagic risk for closely monitored patients on warfarin oral anticoagulation therapy . Although the risk-benefit ratio of AGE use needs to be considered carefully when warfarin therapy is necessary , its positive effects may be beneficial to people with a high-risk background or who are taking cardiovascular medications
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 .