The Therapeutic Impact of Garlic (Allium Sativum) on Oxidative Stress Markers among Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Int J Prev Med. 2023 Jan 20:14:1. doi: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_229_21. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic supplementation on oxidative stress markers in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Eighty patients with PCOS were randomized and instructed to consume either garlic supplementation (800 mg/day) or a placebo (starch) for 8 weeks. They were also asked to avoid intake of any other supplement during the study. Oxidative stress-related markers including total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione, malondialdehyde concentrations, and anthropometric measures were assessed at baseline and end of the trial.

Results: Garlic supplementation resulted in significant improvement in catalase concentration (1.82 ± 9.28 vs. -1.55 ± 8.66; P value: 0.03), glutathione levels (29.15 ± 57.53 vs. 2.42 ± 77.51; P value: 0.048) as well as weight (-0.64 ± 1.94 vs. 0.11 ± 0.82; P value: 0.04), body mass index (BMI; -0.25 ± 0.75 vs. 0.05 ± 0.61; P value: 0.04), and waist circumference (-0.21 ± 0.77 vs. 0.02 ± 0.65; P value: 0.01). However, we failed to detect any significant change in hip circumference, waist to hip circumference ratio, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels between the two groups.

Conclusions: The present study indicates that garlic supplementation could be beneficial in improving oxidative stress and weight loss among PCOS women.

Keywords: Garlic; oxidative stress; polycystic ovary syndrome.