Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Allium species, particularly garlic (Allium sativum), have been studied for their potential cardiovascular benefits, including their effects on arteriosclerosis (the thickening and hardening of arterial walls). The use of garlic in traditional medicine for heart and vascular health is well-documented, but there is also a moderate body of scientific evidence supporting its role in reducing some risk factors associated with arteriosclerosis.

Multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that garlic supplementation can modestly reduce blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for arteriosclerosis. Garlic’s active compounds, such as allicin, are believed to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet effects, which may contribute to improved arterial health and reduced plaque formation. However, the magnitude of these effects is generally small, and results across studies are somewhat inconsistent. Most studies use standardized garlic extracts, and data on other Allium species (such as onions, leeks, or chives) are less robust.

While the overall evidence supports a potential benefit, it falls short of being definitive due to variations in study design, garlic preparations, and dosages. Therefore, Allium is considered to have a moderate (3/5) level of scientific evidence for supporting arteriosclerosis, with most of the data centering on garlic rather than unspecified Allium species.

More about Allium (unspecified)
More about Arteriosclerosis

Other ingredients used for Arteriosclerosis

Other health conditions supported by Allium (unspecified)

Products containing Allium (unspecified)