EFFECT OF ALLIUM SATIVUM ON LIPID PROFILE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH MODERATE HYPERLIPIDEMIA: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Introduction: CVD is the leading cause of death in women around the world. Garlic has been used as a therapeutic agent for many illnesses as evident from various studies. The lipid-lowering effects of garlic (Allium sativum) have been demonstrated in animal experiments and garlic?s efficacy in lowering lipid levels in humans has been the subject of randomized clinical trials. Scope of the Study, Objective: This Study was conducted to find out the efficacy of garlic in lowering lipid levels among postmenopausal women in Bangalore. Methodology: In this clinical trial 180 respondents willing to participate in intervention program, who met inclusion criteria, were divided into three groups, control (n=60), Exp-I (garlic eaters n=60) and Exp-II (non-garlic eaters n=60). 500 mg of dry garlic powder capsules two per day were given to the respondents for 12 weeks. Biochemical analysis for Cholesterol levels were measured in the standard laboratory before and after the study. Results: Mean age(53. 6?0.89) years. Both the experimental groups respond well to the intervention reduction in total cholesterol was (Exp-I 17%), (Exp-II 18%), LDL was (Exp-I 9.35%), (Exp-II 9.59%), HDL was (Exp-I; 5.9%), (Exp-II 6.8%), whereas Triglycerides were (Exp-I 7.3%) , (Exp-II 8.1%), the results are statistically significant at 1% level. However, changes in control group was found to be non-significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded that administration of allium sativus resulted in significant improvement of lipid level in postmenopausal women with hyperlipidemia.