What is the recommended dosage for Garlic?

Fresh Garlic: 2-5g/day (1-2 cloves); Aged Garlic Extract: 600-1,200 mg/day; Allicin Standardized: 300-600 mg/day (5-12 mg allicin)

What are the side effects of Garlic?

Potential side effects include: Body odor and bad breath (less with AGE), Gastrointestinal discomfort (heartburn, nausea, gas), Increased bleeding risk, Allergic reactions (rare).

What is garlic and how may it support cardiovascular health?

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains allicin and other sulfur compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Meta-analyses show garlic supplementation may modestly reduce blood pressure (by approximately 5–8 mmHg systolic) and total cholesterol. Aged garlic extract has the most consistent clinical evidence.

What dosage of garlic has been studied for cardiovascular benefits?

Clinical trials have used 600–2,400 mg of aged garlic extract per day, or garlic powder at 600–900 mg daily. Kyolic aged garlic extract is the most commonly studied branded form. Studies lasted 4–24 weeks. Fresh garlic equivalent doses are approximately 4 grams (1 clove) daily.

What are the potential side effects of garlic supplements?

Common side effects include garlic breath, body odor, heartburn, and digestive upset. Garlic has antiplatelet effects and may increase bleeding risk, particularly with anticoagulants, aspirin, and NSAIDs. Discontinue garlic supplements at least 7 days before surgery. Aged garlic extract may cause fewer GI side effects than raw garlic.

Garlic

herb

Also known as: Aged Garlic Extract (AGE), Kyolic, Allium sativum, Allicin, S-Allylcysteine

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Garlic, particularly aged garlic extract (AGE), has extensive evidence for blood pressure reduction. A 2020 meta-analysis of 12 RCTs found garlic reduced systolic blood pressure by 8.3 mmHg — comparable to first-line antihypertensives. The AGE at Heart trial showed 2,400 mg/day AGE reduced coronary artery calcium progression by 80% in 65 firefighters over 1 year.

How It Works

Allicin and S-allylcysteine (SAC) in aged garlic extract inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis; enhance hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production promoting vasodilation; inhibit ACE and calcium channel activity reducing blood pressure; polysulfides activate TRPA1 channels on sensory nerves causing vasorelaxation; reduce platelet aggregation; antioxidant effects reduce ox-LDL formation.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)	A	12	550	View →

Side Effects

Body odor and bad breath (less with AGE)
Gastrointestinal discomfort (heartburn, nausea, gas)
Increased bleeding risk
Allergic reactions (rare)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk — discontinue 7 days before surgery)
Antiplatelet drugs (additive antiplatelet effect)
HIV protease inhibitors (saquinavir — reduced levels)
CYP3A4 substrates (may alter metabolism)
Blood pressure medications (additive hypotensive effect)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Berberine Curcumin Hawthorn Red Yeast Rice

Quick Facts

Dosage: Fresh_Garlic: 2-5g/day (1-2 cloves); Aged_Garlic_Extract: 600-1,200 mg/day; Allicin_Standardized: 300-600 mg/day (5-12 mg allicin)
Forms: capsule (aged extract) tablet softgel (oil) raw cloves powder
Natural Sources: Garlic cloves (fresh, aged, fermented)
Upper Limit: Not formally established; GI discomfort and body odor limit high doses
Best Time: With meals to reduce GI side effects; enteric-coated tablets for allicin delivery

Evidence Summary

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) A

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.