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Garlic for Total Cholesterol Reduction
- Clare Stevinson, BSc, MSc;
- Max H. Pittler, MD; and
- Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, FRCP(Edin)
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IN RESPONSE:
Dr. Lawson rightly points out that the results of our meta-analysis refer only to the use of garlic supplements and not the consumption of garlic per se. The question of interest was whether garlic supplements reduce cholesterol levels in patients with elevated levels to the extent that these supplements might be considered a treatment option for hypercholesterolemia, as suggested by previous data (1). This question is a pertinent one, given that garlic supplements are marketed for that purpose. Our results indicated that supplements probably do not reduce total cholesterol levels to a clinically meaningful degree, but clearly this does not imply that eating garlic does not have health benefits. As discussed in our paper, systematic reviews of herbal medicines invariably combine data derived from different preparations. This can be problematic, not least because of the lack of bioavailability data for the possible active compounds of garlic. Dr. Lawson has presented interesting data to suggest that the conflicting results of clinical trials may be related to the quality and coating of the tablets (2). Although he points out that unlike other brands, the tablets used in most of the trials included in our analysis were not enteric-coated, it is worth noting that the efficacy of these other brands has not been demonstrated in rigorous clinical trials. It could also be mentioned that unlike other research, our work in this area is independent of commercial interests.
Clare Stevinson, BSc, MSc
Max H. Pittler, MD
Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, FRCP(Edin)
University of Exeter; Exeter EX2 4NT, United Kingdom
The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:
•Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references
•Type with double-spacing
•Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.
Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.
Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.
- Copyright ©2004 by the American College of Physicians
