The therapeutic impact of garlic (Allium Sativum) on oxidative stress markers among polycystic ovary syndrome patients: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial

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.