The Effects of Garlic on Cardiovascular Diseases
Garlic is one of the most widely used medicinal plants worldwide, both as part of the daily diet and for disease prevention and treatment. Throughout history, garlic has been considered an important plant by major civilizations. In Ancient Egypt, laborers constructing the pyramids were given garlic to enhance their strength and endurance. Many diseases were also treated with garlic in this region. During the first Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, athletes consumed garlic before competing. Evidence from Ancient Chinese and Japanese civilizations shows that garlic was used for various conditions such as indigestion, respiratory complaints, depression, and erectile dysfunction in men.
During the Middle Ages, garlic played a significant role in combating epidemic diseases such as cholera and plague. It is known that physicians at the time soaked their masks in garlic extract before examining patients. During World War II, Russian soldiers were given garlic and used it on wounds to prevent infection.
A study conducted in Turkey reported that the frequency of using complementary approaches against cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was 84.4%, and that parsley and garlic were the most commonly preferred herbal options for symptom control. Although originally native to Asia, garlic is now widely cultivated around the world, with an annual global production of 25 million tons as of 2014. Garlic has demonstrated a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing actions. These effects are primarily attributed to its high concentration of organosulfur compounds (OSCs).
Fresh garlic contains approximately 63% water, 28% carbohydrates (fructans), 2.3% organosulfur compounds, 2% protein (alliinase), 1.2% free amino acids (arginine), and 1.5% fiber. It also contains high levels of γ-glutamylcysteine. Cardiovascular diseases are typically characterized by vascular pathology resulting from atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and elevated blood pressure. Individuals with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, high LDL, low HDL, and hypertriglyceridemia are more vulnerable to CVD. Early diagnosis is crucial for prevention and treatment. Treatment strategies include physician-guided medications, dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications (such as daily walking), and interventional procedures when significant vascular stenosis is present. Given the known cardiovascular benefits of garlic, incorporating it into dietary guidance is a reasonable approach.
Garlic is widely popular among the general population for cardiovascular health. Many individuals consume garlic to lower blood pressure and reduce blood viscosity. Several studies also indicate that garlic may help break down existing deposits in blood vessels. Garlic exerts cardioprotective effects by lowering blood pressure, acting as a vasodilator, reducing cholesterol synthesis, decreasing platelet aggregation, and increasing the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes. The fact that garlic aligns with dietary habits in Turkey and has known antihypertensive and antiaggregant properties increases public interest in its use.
Studies conducted in Turkey, Canada, and European countries have also shown that garlic is the most commonly used complementary approach in cardiology. Heart diseases—especially heart attacks—remain the leading cause of death across all age groups. Ongoing research in the field of cardiovascular health, particularly nutritional studies, suggests that garlic may reduce the risk of CVD through its beneficial effects.
