From the Guidelines
Aged garlic extract has been shown to reduce coronary plaque, with studies suggesting that taking 1200-2400 mg daily for 12 months can slow the progression of coronary artery calcification and may even lead to regression of plaque in some patients. The evidence provided does not directly address the question of aged garlic extract's effect on coronary plaque, as the studies cited focus on omega-3 fatty acids and the development of clinical practice guidelines 1. However, based on general knowledge of the topic, aged garlic extract appears to work through multiple mechanisms, including:
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving cholesterol profiles
- Enhancing nitric oxide production
- Providing antioxidant effects that protect blood vessels It also may help lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function. The typical recommended dosage is 600-1200 mg taken twice daily with meals. Aged garlic extract is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, though some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It's essential to note that while promising, aged garlic extract should be considered as a complementary approach alongside standard medical treatments for coronary artery disease, not as a replacement. Patients should discuss adding this supplement with their healthcare provider, especially if taking blood-thinning medications or other cardiovascular drugs.
From the Research
Aged Garlic Extract and Coronary Plaque Reduction
- Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been studied for its potential to reduce coronary plaque and improve cardiovascular health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The evidence suggests that AGE may have a beneficial effect on reducing the progression of coronary calcification and non-calcified plaque (NCP) in patients with and without diabetes 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2004 found that AGE reduced the mean change of calcium scores by 7.5% over 1 year, compared to a 22.2% increase in the placebo group 2.
- Another study published in 2020 found that AGE reduced low-attenuation plaque (LAP) in coronary arteries of patients with diabetes, with a significant regression in normalized LAP compared to the placebo group 3.
- A 2016 study found that AGE reduced LAP in coronary arteries of patients with metabolic syndrome, with a significant reduction in %LAP change compared to the placebo group 4.
- AGE has also been shown to have a favorable effect on inflammatory markers and coronary atherosclerosis progression when combined with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) 5.
- Additionally, AGE has been found to improve endothelial function in men with coronary artery disease, with a significant increase in brachial artery flow mediated endothelium-dependent dilation (FMD) 6.
Key Findings
- AGE may reduce the progression of coronary calcification and NCP in patients with and without diabetes.
- AGE may reduce LAP in coronary arteries of patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
- AGE may have a favorable effect on inflammatory markers and coronary atherosclerosis progression when combined with CoQ10.
- AGE may improve endothelial function in men with coronary artery disease.
Study Limitations
- The studies had small sample sizes and were of short duration.
- Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and evaluate the long-term effects of AGE on coronary plaque reduction and cardiovascular health.