Background: This study aimed to illustrate the effect of garlic supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: From 2020 to 2021, a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 97 women with PCOS and MetS. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either garlic tablets (500 mg containing 2-3 mg allicin; n = 49) or placebo tablets (n = 48) twice daily for 8 weeks. The study assessed changes in MetS indices, quality of life (QoL), and sexual function before and after the intervention.
Results: After 8 weeks, the garlic group showed significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (FBS) by 10.5% (from 107.2 to 95.9 mg/dL; P < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) by 17.8% (P = 0.002), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 14.2% (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) by 12.6% (P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (CRP) by 24.7% (P < 0.001), compared to the placebo group. A significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels was also observed (18.3%; P = 0.005). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 5.2% and 6.1%, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001), and both weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). However, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) did not change significantly (P = 0.86). Notable improvements were also observed in all six domains of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)- desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (P < 0.05 for all). Moreover, significant enhancements were recorded in all domains of the Modified Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MPCOSQ), including hirsutism, acne, weight, infertility, menstrual, and emotional disturbances (P < 0.001 for all). The study's limitations include a relatively short follow-up period, lack of strict dietary control, and the omission of some relevant hormonal assays (e.g., androstenedione, DHEA, and DHEAS) due to budgetary constraints.
Conclusions: The results suggest that garlic supplementation may be an effective strategy for managing MetS markers in women with PCOS.
Trial registration: IRCT20150905023897N4, Registration date: 09/11/2019 ( https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/42316 ).
Keywords: Dyslipidemia; Gonadal steroid hormones; Inflammation; Insulin resistance; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Quality of life; Sexual function.
© 2025. The Author(s).