Effect of garlic on total serum cholesterol: a meta-analysis

• Objective: To assess the size and consistency of garlic's effect on total serum cholesterol in persons with cholesterol levels greater than 5.17mmol/L (200 mg/ dL). • Data Sources: Clinical trials were identified by a computerized literature search of MEDLINE and by an assessment of the bibliographies of published studies and reviews. • Study Selection: Trials were selected if they were randomized and placebo-controlled and if at least 75% of their patients had cholesterol levels greater than 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL). Studies were excluded if they did not provide enough data to compute effect size. Five of 28 studies were selected for review. • Data Extraction: Details of study design, patien