Conclusion: Conclusion: There is moderate to high level of evidence from randomized controlled trials that the Ayurvedic herbs guggulu, garlic, and black cumin are moderately effective for reducing hypercholesterolemia. In addition, minimal evidence was found for any side effects associated with these herbs, positioning them as safe adjuvants to conventional treatments.
PubMed 34071454 ↗Garlic
People mainly take Garlic for heart & lipids, immunity, libido. Based on 55 first-hand reports and 142 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #290 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 79% are positive.
What Garlic does, according to users
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
4 more with fewer than 3 reports
What the research says
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: It also can increase the levels of HDL-c and can improve cardiovascular parameters such as coronary artery calcium, microcirculation, epicardial and periaortic adipose tissue, post occlusive reactive hyperemia, low attenuation plaque, carotid intima-media thickness; and carotid intima-media thickness. Due to these reasons, garlic can be considered in the prevention and treatment of CVD risk factors.
PubMed 35193446 ↗Conclusion: Numerous interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drugs have been documented. While the significance of many interactions is uncertain, several interactions, particularly those with St John's wort, may have serious clinical consequences.
PubMed 19719333 ↗Conclusion: We found 28 clinical studies evaluating garlic, turmeric, red peppers, broccoli sprouts, cranberry juice, honey, oils, and probiotics contained in different foods, such as juices, yogurt, and cheese. The existing literature presents a high risk of bias, and results of the same should be evaluated and replicated with precaution; more rigorous clinical studies are lacking.
PubMed 34989280 ↗Dosage people report
As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
Reported side effects
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
What users say
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“I also take D3, garlic and zinc that have proven effect in boosting immune system”
“Allicin (Garlic) (antimicrobial”
“I second the garlic recommendation. I started taking it recently and my chronic pain has diminished.”
“the only things i've tried that shrinks them are lysine, melatonin, erythritol, lycopene, b-vitamins, and garlic.”
“Ever since taking Garlic everyday I have never had cold 4 years and counting”
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Other options for heart & lipids
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate