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REVIEW
Can garlic-intake reduce the risk of cancer? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Article first published online: 8 NOV 2012
DOI: 10.1111/fct.12000
© 2012 The Authors FACT © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Issue
Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Volume 17, Issue 4, pages 192–196, December 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ernst, E. and Posadzki, P. (2012), Can garlic-intake reduce the risk of cancer? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 17: 192–196. doi: 10.1111/fct.12000
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 NOV 2012
- Article first published online: 8 NOV 2012
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Complementary and alternative medicine;
- dietary supplements;
- effectiveness;
- herbal medicine;
- systematic review
Abstract
Background
Many authors have explored the intriguing possibility that the regular intake of Allium sativum (garlic) might reduce cancer risk. Most of this evidence is based on epidemiological data which, by its very nature, may not be fully convincing in establishing causality.
Objective
To critically evaluate the evidence of effectiveness of garlic extract for reducing cancer risk.
Methods
Five electronic databases and the authors' own departmental files were searched for relevant studies. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they tested the effectiveness of garlic extracts or garlic compounds on cancer risk or related variables. The quality of included trials was determined using the Jadad score.
Results
Four eligible RCTs were identified. The quality of studies was mixed. The findings from these trials were not uniformly positive.
Conclusions
Evidence from RCTs lends little support to the notion that garlic reduces the risk of cancer.