Research

At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives, so they are clinically proven to work.

We aim for each supplement to be scientifically supported by multiple randomised placebo-controlled studies. All clinical trial studies we use to support our supplements are undertaken on human patients, using the exact same dosage and formulation of the product. The scientific studies are published in peer review journals.

What can Bergamot do for you?

Research is now showing that the four specific polyphenols in high strength organic bergamot fruit extract provide effective support for managing weight and cholesterol, by binding to bad fats in the gut.

Naringin, Neohesperidin, Melitidine and Bruteridin are the primary bioactives in bergamot. We know they’re most effective at a concentration of 35% so that’s what you’ll find in our Metabolic Gold supplement.

Research has shown that these bioactives directly block cholesterol production. They also influence the enzymes in the liver when processing fats, without causing interactions with conventional medications. Studies have shown that using Bergamot extract alongside a statin enables the statins to be effective at lower doses.If you’d like for more information on the available evidence which details and supports the efficacy of bergamot, follow the links below.

The Studies

The scientific studies to support our claims on bergamot are published in the following peer review journals:

Study: Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia by Gliozzi M et al, 2013 RCT Randomised placebo controlled 77 Human participants. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of an enhanced effect of bergamot-derived polyphenolic fraction (BPF) on rosuvastatin-induced hypolipidemic and vasoprotective response in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia.

The authors concluded that the addition of BPF to rosuvastatin significantly enhanced the effect of rosuvastatin on serum lipemic profile, compared to rosuvastatin alone. This lipid-lowering effect was associated with significant reductions of biomarkers used for detecting oxidative vascular damage, suggesting a multi-action enhanced potential for BPF in patients on statin therapy.

Study: Bergamot Reduces Plasma Lipids, Atherogenic Small Dense LDL, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: 6 Months Prospective Study by Peter P. Toth et al, 2016 RCT Randomised placebo controlled 80 Human participants.

The aim of this study was to fully investigate the effects of a Bergamot extract on cardio-metabolic parameters, including plasma lipids, atherogenic lipoproteins and subclinical atherosclerosis. The authors concluded that bergamot fruit extract supplementation significantly reduced plasma lipids and improved the lipoprotein profile. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was also reduced significantly over a relatively short time frame of 6 months.

Study: Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic effects of a New Lecithin Formulation of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction: A Double Blind Randomised, PLacebo Controlled Study by V. MOLLACE ET AL, 2018 Randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial 60 human participants.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of standard bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF®) as well as of its phytosomal formulation (BPF Phyto), in patients with type 2 DM and hyperlipemia.

Conclusions

In the groups receiving BPF and BPF Phyto, a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides accompanied by increased HDL cholesterol was observed. This effect was associated with significant reduction of small dense atherogenic LDL particles, as detected by means of proton NMR Spectroscopy, thus confirming the hypolipemic and hypoglycemic effect of bergamot extract both when using standard formulation as well as BPF Phyto.

Study: The Effect of Bergamot derived Polyphenolic Fraction on LDL Small Dense Particles and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Metabolic syndrome. Micaela Gliozzi, Cristina Carresi, Vincenzo Musolino, Ernesto Palma, Carolina Muscoli, Cristiana Vitale, Santo Gratteri, Giuseppe Muscianisi, Elzbieta Janda, Saverio Muscoli, Francesco Romeo, Salvatore Ragusa, Rocco Mollace, Ross Walker, James Ehrlich, Vincenzo Mollace*Randomised, placebo controlled 107 human participants

Results

In this study, the group receiving BPF 650 mg twice a day showed a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides alongside with an increase of HDL cholesterol. This effect was accompanied by significant reduction of both ultrasonographic and metabolic biomarkers of NAFLD. Moreover, a significant reduction of small dense LDL particles, as detected via proton NMR Spectroscopy, was found.

Study: THE EFFECT OF BERGAMOT ON PLASMA LIPIDS, LIPOPROTEINS AND CAROTID INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS. The results of this clinical trial have not been published yet, however the high sample size (160 participants) is particularly interesting.

Abstract

The research hypothesis is to assess whether bergamot reduces plasma lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol), atherogenic lipoproteins, carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and liver steatosis in patients with dyslipidemia.

At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives, so they are clinically proven to work.

We aim for each supplement to be scientifically supported by multiple randomised placebo-controlled studies. All clinical trial studies we use to support our supplements are undertaken on human patients, using the exact same dosage and formulation of the product. The scientific studies are published in peer review journals.

What can Turmeric do for you?

Research is now showing that the bioactives in turmeric have produced significantly beneficial effects on joint and muscle discomfort and long term joint conditions, as well as sports performance and recovery.

Curcuminoids are the primary bioactives in turmeric. We know they’re most effective at a concentration of 95% so that’s what you’ll find in our Natruflex supplement. Curcuminoids are chemicals that are bioactive, which means they influence biochemical systems in the body. There are seven curcuminoid-type compounds in turmeric, and curcumin is just one of them.If you’d like for more information on the available evidence which details and supports the efficacy of turmeric, follow the links below.

The Studies

The scientific studies to support our claims on turmeric are published in the following peer review journals:

Study: A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis by Chandran B et al, 2012— RCT Randomised placebo controlled, 45 Human participants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of curcumin alone, and in combination with diclofenac sodium in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that patients in all three treatment groups showed statistically significant changes in their Disease Activity Score (DAS) scores.

Interestingly, the curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvement. Their results were significantly better than the patients in the diclofenac sodium group. More importantly, curcumin treatment was found to be safe and did not relate with any adverse events.

Study: Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis by Kuptniratsaikul V et al, 2009— RCT Randomised placebo controlled,— 107 Human participants— P value: 0.016.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis.The authors concluded that C. domestica extracts seem to be similarly efficacious and as safe as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee OA.

Study: Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of tumeric (Curcuma longa) by Chainani-Wu N, 2003.

The aim of this study was to summarise the literature on the safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin. A large number of studies on curcumin were identified. These included studies on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties of curcuminoids.

The laboratory studies have identified a number of different molecules involved in inflammation that are inhibited by curcumin including phospholipase, lipooxygenase, cyclooxygenase 2, leukotrienes, thromboxane, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interferon-inducible protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-12 (IL-12).

Curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe in six human trials and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. It may exert its anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation.

Study: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) in patients with postoperative inflammation by Satoskar RR et al, 1986

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) in comparison with phenylbutazone and a placebo.

Phenylbutazone and curcumin produced a better anti-inflammatory response than the placebo.

Glossary of Terms

There are a few key terms to be aware of when reviewing these studies:

Randomised clinical trial: A clinical trial in which the participants are assigned randomly (by chance alone) to different treatments.

Double-blind study: A study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment. This procedure is utilized to prevent bias in research results.

Double-blind studies are particularly useful for preventing bias due to demand characteristics or the placebo effect.

Placebo: An inactive treatment used in a clinical trial, sometimes referred to as a “sugar pill.” A placebo-controlled trial compares a new treatment with a placebo, in order to give greater confidence that the result is only due to the test/active ingredient.

P-value: The probability of obtaining the observed results of a test. The lower the p-value is, the more confident we can be of a true result. For example, a p- value of 0.001 confirms a result as 99.9% accurate.

At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives, so they are clinically proven to work.

We aim for each supplement to be scientifically supported by multiple randomised placebo-controlled studies. All clinical trial studies we use to support our supplements are undertaken on human patients, using the exact same dosage and formulation of the product. The scientific studies are published in peer review journals.

What can olive leaf do for you?

Research is now showing that Olive Leaf with Elenolic Acid (ELA) is a safe and effective natural supplement which has been clinically proven to help protect and support your immune system.

It can be taken either to help prevent you getting ill or during periods of illness to aid recovery. Olive leaf that is grown in optimum climatic conditions, such as in Northern Spain, has been shown to contain unusually high active oleuropein levels which are then converted to a high concentration of the bioactive elenolic acid (ELA).

ELA is the primary bioactive in our Olive Leaf supplement. We know it’s most effective at a concentration of 4% so that’s what you’ll find in our supplement. If you’d like for more information on the available evidence which details and supports the efficacy of olive leaf, follow the links below.

 The Studies

The scientific studies to support our claims on olive leaf and elenolic acid are published in the following peer review journals:

Role of oleic acid in immune system; mechanism of action; a review by Carrillo C et al, 2012. The aim of this study was to collate all the reports available in order to analyse as well as summarise all the knowledge concerning oleic acid.

The authors concluded that oleic acid could be reported as an anti-inflammatory fatty acid playing a role in the activation of different pathways of immune competent cells.

Effect of an Olive Leaf Extract compared to a placebo on Cold and Flu Symptoms in an Adult Population (A DB, RCT. Briskey D et al. 2019). The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an olive leaf extract (standardised for elenolic acid) on reducing cold and flu duration and severity in otherwise healthy adults aged over 18 years, compared to a placebo.

Glossary of Terms

There are a few key terms to be aware of when reviewing these studies:

Randomised clinical trial: A clinical trial in which the participants are assigned randomly (by chance alone) to different treatments.

Double-blind study: A study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment. This procedure is utilized to prevent bias in research results. Double-blind studies are particularly useful for preventing bias due to demand characteristics or the placebo effect.

Placebo: An inactive treatment used in a clinical trial, sometimes referred to as a “sugar pill.” A placebo-controlled trial compares a new treatment with a placebo, in order to give greater confidence that the result is only due to the test/active ingredient.

P-value: The probability of obtaining the observed results of a test. The lower the p-value is, the more confident we can be of a true result. For example, a p- value of 0.001 confirms a result as 99.9% accurate.

At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives, so they are clinically proven to work.

We aim for each supplement to be scientifically supported by multiple randomised placebo-controlled studies. All clinical trial studies we use to support our supplements are undertaken on human patients, using the exact same dosage and formulation of the product. The scientific studies are published in peer review journals.

What can Saffron do for you?

Research is now showing that a variety of mental health conditions are affected by the health of the gut, not just the central nervous system. Saffron helps reduce the reactivity of the nervous system to stress because it helps the body to cope better, sleep better and react better to nervousness and mood imbalance. 

Safranal is the primary bioactive in saffron. We know it’s most effective at a concentration of 3.5% so that’s what you’ll find in our Saffrosun supplement.Saffron has multiple polyphenolic and flavonoid bioactives within its flower. It has three bioactives that are carotenoid type compounds, related to the carotenoids found in carrots, but with a different chemical structure.The primary bioactives are Safranal, Crocin, and Picrocrocin and are compounds with multiple effects on different bodily systems. Research shows that saffron bioactives work on serotonin production in the gut, where 90% of the happy hormone is produced.

If you’d like for more information on the available evidence which details and supports the efficacy of saffron, follow the links below.

The Studies

The scientific studies to support our claims on saffron are published in the following peer review journals:

Study: The Effects of a Saffron Extract on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study 12-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial 86 female participants.

The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability and efficacy of a standardised saffron extract on menopausal complaints in perimenopausal women.Based on data collected from 82 participants, saffron was associated with greater improvements in mood and psychological symptoms compared to the placebo.

There was also a significantly greater reduction in the PANAS negative affect score (P = 0.043) compared to the placebo. Saffron intake was well tolerated with no reported major adverse events.

The authors concluded that the saffron extract, administered for 12 weeks at a dose of 14 mg twice daily was associated with greater improvements in psychological symptoms.

Further studies in perimenopausal women presenting with varying severity of menopausal symptoms, using different doses of saffron will be useful to examine in future clinical trials.

Study: Comparison of petal of Crocus sativus L. and fluoxetine in the treatment of depressed outpatients: a pilot DB RCT by Akhondzadeh Basti A et al, 2007RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 40 Human participants— P value: <0.0001.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of petal of C. sativus with fluoxetine in the treatment of depressed outpatients in an 8-week pilot double-blind randomized trial.

The authors concluded that the petal of C. sativus was found to be similarly effective as fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression and the study is supportive of other clinical trial studies which demonstrate the antidepressant effect of C. sativus.

Study: A DB, RCT, placebo-controlled trial of saffron stigma (Crocus sativus L.) in mothers suffering from mild-to-moderate postpartum depression by Tabeshpour J et al, 2017— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 60 Human participants— P value: <0.01.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mothers suffering from mild-to-moderate postpartum depressive disorder (PPD).The authors concluded that the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) when administered to treat minor PPD in breastfeeding mothers, had a more significant impact on the BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition) than the placebo.

Study: Crocin, the main active saffron constituent, as an adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder: RCT, DB, pilot clinical trial by Talaei A et al, 2014— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 40 Human participants— P value: <0.0001.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of crocin, the main active constituent of saffron, as an adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD).The authors concluded that the effect of crocin had a positive impact of symptoms of depression and could be considered for administration in the treatment of in MDD.

Study: A DB, RCT and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression by Mazidi M et al, 2016— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 60 Human participants— P value: <0.001.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of saffron extract for the treatment of anxiety and depression using a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design.The authors concluded that saffron supplements had a significantly positive effect on the BDI and BAI scores of subjects in comparison to the placebo, and that saffron appears to have a significant impact in the treatment of anxiety and depression disorder.

Study: Efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) in treatment of major depressive disorder associated with post-menopausal hot flashes: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 60 Human participants— P value: <0.001.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus) in treatment of major depressive disorder associated with post-menopausal hot flashes.Fifty-six patients completed the trial.

Results from this study revealed that saffron is a safe and effective treatment in improving hot flashes and depressive symptoms in post-menopausal healthy women. On the other hand, saffron, with fewer side effects, may provide a non-hormonal and alternative herbal medicine option in treatment of women with hot flashes.

Study: An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD (published 14 Jan 2022)— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 102 Human participants— P value: <0.001.

The aim of this study was to assess the the effect of saffron extract on sleep quality and melatonin concentrations in participants with poor sleep quality. The active treatment contained 14 mg (low-dose) or 28 mg (high-dose) of saffron product, standardized to more than 3.5% lepticrosalides, a measure of the bioactive compounds in saffron (including safranal and crocin isomers). The placebo tablets contained microcrystalline cellulose and calcium hydrogen phosphate.

All participants took one tablet daily, one hour before bedtime, with or without food, for 28 days. Forty participants were randomly assigned each to the low-dose saffron extract, high-dose saffron extract, and placebo groups.

The authors concluded that saffron extract supplementation was associated with improved sleep quality ratings and mood upon awakening and increases in evening salivary melatonin concentrations in participants with poor sleep quality.

Glossary of Terms

There are a few key terms to be aware of when reviewing these studies:

Randomised clinical trial: A clinical trial in which the participants are assigned randomly (by chance alone) to different treatments.

Double-blind study: A study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment. This procedure is utilized to prevent bias in research results.

Double-blind studies are particularly useful for preventing bias due to demand characteristics or the placebo effect.

Placebo: An inactive treatment used in a clinical trial, sometimes referred to as a “sugar pill.” A placebo-controlled trial compares a new treatment with a placebo, in order to give greater confidence that the result is only due to the test/active ingredient.

P-value: The probability of obtaining the observed results of a test. The lower the p-value is, the more confident we can be of a true result. For example, a p- value of 0.001 confirms a result as 99.9% accurate.

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI, BDI-1A, BDI-II): A 21-question multiple-choice self-report inventory created by Aaron T. It’s one of the most widely used psychometric tests for measuring the severity of depression.

At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives, so they are clinically proven to work.

We aim for each supplement to be scientifically supported by multiple randomised placebo-controlled studies. All clinical trial studies we use to support our supplements are undertaken on human patients, using the exact same dosage and formulation of the product. The scientific studies are published in peer review journals.

What Can Artichoke Leaf Extract do for you?

Research is now showing that Artichoke Leaf Extract is a safe and effective natural supplement which has been clinically proven to help balance cholesterol and sugar levels.

Cynarin, the bioactive in artichoke leaf extract, is most effective at a concentration of 5% so that’s what you’ll find in our supplement, Metabolic Gold. Research shows that cynarin is effective in stimulating bile acid production which will lead to lower cholesterol levels, accelerating gut movement and improving the digestion of certain fats. Cynarin has also been proven to modulate the activity of the enzyme, alpha-glucosidase, which helps with sugar metabolism and also demonstrates significant liver protective and regenerating effects.If you’d like for more information on the available evidence which details and supports the efficacy of artichoke leaf extract, follow the links below.

The Studies

The scientific studies to support our claims on artichoke leaf extract are published in the following peer review journals:

STUDY: The Metabolic Effects of Cynara Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Class I Subjects with Newly Detected Impaired Fasting Glycemia. M Rondanelli et al, 2020. Double blind randomised placebo controlled trial, 54 human participants.

AIM: To investigate whether a new highly standardised artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) could improve glycemic control, insulin sensitivity and other metabolic parameters (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) Triglycerides and waist circumference in overweight subjects with newly diagnosed impaired fasting glucose (IFG).

CONCLUSION: Artichoke leaf extract supplementation had a significant effect on metabolic parameters in impaired fasting glucose patients.

STUDY: Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Y Panahi et al, 2018. Double blind randomised placebo controlled trial, 100 human participants.

AIM: This study sought to determine if artichoke leaf extract had therapeutic utility in patients with established non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

CONCLUSION: Artichoke leaf extract supplementation reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations.

STUDY: Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults. R. Bundy et al, 2008. Double blind randomised placebo controlled trial, 75 human participants.

AIM: The objective of this trial was to assess the effect of artichoke leaf extract on plasma lipid levels in otherwise healthy adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

CONCLUSION: Plasma total cholesterol decreased in the treatment group by an average of 4.2% and increased in the control group by an average of 1.9%, the difference between groups being statistically significant.

Glossary of Terms

There are a few key terms to be aware of when reviewing these studies:

Randomised clinical trial: a clinical trial in which the participants are assigned randomly (by chance alone) to different treatments.

Double-blind study: a study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment. This procedure is utilised to prevent bias in research results.

Double-blind studies are particularly useful for preventing bias due to demand characteristics or the placebo effect.

Placebo: an inactive treatment used in a clinical trial, sometimes referred to as a “sugar pill.” A placebo-controlled trial compares a new treatment with a placebo, in order to give greater confidence that the result is only due to the test/active ingredient.

P-value: the probability of obtaining the observed results of a test. The lower the p-value is, the more confident we can be of a true result. For example, a p- value of 0.001 confirms a result as 99.9% accurate.

At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives, so they are clinically proven to work.

We aim for each supplement to be scientifically supported by multiple randomised placebo-controlled studies. All clinical trial studies we use to support our supplements are undertaken on human patients, using the exact same dosage and formulation of the product. The scientific studies are published in peer review journals.

What can Black Garlic do for you?

Research is now showing that black garlic is a natural remedy for helping to maintain healthy blood pressure, as well as protecting the cardiovascular system.

S-Allyl cysteine has been clinically proven to effectively reduce cardiovascular risks and circulatory problems as well as support immune and gut health.(SAC) s-allyl cysteine is the primary bioactives in aged black garlic. It is an organic compound that is produced when white garlic is fermented over several months. It is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine in which an allyl group has been added to the sulphur atom.If you’d like for more information on the available evidence which details and supports the efficacy of aged black garlic, follow the links below.

The Studies

The scientific studies to support our claims on aged black garlic are published in the following peer review journals:

Study: The effect of aged garlic extract on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors in uncontrolled hypertensives: the AGE at Heart trial by Ried K et al, 2016— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 88 Human participants— P value: <0.001.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aged garlic extract on central blood pressure and arterial stiffness, both regarded as important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity.

The authors concluded that aged black garlic extract is effective in reducing peripheral and central blood pressure in a large proportion of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, and has the potential to improve arterial stiffness, inflammation, and other cardiovascular markers in patients with elevated levels. Aged black garlic extract was highly tolerable with a high safety profile as a stand-alone or adjunctive antihypertensive treatment.

Study: Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose-response trial by Ried K et al, 2012— RCT Randomised placebo controlled— Double Blind— 79 Human participants— P value: 0.006.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect, dose-response, tolerability and acceptability of different doses of aged garlic extract as an adjunct treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

The authors concluded that aged black garlic extract is an effective and tolerable treatment in uncontrolled hypertension, and may be considered as a safe adjunct treatment to conventional antihypertensive therapy.

Study: Effects of an optimised aged garlic extract on cardiovascular disease risk factors in moderate hypercholesterolemic subjects by Valls RM et al., 2022-RCT Crossover Randomised Placebo Controlled-Double Blind-67 Human participants-DBP p=0.007.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of daily intake of a well-characterised Aged Black Garlic (ABG) extract with a standardized S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) yield in combination with dietary recommendations regarding CVD risk factors in individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

The participants consumed 250 mg (1.25 mg SAC) of ABG a day or a placebo for 6 weeks, with 3 weeks of washout.At 6 weeks, ABG extract reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to the placebo, particularly in men with a DBP > 75 mm Hg.

The authors concluded that the consumption of an improved ABG extract with 1.25 mg of SAC decreased DBP, particularly in men with moderate hypercholesterolemia. The potential beneficial effects of ABG may contribute to obtaining an optimal DBP.

Study: Aged Garlic Extract Prevents a Decline of NK Cell Number and Activity in Patients with Advanced Cancer by Hideki Ishikawa et al.2006-Randomised double-blind controlled trial-50 Human participants- NK activity % P < 0.01 after 3 months compared with the value before treatment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) on the Quality Of Life (QOL) and immune functions of patients with advanced cancer. The study's subjects were patients with inoperable colorectal, liver, or pancreatic cancer. AGE was administered to one group and a placebo was administered to another for 6 months. The daily dose (4 capsules), contained 500 mg of AGE, the placebo capsules contained 951.5 mg of crystalline cellulose and 8.5 mg of sucrose fatty acid ester per 4 capsules.

The authors concluded that administering AGE did not improve QOL but caused improvements in the NK cell activity in patients with advanced cancer of the digestive system; this study shows AGE has immunomodulative and antioxidative properties.

Glossary of Terms

There are a few key terms to be aware of when reviewing these studies:

Randomised clinical trial: A clinical trial in which the participants are assigned randomly (by chance alone) to different treatments.

Double-blind study: A study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment. This procedure is utilized to prevent bias in research results.

Double-blind studies are particularly useful for preventing bias due to demand characteristics or the placebo effect.

Placebo: An inactive treatment used in a clinical trial, sometimes referred to as a “sugar pill.” A placebo-controlled trial compares a new treatment with a placebo, in order to give greater confidence that the result is only due to the test/active ingredient.

P-value: The probability of obtaining the observed results of a test. The lower the p-value is, the more confident we can be of a true result. For example, a p- value of 0.001 confirms a result as 99.9% accurate.