Double-Blind, Randomized, Cross-Over Trial of Aged Garlic Extract for Hypertension

Exclusion Criteria

• •Systolic blood pressure \> 160mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \>100mmHg
• •Those currently taking (or have taken within the last 3 months) lipid-lowering or blood pressure-lowering supplements (i.e., omega-3 supplements, plant sterols/stanols foods and/or supplements, fibre, etc.)
• •Patients with unstable or serious illness, for example, dementia, terminal illness, recent bereavement, secondary hypertension, recent significant medical diagnosis.
• •History of cancer, chronic illness, cardiovascular problems, liver and kidney disease (including chronic kidney disease (GFR \< 60ml/min/1.732)), diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, gallbladder or biliary disease, neurological/psychological disease, bleeding disorders, experienced platelet abnormalities, macrovascular target organ damage (including cerebrovascular disease, stroke, hypertensive retinopathy, left ventricular dysfunction, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease)
• •History of taking any type of garlic preparation (i.e., dried garlic homogenate, aged garlic extract, processed garlic capsule, time-released garlic powder tablet, regular garlic pill, garlic powder and garlic oil) in the past 6 months. in the past 3 months. (Note: regular garlic clove consumption as part of prepared meals, cooking preparations, etc. are permitted throughout the study period)
• •Plan to consume any type of garlic preparation (i.e., dried garlic homogenate, aged garlic extract, processed garlic capsule, time-released garlic powder tablet, regular garlic pill, garlic powder and garlic oil. at any time during the study. (Note: regular garlic clove consumption as part of prepared meals, cooking preparations, etc. are permitted throughout the study period)
• •Have gained or lost greater than or equal to 10lbs in the previous 3 months, or plan to lose weight at any time during the study
• •Plan to become pregnant during the study period.
• •Women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception which include: Hormonal contraceptives including combined oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch, vaginal contraceptive ring, injectable contraceptives, or hormonal implants; Intrauterine devices (IUD) or Intrauterine system (IUS); Tubal ligation; Vasectomy of partner; Double barrier method (use of physical barrier by both partners, e.g. male condom and diaphragm, male condom and cervical cap)
• •Consumption of more than 2 alcoholic drinks/day, or \> 14 alcoholic beverages a week, or history of alcoholism or drug dependence.
• •History of allergy to garlic, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, gelatin, hydroxypropylcellulose, or caramel coloring
• •Any planned surgeries any time during the study
• •Taking medications with psychotropic properties for less than 3 months, i.e., those taking medications with psychotropic properties, such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, etc., at a stable consistent dose for a minimum of 3 months are eligible for the study, as long as the medication is consumed at a stable, consistent dose throughout the study period
• •Smokers
• •Exercising \> 15 miles/wk or 4,000 kcal/wk