Effect of Garlic, Ginger, and Exercise on Lipid Profile in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant health problem and attains one of the highest susceptibilities among women population.  It risks women of every age, but it is more evident after the onset of menopause.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of garlic, ginger extracts alone and with aerobic exercise on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in post-menopausal women.

Methods: A total of 160 post-menopausal women aged (50-60 years) fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly recruited equally into four groups: G=1. Garlic supplement, G=2. Ginger supplement, G3=Ginger +aerobic exercises, G4=Garlic +aerobic exercise group. Baseline body mass index (BMI), body fat %, and lipid profile took before and after 16 weeks. The Ginger group used ginger extract 1000 mg/day and garlic group used 900mg/day; G3 used the same amount of garlic with aerobic exercise, Group 4 used the same amount of ginger with aerobic exercise. Combined groups performed aerobic exercises at 50-60% heart rate intensity, 30min/days for five times/week.

Results: Body weight, body mass index and body fat %, level of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride significantly reduced in the combination therapy of garlic and exercise versus any single treatment group (p<0.05). Moreover, the garlic demonstrated superior effects vs. ginger alone (p<0.05). 

Conclusion: It was concluded that 16 weeks of combination therapy of garlic and exercise were found useful in CVD prevention. However, ginger alone failed to demonstrate any significant effects.