Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Consumption and Regular Exercise in Sedentary Overweight Individuals

A sedentary lifestyle can result in chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Lifestyle modifications, including physical activity and herbal supplements, may have health benefits.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of regular exercise and garlic consumption on some inflammatory biomarkers in sedentary overweight individuals.

Forty-four sedentary overweight male participants (20 - 30 years) were randomized to the following groups: Exercise + garlic (ES), exercise + placebo (E), garlic (G), and placebo (P). The training protocol included 20 - 45 minutes of walking/running at 60 to 75% of the maximum heart rate, three sessions per week for eight weeks. Participants consumed two capsules containing 500 milligrams of garlic powder or placebo (starch) per day. Before and 48 h after the exercise intervention and supplement administration, blood samples were collected to assess the hs-CRP and TNF-α serum levels. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used to analyze the data at a significance level of P < 0.05.

A significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the hs-CRP and TNF-α levels after the experimental period (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between EG and placebo groups (P < 0.05).

Based on the findings, garlic consumption, along with exercise training could exert anti-inflammatory properties in overweight subjects.