A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, evaluating the garlic supplement effects on some serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, and quality of life in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is a prevalent immune-inflammatory disease, which is associated with disabling pain. Oxidative stress might play a role in RA pathogenesis and outcomes. According to the antioxidant properties of garlic, the current study was performed to evaluate the garlic supplement effects on some serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Seventy women with RA participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, receiving two tablets of either 500 mg garlic or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and quality of life were determined at baseline and end of week 8. A health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) was used to evaluate the quality of life related to health.

RESULTS

Of 70 patients enrolled in the trial, 62 subjects were included in the final analysis. At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in serum levels of TAC in the garlic group as compared with the placebo group (26.58 ± 77.30 nmol of Trolox equivalent/ml vs 16.11 ± 0.92 nmol of Trolox equivalent/mL; P = .026). In addition, MDA levels were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group (-0.82 ± 1.99 nmol/mL vs 0.36 ± 2.57 nmol/mL; P = .032). Pain after activity and HAQ scores decreased in the garlic group compared with the placebo (-11.96 ± 13.43 mm vs -0.06 ± 13.41 mm; P < .001, 0.17 ± 20 vs 0.05 ± 0.15; P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that garlic supplementation for 8 weeks resulted in significant improvements in oxidative stress, HAQ in women with RA.