Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Liver Fibrosis: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies

Shoorei, Hamed; Eslami, Mahdi

doi:10.61882/JBUMS.33.1.6

Volume 33, Issue 1 (بهار 2026) J Transl Med Res. 2026, 33(1): 6-16 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61882/JBUMS.33.1.6

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Shoorei H, Eslami M. Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Liver Fibrosis: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies. J Transl Med Res. 2026; 33 (1) :6-16
URL: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/article-1-3552-en.html

Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Liver Fibrosis: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies

Hamed Shoorei¹

, Mahdi Eslami ^*²

1- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran & Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran , eslami.m@bums.ac.ir

Abstract: (558 Views)

Background and Aims: Liver fibrosis is a progressive condition leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, effective anti-fibrotic therapies remain limited. Findings of in vitro studies have shown promising hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic properties of garlic (Allium sativum L.), particularly its active sulfur compound, diallyl trisulfide (DATS).
Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google scholar, SID, and Magiran, were searched up to March 2025 using a combination of keywords ("garlic", "Allium sativum", diallyl trisulfide", "liver fibrosis", "hepatic stellate cells"). Eligible studies included laboratory, animal, and clinical studies that investigated the effects of garlic or its compounds on liver fibrosis.
Results: In vitro evidence showed that DATS induced apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), upregulated Bcl-2 family proteins, reduced ROS accumulation, and increased glutathione levels. Animal studies reported protective effects of garlic extracts and DATS in models of ischemia-reperfusion injury, alcoholic liver disease, and chemically induced fibrosis. These effects were mediated through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Limited clinical studies showed that garlic supplementation improved liver enzyme profiles and reduced markers of oxidative stress, although the sample sizes were small.
Conclusion: Garlic and its active sulfur compounds have antifibrotic potential through multiple mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis in HSCs, suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen sulfide signaling, and antioxidant defense.

Keywords: Allium sativum, Garlic, liver, liver fibrosis

Full-Text [PDF 497 kb] (169 Downloads) | | Full-Text (HTML) (39 Views)

Type of Study: Review | Subject: Traditional medicine and Complementary Medicine
Received: 2025/09/17 | Accepted: 2027/02/16 | ePublished: 2026/06/5

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