A new randomized placebo-controlled study examines the effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on inflammation and immunity in obese individuals. Fifty-one obese subjects were randomly assigned to receive 3.6 g of AGE or placebo for six weeks. Their blood lipid and inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline and after six weeks of treatment. At the end of the study, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower in subjects taking AGE, compared to placebo. A significant difference in blood LDL concentration was also observed. There was no significant different in NK cell percentage between the two groups and while total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol tended to differ this difference was not statistically significant.

AGE’s ability to modulate immune cell distribution and prevent the increase of serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF- α is significant because, “Adipocytes, the major cell type present in adipose tissue, can secrete IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin,” write the researchers. “In obesity, adipocytes tend to increase in both number and size, which results in excess adipokine secretion and a pro-inflammatory environment in the adipose tissue. It is well established that levels of inflammatory mediators in the serum increase in obesity, and are positively correlated with BMI and WC.”

“Because inflammation plays such a pivotal role in the development of so many diseases, this is indeed good news for anyone seeking a way to lower their risk naturally and quickly,” says Jay Levy, director of sales for Wakunaga of America — whose products the researchers utilized —in a press release. “These new findings are especially helpful as they provide a simple tool for those with weight issues seeking better overall health.”