The Effect of Garlic Pills on Serum Nitric Oxide and Preeclampsia Prevention in Healthy Nulliparous Pregnant Women: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effect of garlic pills on serum nitric oxide and preeclampsia prevention in healthy nulliparous pregnant women. This randomized clinical trial was conducted among 215 nulliparous pregnant women. The participants were assigned into control and intervention groups. The intervention and control groups received garlic pills and placebo, respectively for 16 weeks from 20 week of gestation. Serum nitric oxide was measured 12 weeks after the intervention. Women were followed up for preeclampsia until childbirth in several visits. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences software. The mean (standard deviation) of serum nitric oxide level was 151.4 (73.1) μmol in the intervention group and 124.1 (44.1) μmol in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P≤=≤0.029). The prevalence of preeclampsia was 1 (1%) in the intervention group and 5 (5.2%) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P≤=≤0.094). The use of garlic pills has a significant effect on the elevation of serum nitric oxide levels. Despite the absence of significant statistical differences between the two groups, garlic pills in comparison with placebo reduced the incidence of preeclampsia.

Keywords

Garlic - Nitric oxide - Preeclampsia - Prevention - Nulliparous