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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The systematic review by Ackermann et al¹ of 45 controlled clinical trials on cardiovascular end points with garlic supplements represents an exhaustive and careful undertaking that has revealed problems in the design and blinding of many of the trials as well as the inconsistent or unknown quality of many of the products used in the trials. I am in agreement with all of the conclusions and criticisms expressed in the report, with one exception.

The authors have concluded from Forest plot C (see the Figure in their article) that the effects of garlic supplements on serum cholesterol levels may only be of short duration. The comparison of the pooled results at 8 to 12 weeks with those at 20 to 24 weeks in plot C indicates that the significant cholesterol level–lowering effect found at 8 to 12 weeks is substantially reduced and insignificant at 20 to 24 weeks. However, there . . . [Full Text of this Article]