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

Abstract

Introduction Preeclampsia prevention can play an important role in promoting womens, health. There are many theoretical perspectives that reduction of vascular dilators such as nitric oxide is associated with preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of garlic tablet on serum nitric oxide level and the prevention of preeclampsia in healthy nulliparous pregnant women. Methods This randomized, triple-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted among 215 nulliparous pregnant women presenting to the Alzahra hospital and urban health centers of Rasht, Iran in 2016. The subjects were placed in two groups of garlic (Each tablet contains 400 mg of garlic powder) and placebo in the method of four and six blocks. Individuals in each group received tablet from 20th weeks of pregnancy for 16 weeks. 12 weeks after intervention (32 weeks), serum nitric oxide level were tested by nitric oxide kit. To follow up the incidence of preeclampsia, blood pressure was measured once before the intervention and then after intervention in seven specific visits until the end of pregnancy. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. The significant level was considered as P<0.05. Results In this study, 215 people were recruited, 14 of whom were excluded from the study due to lack of cooperation in taking pills. The two groups matched in terms of demographic characteristics. 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; According to the independent t-test, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.029). The incidence 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 based on chi-square test (P=0.094). Conclusion 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; Therefore, garlic pills promote the health of mothers and infants during the perinatal period.