Aged Garlic Extract

Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) is the most clinically studied form of garlic supplementation, produced by aging sliced garlic in ethanol for 20+ months. This process converts unstable allicin into stable, bioavailable organosulfur compounds — primarily S-allylcysteine (SAC) and S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC). AGE has the strongest evidence base of any garlic form for blood pressure reduction: a 2020 Cochrane-quality meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (Ried et al.) found AGE reduces systolic BP by 8-10 mmHg in hypertensive individuals, comparable to first-line antihypertensives. In TRT contexts, garlic extract is relevant because testosterone increases erythropoiesis and hematocrit — cardiovascular risk factors that AGE can partially offset via BP reduction, improved arterial compliance, and reduced coronary artery calcification. The 2016 Matsumoto trial demonstrated AGE reduced coronary plaque progression in metabolic syndrome patients. Also shows modest LDL reduction and immune support via NK cell activation.