MS-Adjunctive Use of Garlic (Allium sativum), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy)Leaves and Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Juice in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension frequently coexist and confer substantial cardio metabolic risk. Food-derived bioactive compounds from garlic (Allium sativum), pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) have been investigated for metabolic and antioxidant properties, yet evidence for their combined real-world use as a dietary adjunct remains limited.
Objective. To evaluate the association between regular adjunctive consumption of raw garlic, fresh T. cordifolia leaves and freshly prepared pomegranate juice and changes in glycemic, lipid and selected biochemical parameters among adults with T2DM and hypertension receiving conventional therapy.
Methods. Prospective observational cohort study of 125 adults (age 45–65 years) with established T2DM and hypertension attending outpatient departments at MVJ Medical College & Research Hospital, Hoskote (Bangalore Rural) and Department of Biochemistry, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Shri B M Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586103, India between January 2026 to April 2026. Participants continued prescribed antidiabetic and antihypertensive therapy and consumed a standardized dietary adjunct: two medium-sized raw garlic cloves ( 4–6 g) at night, approximately 10 fresh T. cordifolia leaves ( 5–8 g) in the morning, and 150–200 mL unsweetened pomegranate juice in the afternoon. Baseline and 12-week biochemical measurements were compared. Primary outcomes were change in HbA1c and serum triglycerides. Reporting followed STROBE recommendations.
Results. Mean age was 55.1 ± 6.0 years; 68 (54.4%) were male; mean BMI 27.6 ± 3.2 kg/mZ. Significant improvements were observed: HbA1c decreased from 9.7 ± 1.3% to 7.5 ± 1.0% (mean change C2.2%, 95% CI C2.4 to C2.0, P < 0.001); triglycerides from 598 ± 156 mg/dL to 295 ± 98 mg/dL (mean change C303 mg/dL, 95% CI C335 to C271, P < 0.001). Fasting and postprandial glucose, total cholesterol and LDL-C declined significantly; HDL-C increased. Malondialdehyde decreased and vitamin D rose modestly. Liver-and renal-function tests remained stable. Mild transient gastrointestinal discomfort occurred in 9 participants (7.2%); no serious adverse events were recorded.
Conclusion. In this prospective observational cohort of 125 adults, adjunctive use of garlic, Tinospora cordifolia leaves and pomegranate juice was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in glycaemic control, triglyceride levels and selected oxidative-stress parameters, with good tolerability. The findings are hypothesis-generating; adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required to establish causality and component-specific effects.