Can Garlic Reduce High Prolactin Levels?

Garlic and High Prolactin Levels

Garlic is known for its numerous health benefits. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it can directly reduce high prolactin levels. However, India has cultural support for the use of garlic to promote lactation.

Garlic: Effects on the Body

Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is a rich source of bioactive compounds that have been investigated for a spectrum of health benefits and a rich flavor profile. The primary bioactive compounds in garlic include allicin, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, S-allyl-cysteine, alliin, diallyl sulfide, and diallyl disulfide, [1]. These are sulfur-rich compounds that can account for many of the health benefits of garlic, which are listed below. 

The properties of garlic include, but are not limited to:

• antioxidation
• antiinflammation
• antifungal properties
• cardioprotection, including reduced risk of blood clotting
• neuroprotection
• kidney protection

Furthermore, garlic can help the absorption of other compounds into the body, increasing their bioavailability.

How to Take Garlic

By far, the most common way to eat garlic is through foods seasoned with garlic. Raw garlic has the most nutrients, including vitamin C, but it may be a bit too sharp for most people. It can also lead to bad breath. Some people may prefer garlic powder or garlic oil, as this is more convenient than peeling and grating their own garlic powder.

Can Garlic Reduce High Prolactin Levels?

What are High Prolactin Levels?

Normal prolactin levels are generally fairly low in women who are not breastfeeding and in healthy men. High levels of prolactin can indicate an underlying medical condition, which in 50% of cases is a prolactinoma, a tumor of the pituitary gland causing excess release of prolactin [2]. Nonetheless, elevated prolactin levels are generally not linked to adverse effects on cardiovascular, blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or weight.

One cause for concern, however, is that high prolactin levels can facilitate infertility and erectile dysfunction [3]. For example, prolactin levels can be higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is linked to infertility. Hence, reducing high prolactin levels in men and women who are not breastfeeding may be beneficial, especially if infertility is an issue for you.

Garlic and Prolactin

Few studies have examined the effects of garlic on prolactin directly to date. To answer your question about whether garlic can reduce high prolactin, let us present the existing evidence and connect the dots, concluding whether or not garlic can reduce high prolactin levels.

Garlic Increases Breastfeeding Duration

Garlic has been used to promote milk production in India [5]. Indeed, garlic supplements increased the mean duration time of a breastfeeding episode. However, this may not indicate a change in prolactin levels due to various factors contributing to breastfeeding behavior.

Garlic Contains Zinc, and Zinc Reduces Prolactin Levels

In vitro studies have demonstrated that zinc, a compound found in garlic, can reduce prolactin production and release [6]. In another study, zinc was found to increase male reproductive hormone testosterone levels in humans. This was attributed to a suppression of prolactin, which in turn reduced inhibition of testosterone production [7]. Higher levels of testosterone after taking garlic were also found in rats, especially when combined with a high-protein diet [8]. 

Nonetheless, zinc did not reduce prolactin levels in patients with hyperprolactinemia - patients with high prolactin levels. This may suggest that while garlic could lower physiological prolactin levels, it may not be effective at reducing high prolactin levels

Strategies to Reduce High Prolactin Levels

High prolactin levels, also known as hyperprolactinemia, can be managed through various strategies. 

One of the most common treatments for high prolactin levels is the use of dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline. These medications help the brain produce dopamine, which controls high prolactin levels. They can also shrink prolactinoma tumors, which are often a cause of hyperprolactinemia [9]. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery or radiotherapy if the medication doesn't shrink your tumor or restore normal prolactin levels.

Lifestyle changes can also help lower prolactin levels. These include changing your diet, reducing stress levels, or adjusting your workout routine. Avoiding aggravation to the nipples, for example, using nipple patches can help by preventing nipple stimulation, which promotes prolactin release [9].

Supplementing your diet with vitamin B6 and vitamin E can also help.