Which supplement is a herb from the allium family often used to support lipid profiles?

• A. Garlic
• B. Black cohosh
• C. Melatonin
• D. St. John's Wort

Answer: (A)

Garlic is the herb from the allium family that’s often used to support lipid profiles. Its sulfur-containing compounds, especially allicin formed when garlic is crushed, are thought to modestly lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in some studies. The lipid-lowering effect is usually small and varies between people, so garlic is typically considered an adjunct to diet and exercise rather than a standalone treatment. Different supplement forms exist, such as aged garlic extract or garlic powder; fresh garlic can help too, though cooking reduces the active compounds. Be mindful of potential bleeding risk with anticoagulants and possible gastrointestinal effects. The other options aren’t from the allium family and are used for different purposes (menopausal symptoms, sleep, mood with drug interactions).