See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: [Link]

net/publication/281406027

IMPORTANCE OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM): AN EXHAUSTIVE REVIEW

Article · January 2013

CITATIONS READS

21 19,739

8 authors, including:

Zubair Labu Kalpen Patel

World University of Bangladesh Novavax
87 PUBLICATIONS 492 CITATIONS 6 PUBLICATIONS 44 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Zubair Labu on 01 September 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 ISSN: 2320 - 4230

Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics 1 (4) 2013, 23-27

REVIEW ARTICLE

IMPORTANCE OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM): AN EXHAUSTIVE REVIEW

1 2 3 3 4 5 6
*Prof. Satyanand Tyagi , Patel Chirag J , Dadarwal Poonam , Mangukia Dhruv , Sojitra Ishita , Zubair Khalid Labu , Anil Kumar Gupta , Kalpen N
7
Patel
1
President & Founder, Tyagi Pharmacy Association (TPA) & Scientific Writer (Pharmacy), Chattarpur, New Delhi, India-110074.
2
Editor-in-Chief, Tyagi Pharmacy Association (TPA) & Scientific Writer (Pharmacy), Chattarpur, New Delhi, India-110074.
3
Department of Pharmaceutics, Maharishi Arvind Institute of Pharmacy, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India-302020.
4
Department of Pharmaceutics, Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Vadodara, Gujarat, India-391760.
5
Department of Pharmaceutics, Associate Professor, World University of Bangladesh (WUB), Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh-1205.
6
Research Scholar, Bhagwant University, Institute of Pharmacy & Research Center, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India-305004
7
Department of Pharmaceutics, Shree Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Shankhalpur, Becharaji, Mehsana, Gujarat, India-384210

ABSTRACT
Allium sativum, also known as Clove Garlic is part of the Lilliceae plant family. Garlic is a member of the onion
family and is one of nature's most versatile medicinal plant. The name “Allium sativum” is derived from the Celtic word
“all”, meaning burning or stinging, and the Latin “sativum” meaning planted or cultivated. The English word, garlic, is
derived from the Anglo-Saxon “gar-leac” or spear plant, referring to its flowering stalk. Garlic is used as a traditional
dietary supplement for diabetes in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition to its reputation as a healthy food,
Garlic has shown anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-cancer properties.

KEY WORDS: Garlic, Allium sativum, Anti-bacterial, Food

INTRODUCTION: MEDICINAL SPECIES: Allium sativum

Garlic is a perennial bulb, thought to be indigenous to BOTANICAL FAMILY: Liliaceae/Alliaceae/Amaryllidaceae
Central Asia, Siberia and west of the Himalayas and has COMMON NAMES (SYNONYMS): Garlic (Eng.), lasun
been grown in England from before 1540. It is now widely (Hindi), Rasonam & Lahsuna (Sanskrit), Knoblauch (Ger),
cultivated all over the world1. Knoblauchzweibel (Ger), da suan (Chin), taisan (Jap), inniku
Garlic is a common food for flavor, spice and it is one of the (Jap), taesan (Kor), tafanuwa (Hausa), ayo-ishi (Igbo),
herbs most commonly used in modern folkloric medicine. kitunguusumu (Swahili), ayu (Yoruba), lobha (Nepalese)4
Garlic was an important medicine to the ancient Egyptians GEOGRAPHICAL SOURCE: Central Asia, Southern Europe,
as listed in the medical text Codex Ebers (ca.1550 BC) USA, India
especially for the working class involved in heavy labor CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Alliin is an odorless sulfur-
because it was an effective remedy for many aliments such containing chemical derived from the amino acid cysteine.
as heart problems, headache, bites, worms and tumours2, When garlic bulbs are crushed, Alliin is converted into
3
. another compound called Allicin. Allicin is further broken
Garlic (Fig. 1) is a bulbous perennial herb, closely related to down to a compound called Ajoene, which may be the
the onion. It has a tall, erect flowering stem that reaches 2- substance that inhibits blockage in blood vessels from clots
3 feet in height. The plant has pink or purple flowers that and atherosclerosis.
bloom in mid to late summer. The part used medicinally is  Allicin (released when crushed) an amino acid
the bulb. European standards specify that garlic which gives Garlic its strong odor and is responsible for the
supplements contain not less than 0.45% allicin1. powerful pharmacological properties of the plant
 Germanium
 Magnesium
 Selenium
 Vitamin A
 Vitamin C
 Volatile oil of which about 0.5% is composed of
sulfur-containing compounds
 Zinc
23

It also contain 65% water, 28% carbohydrate, 2.3%

Page

1 organosulphur compound, 2% proteins, 1.2% Free amino

Figure 1: Garlic (Allium sativum)

*
Corresponding author: Prof. Satyanand Tyagi
 Prof. Satyanand Tyagi, et al. / Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics 1 (4) 2013, 23-27

acid (mainly arginine), 1.5% fiber, 0.15% lipids, 0.08% properties i.e, controlled lipid peroxidation better than
phytic acid, 0.07% saponins1, 4. Glibenclamide and Insulin. It also improved diabetic
conditions. SACS also stimulatedin vitro insulin secretion
VARIETIES:4 from beta cells isolated from normal rats.
There are two types of garlic, the hard neck and soft Anti-diabetic effects: The component Allicin increases
neck type. Genetically there are 10 major varieties or types hepatic metabolism increases the release of insulin. It
within these two categories. Climate can have significant exhibits Insulin sparing effect by competing with the insulin
impact on both taste and scape production, and a variety activating compound as a result more insulin becomes free
considered a soft neck in one location may produce a to act and exert greater antidiabetic effects.
flower in another. This has lead to the renaming of many Action1:
strains that may instead be genetically the same plant. In 1. Anti-bacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria;
Bhutan the variety Namlo Jagbvxcvey is grown, however bactericide]
this writer was unable to find reference to this variety in 2. Antibiotic [an agent that destroys or stops the growth
any neither of the books, nor on the internet consequently. of micro-organisms] (a powerful natural antibiotic which
It is possible that the aforementioned variety is an example does not destroy the body's natural flora)
of such a case. Due to the inability to identify the origin of 3. Anthelmintic [an agent that destroys or expels
this variety this writer is also unable to distinguish if this is intestinal worms and/or parasites; vermicide; vermifuge]
a soft neck or hard neck variety. 4. Antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free
1. Hard neck varieties (Allium sativum var ophioscorodon) radicals which are believed to contribute to premature
Hard neck varieties produce a flower stalk (scape), aging and dementia] (very potent one)
and are often termed as bolting or topsetting varieties. 5. Antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases
Flowers if they are produced usually abort and form bulbils muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
instead. These are small aerial cloves which are genetically 6. Blood thinner
the same as the parent plant. If the aerial cloves are used 7. Carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic
for propagation they will produce a bulb, but these well be and expelling gas from the intestines]
small and take 2-3 years before the bulb reaches 8. Anti-cancerous activities
marketable size. Hard necks produce 4-12 cloves per plant, 9. Anticoagulant [an agent that prevents the formation of
they can’t be braided because of a hard flower stalk and do clots in a liquid, as in blood]
not store well as roots and cloves dry after a few months. 10. Antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of
Typical hard neck varieties are “Rocambole,” “Purple microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or
Stripe” “Glazed Purple Stripe,” “Marbled Purple Stripe,” putrefactive bacteria]
and “Porcelain,” Other varieties are Asiatic, Crecole and 11. Anti-tumor (inhibits tumor cell formation)
Turban. In cold climates hard neck varieties can be just as 12. Anti-viral [an agent that destroys viruses]
productive, or even more productive as soft neck varieties. 13. Cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile
2. Soft neck varieties (Allium sativum var sativum) into the intestines]
Soft neck varieties do not normally produce a 14. Diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
flower stem. These are the most common varieties used 15. Digestive [aids the digestive system]
for commercial cultivation, due to minimal flower stalk and 16. Diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow
bulbil production which generally makes them more of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
productive because all the energy goes to producing a 17. Expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of
bulb, while in hard necks it is diverted to scape production. mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
In some soft necks a partial flower stalk can be produced 18. Febrifuge [an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
and bulbils will form directly above the bulb. Soft neck 19. Stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or
varieties normally have a longer shelf life than hard necks tones the stomach]
and store for up to six to eight months. Soft necks are also 20. Stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the
easily braided and contain 10-40 cloves per plant. Soft neck functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
varieties are “Artichoke” and “Silverskin”. USAGE OF GARLIC1, 4, 5, 6
Medicinal Parts Used: Fresh bulbs, dried bulbs, and Garlic
4, 5
PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY: oil
24

S-allyl cystein sulfoxide (SACS), the precursor of Culinary uses:

Allicin and garlic oil, is a sulphur containing amino acid, It is an important spice or condiment and is chiefly
Page

which is believed to account for most of its medicinal used for flavouring and seasoning vegetable and meat

Vol.1 Issue 4. April-2013

 Prof. Satyanand Tyagi, et al. / Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics 1 (4) 2013, 23-27

dishes. Most often the bulb is used either eaten raw or 3. Ear Conditions
cooked. When cooked the whole bulb can be roasted in Garlic oil drops can be used for
olive oil in an oven and eaten whole, or the cloves are used  Earache
as flavouring. Garlic can also be dehydrated and preserved  Ear infection are put in the ears for and
in oil. When home preserving in home care must be taken  Otitis media, (an ear infection) a
no get botulism, this can be avoid by refrigerating and not combination herbal extract (also used as
keeping for more than two weeks. Garlic can also be ear drops) containing
pressed for its oil, and pickled. The garlic flower stems  Garlic
(scapes) are also edible and used in cooking. It is used  Calendula,
similar to chives but has a more mild taste.  Mullein flower
Medicinal uses:  St. John's Wort
1. Bacterial and Viral Conditions 4. Brain and Nervous System Conditions
 Fights bacteria like an antibiotic  Epilepsy
 Inhibits the growth of different species of  Hysteria
bacteria 5. Gastrointestinal Conditions
 Garlic is reported to be more effective than  Chronic stomach and intestinal catarrh
penicillin against:  Digestive infections
 The organisms responsible for cholera,  Relieves belching and heaviness
dysentery and enteritis  Relieves colic
 Paratyphoid disease  Relieves gas (flatulence)
 Putrefactive intestinal bacteria  Relieves nausea
 Streptococcus and staphylococcus  Rids the body of intestinal parasites,
bacteria especially pinworms
 Typhus disease  Stimulates the activity of the digestive
 One medium clove of Garlic can equal the organs
antibacterial action equivalent to 1%  Ulcers
penicillin 6. Immune System Conditions
 Blood Conditions  Fights infection
 Dissolves blood clots  Improves resistance to infection
 Reduces fat levels in the blood  Increases the activity of white blood cells
2. Cardiovascular Conditions and T-helper cells (natural killer cells), the
 Angina pectoris cells that are central to the activity of the
 Arteriosclerosis entire immune system infections of the
 Balances blood pressure body
 Decreases triglycerides  Preventative measure for infectious
 Helps maintain healthy circulation diseases
 Helps prevents atherosclerosis (plaque  Stimulates the body's natural defenses
buildup in the arteries causing blockage against foreign invaders
and possibly leading to heart attack or  Protects cell membranes and DNA from
stroke) damage
 Improves circulation 7. Inflammatory Conditions
 Lowers blood pressure  Arthritis
 May prevent blood clots  Infantile catarrh
 Mild hypertension 8. Genitourinary Conditions
 Prevents thrombosis (counteracts the  Dropsy
tendency of clot forming cells to stick  Urinary infections
together within the blood vessels)  Fluid retention
 Protects against cardiovascular disease 9. Respiratory Tract Conditions
 Reduces blood pressure in hypertensive  Asthma
25

conditions  Breathing difficulties

 Thins the blood (which reduces the risk of  Chronic bronchitis
Page

heart attack and stroke)  Colds (reduces symptoms faster)

Vol.1 Issue 4. April-2013
 Prof. Satyanand Tyagi, et al. / Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics 1 (4) 2013, 23-27

 Coughs and hoarseness  Abscesses

 Inhibits the growth of the bacteria,  Arthritis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism  Dispelling hard swellings
responsible for tuberculosis (high doses)  Earaches
 Preventative measure for colds and  Insect bites
influenza  Scrofulous sores
 Sinusitis  Toothache
 Upper respiratory infections (especially  Wounds
infections deep in the lungs and throat and DOSAGE1:
in the nasal passages or sinuses) 1. Whole Garlic clove - 2-4g/day fresh, minced garlic
10. Metabolic Conditions clove (each clove is approximately 1g)
 Balances blood sugar 2. Dried - 600-900mg daily
 Late-onset diabetes 3. Infusion: 4 grams in 150 mL of water/day
11. Liver Conditions 4. Fluid extract of 1:5 4 mL/day
 Lowers cholesterol while increasing the 5. Oil - 0.03-0.12mL 3/day
level of beneficial HDL's (high-density GARLIC SUPPLEMENTS/PREPARATIONS1:
lipoproteins) the so-called good 1. Essentional oil (Garlic oil)
 Cholesterol 2. Dehydrated powder (Garlic Powder)
 May help lower homocysteine levels 3. Pills
(similar to cholesterol which may 4. Oil macerate
contribute to increasing amounts of blood 5. Extract
clots and plaque in blood vessels) DRUG INTERACTIONS1
 Regularizes liver and gallbladder activity Do not use Garlic supplements without first talking to your
 Stimulates the production of the liver's healthcare practitioner if taking any of the medications
own detoxifying enzymes which neutralize below:
carcinogens and other 1. Antiplatelet medications (Garlic may exaggerate
 Environmental toxins the activity of medications that inhibit the action of
12. Parasitic Conditions platelets in the body) including:
 Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)  aspirin
especially fresh, raw Garlic
 dipyridamole
13. Skin Conditions
 indomethacin
 Acne
2. Blood-thinning medications (large quantities of
 Cutaneous eruptions
Garlic, either fresh or commercially prepared may
 Pimples
increase the risk of bleeding) including:
14. Other Conditions
 Cancer (people who include more raw or  aspirin
cooked garlic in their diet are less likely to  warfarin
have certain types of cancer especially: 3. Sulfonylureas - A class of diabetes medications
 Colon cancer (Garlic may lower blood sugar considerably so
 Stomach cancer when using Garlic with these medications, blood
 Skin cancer sugar levels should be monitored must be followed
15. Dietary Garlic may also offer some protection closely) including:
against the development of:  chlorpropamide
 Breast cancer  glimepiride
 Laryngeal (throat) cancer  glyburide.
 Prostate cancer 4. Protease inhibitors - a medication used to treat
 Stimulates cell growth and activity people with the human immunodeficiency virus
 Tumors (HIV) (Garlic may reduce blood levels of protease
 Wounds inhibitors) including:
26

16. Externally: Garlic is used in Oil,  indinavir

 ritinavir
Page

Ointments or Poultices for:

Vol.1 Issue 4. April-2013

 Prof. Satyanand Tyagi, et al. / Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics 1 (4) 2013, 23-27

 saquinavir.  delivering a baby

5. Statins - a class of cholesterol lowering  undergoing surgery
medications (Garlic may behave similarly to Conclusion:
Statins) including: According to the US Food and Drug Administration survey
 atorvastatin of 900 People, garlic stands as the second most utilized
 lovastatin supplement. In its medicinal use garlic preparation are
6. ACE inhibitors - a class of blood pressure lowering given in whooping cough and other lung diseases, stomach
medications (Garlic may behave similarly to ACE complaints (as ulcers of the intestines) disorders resulting
inhibitors so it is recommended not to take large from child birth and as a specific remedy for sore eyes and
quantities of Garlic with any of these medications) earache. During the plague it in 1722 in Marseilles it was
including: the principle ingredient for the “four thieves vinegar” a
 captopril protective ointment. The ointment was given the name
 enalapril from the confession of four thieves who used a mixture of
garlic and vinegar to protect themselves from the plague
 lisinopril
while they plundered the riches from dead. In World War II
SIDE EFFECTS1, 4:
and many of the earlier wars garlic was used as an
Side effects may include:
antiseptic to treat the wounded.
Internally:
 upset stomach, REFERENCES:
 bloating,
 bad breath, 1. [Link]
 body odor on/[Link]
 headache 2. Tattelman E. Health effects of Garlic. Complementary
 fatigue and Alternative medicine 2005; 72(1): 103-106.
 loss of appetite 3. Thomson M. Anti-diabetic and hypolipidaaemic
properties of Garlic (Allium sativum) in strepozotocin
 muscle aches
induced diabetic rats. International Journal of Diabetes
 vertigo
& Metabolism 2007; 15: 108-115.
 allergic asthmatic reaction 4. [Link]
Externally: 0production/Study%20guides/garlic%[Link]
A stinging sensation on the skin from handling too much 5. Kemper J, Kathi. Garlic (Allium stivum). The Longwood
fresh or dried garlic can cause blistering if applied to Herbal Task Force - The center for Holistic Pediatric
delicate skin handling may also cause the appearance of Education and Research 2000; 8: 36-72.
skin lesions contact dermatitis (skin rash). Due 6. Eidi A. Antidiabetic effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in
to Garlic's blood-thinning properties it should not be used normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
by people: Phytomedicine 2006; 13: 624-629.
 with bleeding disorders such as: 7. Harde P. Antidiabetic Herbal drugs- A Review.
 hemophilia Pharmacophore- An International Research Journal
 platelet disorders 2012; 3(1): 18-22.
Too much Garlic can increase your risk for bleeding during
or after: 27
Page

Vol.1 Issue 4. April-2013

View publication stats
See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: [Link]

Medicinal values of garlic: A review

Article · August 2017

DOI: 10.5897/IJMMS2013.0960

CITATIONS READS
92 45,143

2 authors:

Gebreselema Gebreyohannes Mebrahtu Tedla

Mekelle University University of Melbourne
22 PUBLICATIONS 703 CITATIONS 26 PUBLICATIONS 281 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Mebrahtu Tedla on 19 August 2019.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Vol. 5(9), pp. 401-408, September, 2013
DOI: 10.5897/IJMMS2013.0960
International Journal of Medicine
ISSN 2006-9723 ©2013 Academic Journals and Medical Sciences
[Link]

Review

Medicinal values of garlic: A review

Gebreselema Gebreyohannes1* and Mebrahtu Gebreyohannes2
1
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
2
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
Accepted 12 August, 2013

Garlic products are used as sources of medicine in many ways in human beings in their day today life.
As a result, researchers from various disciplines are now directing their efforts towards discovering the
medicinal values of garlic on human health. The main interest of researchers in the medicinal values of
garlic is its broad-spectrum therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity. Garlic extract has antimicrobial
activity against many genera of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Garlic contains a higher concentration of
sulfur compounds which are responsible for its medicinal effects. The chemical constituents of garlic
have also been investigated for treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, blood pressure,
atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia and highly praised by several authors. Therefore, this paper is
reviewed to inspire and impress the young researchers about the medicinal values of garlic.

Key words: Allium sativum, immunity booster, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer

INTRODUCTION

Natural products of animals, plants and microbial sources media and respiratory tract infections (Jaber and Al-
have been used by man for thousands of years either in Mossawi, 2007). In Europe and India, it was used to treat
the pure forms or crude extracts to treat many diseases common colds, hay fever and asthma. Garlic is
(Parekh and Chanda, 2007). Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is nicknamed as Russian penicillin for its widespread use as
one of those plants that were seriously investigated over a topical and systemic antimicrobial agent; it is commonly
several years and used for centuries to fight infectious used in many cultures as an excitement and reputation of
diseases (Onyeagba et al., 2004). The taxonomic posi- healing power (Timbo et al., 2006).
tion of garlic and related genera had been a matter of
controversy for long period of time. The most recent
classification scheme of garlic was class Liliopsida, POTENTIALLY ACTIVE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
subclass Liliidae, superorder Liliianae, order Amary- OF GARLIC
llidales, family Alliaceae, subfamily Allioideae, tribe
Allieae and genus Allium which is mainly based on the Garlic contains at least 33 sulfur compounds, several
sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (Friesen et al., enzymes and the minerals germanium, calcium, copper,
2006). iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc; vitamins
The early Egyptians used garlic to treat diarrhea and its A, B1 and C, fiber and water. It also contains 17 amino
medical power was described on the walls of ancient acids to be found in garlic: lysine, histidine, arginine,
temples and on papyrus dating to 1500 BC (Bradley, aspartic acid threonine, swine, glutamine, proline,
1992). It was used by Greek physicians Hippocrates and glycine, alanine, cysteine, valine, methionine, isoleucine,
Galen to treat intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases; leucine, tryptophan and phenylalanine (Josling, 2005). It
ancient Japanese and Chinese used it to treat headache, has a higher concentration of sulfur compounds than any
flu, sore throat and fever. In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, other Allium species which are responsible both for
it is used to treat abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, otitis garlic’s pungent odor and many of its medicinal

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ggebreselema@[Link].

402 Int. J. Med. Med. Sci.

effects. One of the most biologically active compounds in From a study conducted in India, 432 coronary artery
garlic is allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate or diallyldisulfide). The patients were randomly grouped into two groups and half
most abundant sulfur compound in garlic is alliin (S- of them were supplied with garlic juice in milk, whereas
allylcysteine sulfoxide), which is present at 10 and 30 the other group patients were not supplied with garlic
mg/g in fresh and dry garlic, respectively (Lawson, 1998). juice. The result showed that within the three years of the
Typical garlic food preparation such as chopping, mincing study time, nearly twice as many patients had died in the
and crushing disturbs S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide and group not supplied with garlic juice (Yeh et al., 2006). It is
exposed it to the allinase enzymes, then quickly well reported to scavenge oxidants, increase superoxide
converted it to diallyl thiosulfinate, which give off garlic’s dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione
characteristic aroma. The allinase enzyme responsible levels, inhibit lipid peroxidation as well as it reduces
for diallyl thiosulfanate conversion becomes inactivated cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-
below a pH of 3.5 or with heating (Pedrazza-Chaverri et methylglutaryl-CoA. It has been shown to reduce platelet
al., 2006). Although allicin is considered the major aggregation, arterial plaque formation, decrease
antioxidant and scavenging compound, recent studies homocysteine, lower blood pressure, and increase
showing that other compounds may play stronger roles; microcirculation. It may also help prevent cognitive
such as polar compounds of phenolic and steroidal origin, decline by protecting neurons from neurotoxicity and
which offer various pharmacological properties without apoptosis, thereby preventing ischaemia or reperfusion-
odor and are also heat stable (Lanzotti, 2006). related neuronal death and by improving learning and
memory retention (Borek, 2006).
ROLE OF GARLIC IN HEALTH

Garlic can rightfully be called one of nature’s wonderful Reduces high blood pressure/hypertension
plants with healing power. It can inhibit and kill bacteria,
fungi, lower (blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood Garlic has probably been most popularized as a com-
sugar), prevent blood clotting, and contains anti-tumor plementary therapy for blood pressure control (Capraz et
properties. It can also boost the immune system to fight al., 2006). A recent in vitro study has confirmed that, the
off potential disease and maintain health (Abdullah et al., vasoactive ability of garlic sulfur compounds whereby red
1988). It has the ability to stimulate the lymphatic system blood cells convert garlic organic polysulfides into
which expedites the removal of waste products from the hydrogen sulfide, a known endogenous cardio-protective
body. It is also considered an effective antioxidant to vascular cell signaling molecule (Benavides et al., 2007).
protect cells against free radical damage. It can help to Using 2400 mg garlic tablet containing 31.2 mg allicin has
prevent some forms of cancer, heart disease, strokes and high dose reduced diastolic pressure by 16 mmHg after 5
viral infections. Garlic alone can provide us with over two h of administration (McMahon and Vargas, 1993). A
hundred unusual chemicals that have the capability of meta-analysis made on pooled data from 415 patients
protecting the human body from a wide variety of showed also reduction of 7.7 mmHg diastolic pressure
diseases. The sulfur containing compounds found in (Silagy and Neil, 1994).
garlic afford the human body with protection by
stimulating the production of certain beneficial enzymes
(Mansell and Reckless, 1991). As natural blood thinner

Platelets and fibrin play great role in blood clotting and

Treat cardiovascular disease higher amount of fibrin in blood can cause heart attack.
Garlic constituents can reduce fibrin formation and also
Disorders of the heart and the circulatory system claim help reduce the fibrin existing in the blood even better
more lives than any other diseases. It is the obstruction than aspirin (Fukao et al., 2007). Ajoene, a sulfur
or clogging of the coronary arteries which causes more compound found in garlic seems to be responsible for its
deaths than any other factors. The arteries, which supply anti-clotting effect; but ajoene is only viable at room
the heart with blood and oxygen, become increasingly temperature or above, it is not present in raw or freeze-
narrower as plaque builds up over time. When blood dried garlic. It is believed that the addition of garlic to a
supply becomes restricted, a certain portion of the heart diet can help to increase the breakdown of fibrin from 24
is deprived of oxygen and leads to heart attack. The two to 30% in people (Ernst, 1994).
greatest means of heart disease are high blood pressure
and high blood serum cholesterol levels; which are
directly impacted by the therapeutic action of garlic. The As natural immunity booster
relevant role of garlic in coronary heart disease was done
on rabbits and found that even pre-existing athero- With the arrival of frightening viral diseases like
sclerotic deposits and lesions could actually be reversed HIV/AIDS, boosting immunity system is receiving a new
if garlic was consistently consumed (Bordia, 1981). attention. Because these types of diseases have no
 Gebreyohannes and Gebreyohannes 403

effective cures or treatments, strengthening the body’s weeks after treatment beginning. The level of
ability to fight off infection has become even more triglycerides had a tendency towards reduction in hyper-
important. Garlic has abundant sulfur containing amino triglycerdemic patients as well, whereas high density
acids and other compounds that seem to initiate lipoprotein cholesterol was unchanged (Sumioka et al.,
increased activity in the immune system (Lau et al., 2006). After 60 days of supplementation, low-density
1991). It is one of the impressive conductors of the lipoprotein, serum triglyceride and very low density
body’s immune system; which stimulates immune lipoprotein, were reduced by 21, 37, and 36.7%,
function by making macrophages or killer cells more respectively (Jeyaraj et al., 2006).
active. We are constantly beaten by inadequate nutrition,
cigarette smoke, physical injury, mental tension and
chemical pollution. In light of the enormous pressures, Prevents diabetes
which our immune systems sustain, supplemental
nutrients like garlic are clearly needed (Salman et al., A number of animal studies support the effectiveness of
1999). Its remarkable content of germanium alone offers garlic in reducing blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced
excellent immune stimulation. In addition to germanium, as well as alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in mice.
garlic contains thiamine, sulfur, niacin, phosphorous, and Most of the studies showed that garlic can reduce blood
selenium (Morioka et al., 1993). glucose level in diabetic mice and rabbits (Ohaeri, 2001).
Preliminary studies in humans, using an alliin standar- A study was conducted to evaluate oral administration of
dized garlic powder preparation, have demonstrated garlic extract for 14 days on the level of serum glucose,
positive effects on immunoreactions and phagocytosis. In total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and uric acid, in
aged subjects, the administration of 600 mg garlic normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The
powder per day for 3 months induced significant (p<0.01) result of the study showed significant decrease (p<0.05)
increases in the percentage of phagocytosing peripheral in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea,
granulocytes and monocytes when tested ex vivo for their uric acid, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino
ability to engulf Escherichia coli bacteria. Another human transferase levels, while increased serum insulin in
study was conducted with an unrefined garlic extract (5 to diabetic mice, but not in normal mice. From a comparison
10 g/day) which was given to HIV/AIDS patients. For the study made between the action of garlic extract and
seven patients who completed the 12 weeks study, there glibenclamide, it was shown that the antidiabetic effect of
was a major increase in the natural killer cells activity the garlic was more effective than the glibenclamide (Eidi
from a seriously low mean value (Abdullah et al., 1988). et al., 2006).
In USA, trials in HIV/AIDS patients have demonstrated
the enhancement of natural killer cells activity using garlic
extracts; and Chinese studies with viral infections in bone Anticancer
marrow transplant patients have demonstrated a “potent
antiviral activity”. A double blind placebo controlled Of the many favorable actions of garlic, inhibition of the
survey using a 100% allicin yielding supplement has growth of cancer is perhaps the most prominent. It has
reported that allicin can reduce the occurrence of the several synergistic effects that either prevent or possibly
common cold and recovered from symptoms (Josling, may fight cancer. The action of garlic has been attributed
2001). to stimulate immune effector cells including T-cell and
natural killer cells. Numerous epidemiological, clinical and
laboratory studies have demonstrated that, garlic has a
Atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia great role in cancer prevention especially in relation to
digestive tract cancers. Human population studies have
Health claims advertizing garlic’s universal ability to lower shown that, regular intake of garlic reduces the risk of
cholesterol level and decrease lipid peroxidation in order esophageal, stomach and colon cancer. This was thought
to inhibit plaque formation. In vitro studies clearly have to be due to the antioxidant effect of allicin in reducing the
shown that, it has an ability to suppress low density formation of carcinogenic compounds in the gastro-
lipoprotein (LDL) and an increased resistance of LDL to intestinal tract (Galeone et al., 2006).
oxidation (Lau, 2006). Results from controlled human Dutch research in the Netherlands cohort study found a
studies are mixed with studies performed in the early significant decrease in the development of stomach
1990’s and was showing effective results. As more cancer in those consuming garlic close relatives of onions
researches were conducted newer processes to extract (Dorant et al., 1996). Garlic reduces the risk of patients
garlic, recent study of 15 hypercholesterolemia patients with prostate cancer, especially those with localized
evaluated a material produced from garlic fermented with disease. Men in the higher of two intake categories of
the mold Monascus pilosus. This preparation significantly total Allium vegetables (>10.0 g/day) had a statistically
reduced serum total cholesterol and low density significant lower risk of prostate cancer than those in the
lipoprotein cholesterol levels when checked at 2 and 4 lowest category (<2.2 g/day). Similar comparisons
404 Int. J. Med. Med. Sci.

between categories showed reductions in risk for men in 2007). Previously conducted researches confirmed that
the highest intake categories for garlic specifically. The garlic is not only effective against Gram positive and
reduced risk of prostate cancer was independent of body Gram negative bacteria but also possess antiviral and
size, intake of other foods and total calorie intake and antifungal activities (Tsao and Yin, 2001).
was more pronounced for men with localized prostate
cancer than with advanced prostate cancer (Hsing et al.,
2002). Prostate specific antigen serum markers had Antiviral
significant decreases during short term ingestion, but
returned to baseline after 4 weeks (Mehraban et al., Garlic and its sulfur constituents verified antiviral activity
2006). against coxsackievirus species, herpes simplex virus
A very important epidemiological study for Americans types 1 and 2, influenza B, para-influenza virus type 3,
has been published in which the intake of 127 foods vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, human
(including 44 vegetables and fruits) was determined in immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human rhinovirus type
41,387 women (ages 55 to 69) followed by a five year 2. The order of compounds found in garlic for virucidal
monitoring of colon cancer incidence. The most striking activity was, ajoene > allicin > allyl methyl thiosulfanate >
result of this “Iowa Women’s Health Study” was the methyl allyl thiosulfanate; no activity was found for the
finding that garlic was the only food which showed a polar fractions, alliin, deoxyalliin, diallyl disulfide, or diallyl
statistically significant association with decreased colon trisulfide. Several laboratory tests have shown that garlic
cancer risk. For cancers anywhere in the colon, the is an effectual treatment for both the influenza B virus
modest consumption of one or more servings of garlic and herpes simplex virus. Two independent researchers
(fresh or powdered) per week resulted in a 35% lower in Japan and Romania have found that garlic is able to
risk, while a 50% lower risk was found for cancer of the protect living organisms from the influenza virus (Tsai et
distal colon (Steinmetz et al., 1994). al., 1985). Most recently, a double blind placebo con-
trolled study has shown significant protection from the
common cold virus. As conducted by The Garlic Centre,
Dermatologic applications published in Advances in Therapy, this is the first serious
work to show prevention, treatment and reduction of re-
A study examined 43 persons for their topical use of two infection benefits from taking Allimax Powder capsules
different garlic extracts for wart and corn treatment. Of once daily (Josling, 2001).
these persons, 15 volunteers utilized a water extract of
garlic, while 23 volunteers applied lipid extract to
appropriate areas twice a day. Five controls applied only Antibacterial
a neutral solvent. All lipid extract volunteers experienced
complete resolution of wart and 80% of corn within one to Garlic extract inhibits the growth of Gram positive and
two weeks. The water extract seemed to be less potent, Gram negative bacteria, such as Staphylococcus,
with complete dissolution of smaller warts and corns, and Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Enterobacter, Escherichia,
only partial dissolution of larger ones. Controls showed Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, Shigella,
no improvement from baseline. The lipid extract did Salmonella, Proteus, and Helicobacter pylori (Tsao and
cause some burning, redness, blistering and skin darken- Yin, 2001). Its antibacterial activity is mainly due to the
ing, which was resolved after conclusion of use presence of allicin produced by the enzymatic activity of
(Dehghani et al., 2005). allinase on alliin. Allicin is considered to be the most
potent antibacterial agent in crushed garlic extracts, but it
can be unstable, breaking down within 16 h at 23°C
Antimicrobial (Hahn, 1996). However, the use of a water-based extract
of allicin stabilizes the allicin molecule due to the
The antimicrobial properties of garlic were first described hydrogen bonding of water to the reactive oxygen atom in
by Pasteur (1958), and since then, many researches had allicin or there may be water soluble components in
demonstrated its effectiveness and broad spectrum crushed garlic that destabilize the molecule (Lawson,
antimicrobial activity against many species of bacteria, 1996). The disadvantage of this approach is that allicin
viruses, parasites, protozoan and fungi (Jaber and Al- can react with water to form diallyl disulphide, which does
Mossawi, 2007). Garlic is more effective with least side not exhibit the same level of antibacterial activity of allicin
effects as compared to commercial antibiotics; as a (Lawson and Wang, 1996).
result, they are used as an alternative remedy for
treatment of various infections (Tepe et al., 2004). Out of
the many medicinal plants, garlic has an antimicrobial Antifungal
property which protects the host from other pathogens
highlighting the importance of search for natural Ajoene is an active compound found in garlic which plays
antimicrobial drugs (Bajpai et al., 2005; Wojdylo et al., a great role as topical antifungal agent (Ledezma and
 Gebreyohannes and Gebreyohannes 405

Apitz-Castro, 2006). Garlic has been shown to inhibit animals. The emergence of epidemic methicillin resistant
growth of fungal diseases as equally as the drug Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) resistant to mupirocin
ketoconazole, when tested on the fungi Malassezia furfur, has led many authors to suggest that the use of
Candida albicans, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus and other mupirocin should be controlled more strictly, especially as
Candida species (Shams-Ghahfarokhi et al., 2006). A there is a lack of alternative agents. Consequently, garlic
report from a Chinese medical journal delineates the use is an alternative agent for the treatment of MRSA and in a
of intravenous garlic to treat a potentially fatal and rare great demand (Sharma et al., 2005).
fungal infection of the brain called Cryptococcus
meningitis. In the report, the Chinese compared the effec-
tiveness of the garlic with standard medical treatment Role of garlic against multi-drug resistant
which involved a very toxic antibiotic called Amphotericin- tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
B. The study revealed that, intravenous garlic was more
effective than the drug and was not toxic regardless of its Scientific evidence from randomized clinical trials
dosage (Lemar et al., 2007). supports the use of garlic and enhances access for MDR-
A study found that Candida colonies were substantially TB infected people, through the public health system. Its
reduced in mice that had been treated using liquid garlic use can allow an effective MDR-TB management, due to
extract. The study also revealed that garlic stimulated its affordability and the absence of toxic effects (Catia et
phagocytic activity. This implies that infections such as al., 2011). In view of the increased incidence of MDR-TB,
Candida may be controlled because garlic stimulates the the research of new anti-tubercular drugs based on
body’s own defenses. Garlic oil can be used to treat ring- affordable and more effective treatments has already
worm, skin parasites and warts if it is applied externally. begun. Studies on innovative alternative plant extracts of
Lesions that were caused by skin fungi in rabbits and medicinal values need to be emphasized, as plants are
guinea pigs were treated with external applications of an important source of new antimicrobial agents, with
garlic extract and began to heal after seven days little toxicity, able to replace drugs to which Myco-
(Sabitha et al., 2005). bacterium resistance has occurred (Amin et al., 2009).
As garlic is concerned, the in vitro tests undertaken
about the inhibitory effect on MDR-TB are at an
Antiparasitic advanced stage whereas few researches in vivo have
been conducted. The concentration of garlic extract re-
Many herbalists worldwide recommend garlic as a treat- quired was in the range of 1.34 to 3.35 mg/ml suggesting
ment for intestinal parasites. In some cultures, children that there is only a slight variation in the susceptibility of
infested with helminthes are treated with enemas the strains to allicin (Delaha and Garagusi, 1985). The
containing crushed garlic. One of the traditional Chinese anti-tuberculosis activity in vivo of garlic oil preparation
medical treatments for intestinal diseases is an alcoholic was demonstrated in a study of guinea pigs which were
extract of crushed garlic cloves. Allicin exhibits anti- given an intra-peritoneal dose of 0.5 mg/kg. However,
parasitic activity against major human intestinal parasites when garlic oil was used, a reduced causative process
such as Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides and was noted in the organs involved, indicating that garlic oil
Giardia lamblia (Kalyesa et al., 1975). Entamoeba administration causes less marked lesions in the viscera
histolytica, the human intestinal protozoan parasite, is of the animals inoculated with tubercle bacilli (Jain,
very sensitive to allicin, as only 30 μg/ml of allicin totally 1998). The high potential of garlic extract was revealed to
inhibits the growth of amoeba cultures (Mirelman et al., inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv
1987). Moreover, researchers have found that at lower and M. tuberculosis TRC-C1193, susceptible and resis-
concentrations (5 μg/ml), allicin inhibited 90% the tant to isoniazid (first-line anti-tuberculosis medication),
virulence of trophozoites of E. histolytica as determined respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
by their inability to destroy mono-layers of tissue-cultured of garlic was between 80 and 160 μg/ml for the
mammalian cells in vitro (Ankri et al., 1997). susceptible strain and 100 and 200 μg/ml for the resistant
strain. In addition, water extract of garlic was proven to
14
inhibit the incorporation of C glycine into the whole
Role of garlic against multi-drug resistant bacteria cells, indicating that the primary mechanism of action is
by inhibition of protein synthesis (Ratnakar and Murthy,
Garlic is active against microorganisms that are resistant 1996).
to antibiotics and the combination of garlic extracts with An interesting in vitro test about the anti-tubercular
antibiotics leads to partial and total synergism (Didry et activity of garlic was performed in Nigeria using disc
al., 1992). The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains diffusion method and compared with standard antibiotics.
of Gram negative (Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Entero- The anti-tubercular activity of garlic on multiple-drug re-
bacter, Acinetobacter, Salmonella species, etc) and sistant Mycobacterium was investigated among Nigerian
Gram positive (Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Strepto- HIV-infected-persons and it exhibited maximal activity
coccus species, etc) bacteria is troubling for human and against all isolates even at reduced concentrations. Only
406 Int. J. Med. Med. Sci.

two of the standard anti-tubercular antibiotics used, Moreover, garlic was able to block the lipopolysaccharide
streptomycin and rifampicin, showed significant activity induced immune cytokine and plasma corticosterone and
against isolates tested (Dibua, 2010). catecholamine changes following cold water immersion
stress (Nance et al., 2006). Aged garlic extract is also
effective to prevent adrenal hypertrophy, hyperglycemia
Antioxidant and elevation of corticosterone in hyperglycemic mice
induced by immobilization stress. Given the extreme
Whole garlic and aged garlic extract exhibit direct chronic stress many people now face in their daily life,
antioxidant effects and enhance the serum levels of two garlic may prove useful to counter the negative impact of
antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione this stress on human physiology (Kasuga et al., 1999).
peroxidase (Prasad et al., 1995). Garlic extract, allicin is
efficiently scavenged exogenously generated hydroxyl
radicals in a dose dependent fashion, but their effective- Adverse effects of garlic
ness was reduced about 10% by heating to 100°C for 20
min. Other garlic constituents, such as S-allyl cysteine, The main adverse effect commonly associated with garlic
also confirmed significant antioxidant effects. The sulfur intake is breath odor, especially when raw forms of the
compounds found in fresh garlic appear to be nearly herb are used. Nausea and vomiting are other major
1000 times more potent as antioxidants than crude, aged adverse effects and care should be taken in consuming
garlic extract. Garlic (both the homogenate of 10% in high quantities. Although an entire bulb produces little
physiological saline solution and its supernatant) was juice, it is potent and can act as a strong emetic, even in
able to reduce the radicals present in cigarette smoke small quantities. Although garlic generally poses little in
(Torok et al., 1994). terms of safety issues, there are isolated cases of topical
garlic burns (Friedman et al., 2006) and anaphylaxis (Yin
and Li, 2007). Rare garlic allergy has been attributed to
Drug toxicities and pharmacokinetics the protein allinase, which has induced immunoglobulin E
(IgE) mediated hypersensitivity responses from skin prick
Glutathione is a compound necessary for liver to facilitate testing (Kao et al., 2004). As a result, the literature has
detoxification of substances. It has been hypothesized generally cautioned against using garlic while using
that garlic organo-sulfur compounds may be able to anticoagulant therapy. There is a reported case of
prevent glutathione depletion. Patients who experience spontaneous spinal or epidural hematoma in an 87 years
increasing in reactive oxygen induced stress on liver old man, with associated platelet dysfunction related to
function may be protected by garlic ingestion (Sabayan et excessive garlic ingestion (Saw et al., 2006).
al., 2006). It was found in E. coli cultures that aged garlic
extract, S-allyl cysteine, diallyl sulfide and diallyl disulfide
do not interfere with the antibiotic activity of gentamycin CONCLUSION
but may improve gentamycin-induced nephrotoxicity
(Maldonado et al., 2005). Aged garlic has also been Garlic, from crushed to capsules, is consumed through-
shown to reverse oxidant effects of nicotine toxicity in rat out the world. This review paper demonstrated some of
studies. More researches are required in the future garlic the benefits of garlic for its potential uses in preventing
may be a unique choice to help minimize the toxic effects and curing different diseases, and acting as antioxidant
of therapeutic drugs (Sener et al., 2005). for many radicals. Fresh and powdered garlic are popular
for food flavor and should continue to be used. Today,
with the ever-growing resistant organisms, taking of garlic
Reduces stress extract remains a powerful antimicrobial agent. Clearly
more studies are needed to refine the use and
Among the many uses of garlic, it appears to have the improvement of the efficacy of this important medicinal
fortunate capacity for protecting against the negative plant.
effects of stress that affects the autonomic nervous and
neuroendocrine system. Rats that were trained with REFERENCES
endurance exercises to physical fatigue enjoyed improv-
ed parameters of aerobic glucose metabolism, attenuated Abdullah TH, Kandil O, Elkadi A, Carter J (1988). Garlic revisited:
oxidative stress, and vasodilations, when given garlic at a therapeutic for the major diseases of our times? J Natl Med Assoc.
80:439-445.
dosage of 2.86 g/kg for 30 min before exercise (Morihara Amin M, Segatoleslami S, Hashemzadeh M (2009). Antimycobacterial
et al., 2006). In rats exposed to psychologically stressful activity of partial purified extract of Allium ascalonicum. Jundishapur J
situations, aged garlic extracts significantly prevented the Microbial. 2(4):144-147.
decreases in spleen weight seen in control animals. Ankri S, Miron T, Rabinkov A, Wilchek M, Mirelman D. (1997). Allicin
from garlic strongly inhibits cysteine proteinases and cytopathic
Additionally, the garlic significantly prevented the reduc- effects of Entamoeba histolytica. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother.
tion of hemolytic plaque forming cells in spleen cells. 10:2286-2288.
 Gebreyohannes and Gebreyohannes 407

Bajpai M, Pande A, Tewari SK, Prakash D (2005). Phenolic contents body, HEC Publishing, Chicago Illinois. pp 20.
and antioxidant activity of some food and medicinal plants. Int. J. Kalyesa R (1975). Screening of indigenous plants for antihelminthic
Food Sci. Nutr. 56(4):287-291. action against human Ascaris lumbricoides. Indian J. Physiol.
Benavides GA, Squadrito GL, Mills RW, Patel HD, Isbell TS, Patel RP, Pharmacol. 19:47-49.
Darley-Usmar VM, Doeller JE, Kraus DW (2007). Hydrogen sulfide Kao SH, Hsu CH, Su SN, Hor WT, Chang WH, Chow LP (2004).
mediates the vasoactivity of garlic. PNAS. 104:17977-17982. Identification and immunologic characterization of an allergen, alliin-
Bordia A (1981). Effect of garlic on blood lipids in patients with coronary lyase, from garlic (Allium sativum). J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.
heart disease. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 34:2100-2103. 113(1):161-168.
Borek C (2006). Garlic reduces dementia and heart-disease risk. J. Kasuga S, Ushijima M, Morihara N, Itakura Y, Nakata Y (1999). Effect
Nutr. 136(3):810-812. of aged garlic extract (AGE) on hyperglycemia induced by
Bradley PR (1992). British herbal compendium: a handbook of scientific immobilization stress in mice. Nippon Yakurigaku Zassh. 114:191-
information on widely used plant drugs/published by the British 197.
Herbal Medicine Association and produced by its Scientific Lanzotti V (2006). The analysis of onion and garlic. J. Chromat. A.
Committee. Bournemouth, Dorset. pp. 105-108. 12(1):3-22.
Capraz M, Dilek M, Akpolat [Link] (2006). Hypertension and patient Lau BH (1991). Effect of odor modified garlic preparation on blood
education. Int. J. Cardiol. 3:15-19. lipids. Nutr. Res. 7:139-149.
Catia D, Alessia F, Andrea G (2011). The potential role of garlic (Allium Lau BH (2006). Suppression of LDL oxidation by garlic compounds is a
sativum) against the multi-drug resistant tuberculosis pandemic: a possible mechanism of cardiovascular health benefit. Nutr.
review Ann 1st Super Sanità. 47(4):465-473. 136(3):765-768.
Dehghani F, Merat M, Panjehshahin MR, Handjani F (2005). Healing Lawson LD (1996). The composition and chemistry of garlic cloves and
effect of garlic extract on warts and corns. Int. J. Dermatol. 44:612- processed garlic. In: Koch HP, Lawson LD, eds. Garlic: the science
615. and therapeutic application of Allium sativum L and related species
Delaha EC, Garagusi VF (1985). Inhibition of mycobacteria by garlic (2nd edn). Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins. pp. 37-107.
extracts Allium sativum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 27(4):485- Lawson LD (1998). Garlic: a review of its medicinal effects and
486. indicated active compounds. In: Lawson LS, Bauer R, Editors,
Dibua UE, Odo GE, Udengwu S (2010). Esimone CO. Cytotoxicity and Phytomedicines of Europe: Chemistry and Biological Activity, ACS
antitubercular activity of Allium sativum and lantana camara against Symposium Series 691, Am. Chem. Soc. Washington. pp176-209.
mycobacterial isolates from people living with HIV/AIDS. The Internet Lawson LD, Wang ZYJ (1996). Changes in the organosulphur
J. Infec. Diseas. 8(1):1-10. compounds released from garlic during aging in water, dilute ethanol
Didry N, Dubreuil L, Pinkas, M (1992). Antimicrobial activity of or dilute acetic acid. J. Toxicol.14:214.
naphthaquinones and Allium extracts combined with antibiotics. Ledezma E, Apitz-Castro R (2006). Ajoene the main active component
Pharm. Acta Helv. 67:148-151. of garlic (Allium sativum): a new antifungal agent. Rev Iberoam Micol.
Dorant E, van den Brandt PA (1996). Goldbohm RA. A prospective 23:75-80.
cohort study on the relationship between onion and leek Lemar KM, Miguel AA, Sonia C, Brian O, Carsten TM, David L (2007).
consumption, garlic supplement use and the risk of colorectal Diallyl disulphide depletes glutathione in Candida albicans: oxidative
carcinoma in The Netherlands. Carcinogen. 17(3):477-484. stress mediated cell death studied by two-photon microscopy. Yeast.
Eidi A, Eidi M, Esmaeili E (2006). Antidiabetic effect of garlic (Allium 24(8):695-706.
sativum L.) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Maldonado PD, Chánez-Cárdenas ME, Pedraza-Chaverrí J (2005).
Phytomed. 13(9):624-629. Aged garlic extract, garlic powder extract, S-allyl cysteine, diallyl
Ernst E (1994). Fibrinogen: An important risk factor for atherothrombotic sulfide and diallyl disulfide does not interfere with the antibiotic
disease. Ann Med. 26:15-22. activity of gentamycin. J. Chromat. A. 19(3):252-254.
Ernst E, Weihmayr T, Matrai A (1994). Garlic and blood lipids. Br. Med. Mansell P, Reckless J (1991). Effects on serum lipids, blood pressure,
J. 291:139. coagulation, platelet aggregation and vasodilation. BMJ. 303:379-
Friedman T, Shalom A, Westreich M (2006) Self-inflicted garlic burns: 380.
our experience and literature review. Int. J. Dermatol. 45(10):1161- McMahon FG, Vargas R (1993). Can garlic lower blood pressure? A
1163. pilot study, Pharmacotherapy 13:406-407.
Friesen N, Fritsch RM, Blattner FR (2006). Phylogeny and new Mirelman D, Motsheit D, Vaton S (1987). Inhibition of growth of
intrageneric classification of Allium L. (Alliaceae) based on nuclear Entamoeba histolytica by Allicin, the active principle of garlic extracts
ribosomal DNA its sequences. Aliso. 22:372-395. (Allium sativum). J. Infect. Dis. 156:243-244.
Fukao H, Yoshida H, Tazawa YI, Hada T (2007). Antithrombotic Effects Morihara N, Ushijima M, Kashimoto N, Sumioka I, Nishihama T,
of Odorless Garlic Powder both in vitro and in vivo. Biosci Biotechnol. Hayama M, Takeda H (2006). Aged garlic extract ameliorates
Biochem. 7:21. physical fatigue. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 29(5):962-966.
Galeone C, Pelucchi C, Levi F, Negri E, Franceschi S, Talamini R, Morioka N, Sze LL, Morton DL, Irie RF (1993). A protein fraction from
Giacosa A, La Vecchia C (2006). Onion and garlic use and human aged garlic extract enhances cytotoxicity and proliferation of human
cancer. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 84(5):1027-1032. lymphocytes mediated by interleukin-2 and concanavalin A. Cancer
Hahn G (1996). In: Koch HP, Lawson LD, eds. Garlic: the science and Immunol. Immunother. 37:316-322.
therapeutic application of Allium sativum L and related species (2nd Nance DM, Luczy-Bachman G, Min P, Chang MS, Amagase H (2006).
edn). Baltimore Williams and Wilkins. Pp1-24. Effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on the immunosuppressive
Hsing AW, Chokkalingam AP, Gao YT, Madigan MP, Deng J, Gridley G, effects of stress Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Isr. Med. Assoc. J.
Fraumeni JF Jr (2002). Allium vegetables and risk of prostate cancer: 20(3):50-51.
a population based study. Am. J. Med. 94(21):1648-1651. Ohaeri OC (2001). Effect of garlic oil on the levels of various enzymes
Jaber MA, Al-Mossawi A (2007). Susceptibility of some multiple in the serum and tissue of streptozotocin diabtic rats. Biosci. Rep.
resistant bacteria to garlic extracts. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 6(6):771-776. 21:19-24
Jain RC (1998). Anti-tubercular activity of garlic oil. Indian Drug. 30:73- Onyeagba R, Ugbogu OC, Okeke CU, Iroakasi O (2004). Studies on the
75. antimicrobial effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginger (Zingiber
Jeyaraj S, Shivaji G, Jeyaraj SD, Vengatesan A (2006). Effect of officinale Roscoe) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia L.). Afr. J. Biotechnol.
combined supplementation of fish oil with garlic pearls on the serum 3:552-554.
lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Indian Heart J. Parekh J, Chanda S (2007). In vitro antimicrobial activity of Trapa
57(4):327-331. natans L. Fruit rind extracted in different solvents. Afr. J. Biotechnol.
Josling P (2001). Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: 6(6):766-770.
a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv. Ther.18:189-193. Pedrazza-Chaverri J, Tapia E, Medina-Campos ON, de los Angeles
Josling PA (2005). The heart of garlic Nature's aid to healing the human Granados M, Franco M (2006). Garlic prevents hypertension induced
408 Int. J. Med. Med. Sci.

by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis. Life Sci. 62:71-77. Sumioka I, Hayama M, Shimokawa Y, Shiraishi S, Tokunaga A (2006).
Prasad G, Sharma VD, Kumar A (1995). Efficacy of garlic (Allium Lipid-lowering effect of monascus garlic fermented extract (MGFE) in
sativum L.) therapy against experimental dermatophytosis in rabbits. hyperlipidaemia subjects. Hiroshima. J. Med. Sci. 55(2):59-64.
Indian J. Med. Res. 75:465-467. Tepe B, Daferera D, Sokmen M, Polissiou M, Sokmen A (2004). In vitro
Ratnakar P, Murthy S (1996). Preliminary studies on the antitubercular antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils and
activity and the mechanism of action of the water extract of garlic various extracts of thymus. J. Agric. Food Chem. 52:1132-1137.
(Allium sativum) and its two partially purified proteins (garlic Timbo BB, Ross MP, McCarthy PV, Lin CT (2006). Dietary supplements
defensis?). Indian J. Clin. Biochem.11 (1):37-41. in a national survey: Prevalence of use and reports of adverse
Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Shokoohamiri MR, Amirrajab N, Moghadasi B, events. Am. Diet Assoc.106(12):1966-1974.
Ghajari A, Zeini F, Sadeghi G, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M (2006). In vitro Torok B, Belagyi J, Rietz B, Jacob R (1994). Effectiveness of garlic on
antifungal activities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum and ketoconazole the radical activity in radical generating systems.
against some pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes. Fitoterapia. Arzneimittelforschung 44:608-611.
77(4):321-323. Tsai Y, Cole LL, Davis LE, Lockwood SJ, Simmons V, Wild GC (1985).
Sabayan B, Foroughinia F, Chohedry A (2006). A postulated role of Antiviral properties of garlic: in vitro effects on influenza B, herpes
garlic organosulfur compounds in prevention of valproic acid simplex and coxsackie viruses. Planta Med. 8:460-461.
hepatotoxicity. Med. Hypotheses. 68(3):512-514. Tsao SM, Yin MC (2001). In vitro antimicrobial activity of four diallyl
Sabitha P, Adhikari PM, Shenoy SM (2005). Efficacy of garlic paste in sulphides occurring naturally in garlic and Chinese leek oil. J. Med.
oral candidiasis. Trop Doct. 35(2):99-100. Microbiol. 50:646-649.
Salman H, Bergman M, Bessler H, Punsky I, Djaldetti M (1999). Effect Wojdylo A, Oszmianski J, Czemerys R (2007). Antioxidant activity and
of a garlic derivative (alliin) on peripheral blood cell immune phenolic compounds in 32 selected herbs. Food Chem. 105:940-949.
responses. Int. J. Immunopharmacol. 21:589-597. Yeh GY, Davis RB, Phillips RS (2006). Use of Complementary
Saw JT, Bahari MB, Ang HH, Lim YH (2006). Potential drug-herb Therapies in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. Am. J. Card.
interaction with antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs. Complement Ther. 98(5):673-680.
Clin. Pract. 12(4):236-241. Yin J, Li H (2007). Anaphylaxis Caused by Younger Garlic. J. Allergy
Sener G, Sehirli AO, Ipci Y, Cetinel S, Cikler E, Gedik N (2005). Chronic Clin. Immunol. 119 (1):34.
nicotine toxicity is prevented by aqueous garlic extract. Plant Foods
Hum. Nutr. 60(2):77-86.
Silagy CA, Neil HA (1994). A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic on
blood pressure. J. Hypertens. 12:463-468.
Steinmetz KA, Kushi LH, Bostick RM, Folsom AR, Potter JD (1994).
Vegetables, fruit, and colon cancer in the Iowa woman’s health study.
Am. J. Epidemiol. 139:1-15.

View publication stats