Garlic is known as Lasuna, which signifies, destroyer of diseases. The fresh plants of Garlic are used as edible food substance and also the dried cloves are on ripening to alleviate the disorders rationally in TIM.

Garlic is recommended as physical strength promoting, intellect promoting and as aphrodisiac to maintain healthy state of life. Its properties like- unctuous, hot, pungent, heavy has been described to alleviates skin diseases, intra abdominal tumor, chronic rhinitis, hemicranias, epilepsy, fainting etc.

Its continuous use causes internal hemorrhage. The medicated milk, medicated oil preparation are used orally as well topically. A number of pharmaceutical forms are seen in more than years old original scriptures of Ayurveda and also in later works as it was in use by successive generation in India.

A comprehensive review on Garlic is highlighted here, including original references with scientific evidences. According to World Health Organization WHO , Traditional Medicine TM is a comprehensive term used to refer both to Traditional Medicine such as traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurvedic and Arabic Unani Medicine and Various forms of Indigenous medicine.

Traditional medicine therapies include medication therapies-if they involve use of herbal medicines, animal parts and minerals-and non-medication therapies- if they are carried out primarily without the use of the medications, as in the case of acupuncture, manual therapies and the spiritual therapies.

Across the world, TM is either as the mainstay of health care delivery or serves as a complement to it. The World Health Assembly WHA resolution on TM WHA Since ancient times, the Traditional Indian Medicine- Ayurveda is a main stream in health care system since ancient times based on use of natural origin substances available on earth.

In Charaka Samhita three origins of medicinal substances has been defined- तत् पुनस्त्रिविधं प्रोक्तं जङ्गमौद्भिदपार्थिवम्् which are as follows [ 3 , 4 , 5 ];. Sthavara immobile , which includes- i Vanaspati those with fruits and invisible flowers , ii Vraksha those having both flower and fruits , iii Virudh weak plant and shrub and iv Osadhi which perishes on maturing of fruits.

Jangama mobile , which includes- i Jarayuja all placental bearing- animals, human beings etc. and iv Udbhija emerge out from earth- Indragopa , manduka frog etc. under this group. Those substances are actually used rationally in Ayurveda not empirically.

The Principle and Practice of Ayurveda has its emergence from ancient Vedic period i. The Indian seers of ancient age observe the nature and their surroundings and evolved certain basic principles in accordance with the prevailing Laws of the nature- Soma Lunar , Surya Solar and Anal Air , which influences life of every individual in the universe.

According to them, the creation of Ayurveda is for the wellness of all living being. They further emphasize on two objective of the Ayurveda- i svasthasya svastha rakshanam protection of health of a healthy individual and ii aturasya vikaraprasamanam alleviation of disorder in a diseased person.

In SS the definition of Health is seen as follows:. समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलःक्रिय:।. प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थइतिअभिधीयते॥. This definition is very near to definition of Health by WHO. The evidence of use of natural substance as medicine in India has its foot-print in more than years old compendium i.

The Osadhi-sukta well saying on drug of Rigveda is the foremost authoritative document of the knowledge about plants in that age. It says that plant came in existence much earlier from the Gods and has innumerable places of origin and habitat.

They have potency like horse and they conquer diseases in the patient on circulating all over the body. Plants were used to make man dvipad - two leg and animals chatuspad - four leg free from disease.

Atharvaveda BCE mention quite a large number of the plants and other substances used as medicine [ 8 ]. On comprehensive review of the Vedic compendia, it is observed that a good numbers of plants with their similar name and uses are find places in CS and SS.

A few of them are as follows; Asvattha Ficus religiosa L. In CS- Asvattha find place by the same name and its phala fruit and patra leaf are used.

The phala fruit is enumerated among fruit group [ 10 ]. In SS also, Asvattha-phalamulatvakasunga fruit-root-bark-terminal part of leaf are used. Its fruit is said as Vajikarana aphrodisiac [ 11 ].

Another plant- Sigru , denotes a geographical region but in later text; Kausika Sutra, it has appeared as a plant and prescribed its application in worms [ 12 ]. In 27th chapter of CS, Sigru is enumerated with other drugs i.

Sprague, arjaka Orthosiphon pallidus Royle ex Benth etc. are used freshly as adjuvant in the preparation of food items. Here, Garlic Lasuna is also find place in green vegetable group [ 13 ].

The observational experience on effect of plant initially on animals and thereafter in Human beings led to the genesis of science of Life- Ayurveda Traditional Indian Medicine during ancient India.

The three natural origin substances i. On the other side former two are used as food substances. Ayurveda advocate that rational use of wholesome substance s by an individual in accordance with season and geographical region makes healthy long life, whereas unwholesome causes various disorders.

Ayurveda is known as sub-division of Atharvaveda as honestly written in Charaka Samhita CS [ 14 ] and Sushruta Samhita SS the Original scriptures of Ayurveda- Vedo hi Atharvanohya [ 15 ].

It is worthy to mention here that many of the medicinal substances used in Vedic compendia are referred in original scriptures of Ayurveda with similar name and uses.

CS and SS are very well known as the original scriptures of TIM with their Vedic tradition, they are considered contemporary to each other as both were created during BCE.

The available scriptures are written in Sanskrit language, which was the language of vocabulary, writing and teaching during that period. Thus, it is obvious that the complete writing is available in Sanskrit. The CS is the text of Internal Medicine and SS is Surgical Care of Disease a part from medical care.

The entire work is presented in question-answer style by Master and Disciple. Similarly, the SS, consisted of six chapters and sections as follows; basic concepts, diagnosis, human body, treatment, pharmaceuticals and Uttartantra deals with-diseases above the neck, pediatrics and internal medicine [ 16 , 17 ].

On review, one can easily visualize the method of preparation of sizable number of compound formulations too, which are even purchased over the counter for health benefits.

A few of the popular compound formulations, which are even today in common practice in Ayurveda are; Triphala Rasayana churna, Trikatu Churna and Chyavanprasha Avaleha [ 18 ].

The use of Garlic in India dates back to more than years as evident from CS and SS the original available scriptures on Ayurveda in Sanskrita Language. On complete review of both the texts, it was observed in CS that the fresh garlic is placed in harit varga green group with other edible plant substances and consumed as food article [ 19 , 20 ].

The green garlic is consumed while immature and still tender and a bulb not separated into cloves like a mature ones, whereas cloves are used when it is matured. Not only in Pan India but in the neighboring areas like; Nepal, Myanmar, Lao, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, SriLanka South-East Asian region similar uses are reported.

Thus, it is obvious that in Pan India, Garlic is in use since ancient times Figures 1 and 2. Plant of Fresh Garlic. Mature Garlic Bulb. The Health benefits of Garlic- Lasuna are very much witness in ancient texts viz.

and snigdha unctuous , usna hot , tikshna sharp , katu pungent , picchila slimy , guru heavy , sara laxative , svadurasa sweet respectively. Of them, due to unctuous and slimy properties it has vrisya effect promotion of 7th Dhatu- sukra , which is responsible for the quality formation of sperm cells and thereby oja vital essence with the result of that enhances body immunity to fight against disorders.

With clarified butter- it minimizes adverse effect owing to the properties like; hot, sharp and pungent. In SS it is considered beneficial to eye and advised for physical and mental strength promotion. It has balya strengthening , vrisya aphrodisiac effects and promotes- medha intellect , svara voice , varna complexion , chakshu vision , and bhagnasthi sandhana union of fractured bone as recorded in SS [ 21 , 22 ].

The Garlic-Lasuna has been prescribed to alleviates krimi worms , kustha dermatopathies , kilasa leucoderma , vata one of the three vitiated elements and gulma intra abdominal tumour , Gaurava head in heaviness , Siras sula headache , Pinasa chronic rhinitis , ardhavabhedaka hemicrania , krimivyadhi helminthiasis , apasmara epilepsy , ghrananasa anosmia and pramoha fainting through nasal route of administration.

In Vimanasthana , Lasuna is included among the drugs for non-unctuous medicated enema for intestinal worms.

This medicated enema is said to be administered for three or five days continuously. In the next chapter Lasuna is enumerated in katuskandha pungent-group and medicated enema is prepared, which is prescribed along with madhu honey , taila oil and Lavana salt in slesma one of the three bio-elements origin disorders.

In the same chapter the useful part of Lasuna-kanda garlic-tuber for sirovirechana head-evacuation- one of the procedures of Panchakarma Five measures- vamana-virechana-anuvasana-asthapana and sirovirechana has been included with other drugs in a group. The kshira-paka medicated- milk prepared of suddha-suska Lasuna clean-dried garlic in definite ratio of lasuna garlic : udaka water : Kshira milk cures vatajagulma intra-abdominal tumor due to vata-vitiation , udavarta upward movement of Vayu- , gridhrasi sciatica , visamajvara irregular-fever , hridaroga cardiac-diseases , vidradhi abscess and sotha inflammation.

The Oral administration of Rasona Garlic paste with sesame oil before meals is prescribed to alleviate the intermittent fever. Garlic is one of the ingredients of the Kanakakshiri taila medicated oil preparation prescribed as topical massage to alleviate worms and itching.

In 9th chapter, two kinds of clarified butter based Garlic formulations are seen for Unmada insanity and Apasmara epilepsy and in both the preparations, Garlic is found as the major ingredient. Fumigation of Garlic with other plant drugs is recommended to alleviate apasmara epilepsy [ 23 ].

In SS Sutrasthana 39 chapter, Lasuna-kanda garlic-bulb is found with alarka, ativisa, sringavera for sirovirechana head evacuation. It is included with other katu pungent drugs in katu -group pungent group and in saka varga vegetable group with other vegetables and its properties like; snigdha unctuous , usna hot , tikshna sharp , katu pungent , picchala slimy , guru heavy , sara laxative , svadurasa sweet has been enumerated.

It alleviates; hridaroga cardiac disease , jirna-jvara chronic fever , kukshi-sula abdominal colic , vibandha constipation , gulma intra-abdominal tumour , aruchi anorexia , kasa cough , sopha oedema , durnama piles kustha dermatopathies , analasada agni deficiency , jantu worms , samira vata , svasa dyspnoea and kapha.

In case of insufficient milk production in lactating mother due to krodha anger , soka sorrow , avatsalya loss of affection to baby it is recommended as galactogogue. At the time of labor pain to remove the hardness of bowel, milk preparation of garlic with hingu, sauvarchala and vacha is recommended.

In combination with other plant and mineral origin substances, it is recommended in eye diseases as anjana anointment and to pacify; kandu itching , timira diminished vision , suklarma pterygium , raktaraji of the eye redness of the eye.

In ear diseases Garlic with other drugs in compound form of oil and clarified-butter preparations is recommended.

The lukewarm oil, prepared with the juice of garlic is recommended as wholesome to earache, head evacuation and in intermittent fever in ghrita clarified butter form. At other place the milk preparation of Garlic Rasona is recommended to Kshayaartha patient of tuberculosis. The juice of Garlic Rasona as major ingredient with other drugs in Clarified butter form is recommended to alleviate; gulma intra-abdominal lump , grahani duodenal disorder , arsa hemorrhoids , svasa dyspnoea , unmada insanity , kshaya tuberculosis , Jvara fever , kasa cough , apasmara epilepsy , mandagni loss of appetite , pliha splenomegaly , vatika-sula colic.

In Uttaratantra of Sushruta Samhita, two compound formulations comprising of Garlic with other Drugs has been recommended as collyrium externally and oil in psychiatric disorders. In successive chapter, a compound of Garlic with other drugs in apasmara epilepsy [ 24 ].

In AH 5th Cent. It is worthy to mention here that the similar verse line to line from Charaka Samhita has find place in AH gulma Chikitsa, which confirms the tradition continued during that period also. In 6th Chapter of Sutrasthana of AH, it is included in vegetable group. Its properties has been said as; Bhristikshonah excessive sharp and hot , katu in rasa and vipaka pungent-taste and also after digestion and metabolism , sara laxative , snigdha unctuous , rochana stimulating the appetite , guru heavy.

It is one of the drugs which is having vrisya aphrodisiac in spite of Katu pungent rasa taste inclusively referred in Rasabhediya 10th chapter of Sutrasthana. In this text a few new health benefits including earlier texts, like - hridya beneficial to heart Kesya beneficial for hair , vrisya aphrodisiac , dipana enhancing digestive fire , bhagnasandhanakrita union-promoting in fracture , rasayana promotive therapy are enumerated.

In case of regaining mada intoxication murcha fainting and sanyasa complete exhaustion due to chronic alcoholism, the juice of Garlic is advised. It alleviates intermittent fever, if consumed with oil in the morning.

Also alleviates severe Vatic disorders diseases caused by vitiation of Vata , kilasa vitiligo , kustha dermatopathies , gulma intra-abdominal lump , arsa hemorrhoides , meha turbidity in urine , krimi worm , kapha one of the three bio-elements , anil- vata one of the three bio-elements , hidhma hiccough , pinasa chronic Rhinitis , svasa difficult breathing and kasa cough.

At other place, the compound formulation of Garlic with other plant and mineral origin medicinal substances has been recommended to alleviate apasmara epilepsy [ 25 ]. Looking to the popularity of the AH, this treatise is included with two great treatise of ancient period i.

Its continuous use as food items causes vitiation of pitta one of the elements among three doshas , which leads to raktapitta internal hemorrhage. The prodromal symptoms of occurrence of internal hemorrhage has also been reported such as; annannabhilasa aversion to food , bhuktasyavidaha burning on immediate ingestion of food , suktaamlagandharasa udgaara eructation having smell and taste of sour gruel , charderbhikshanamaagamana nauseating and frequent urge for vomiting , Charditasya vibhatsata disgusting vomitus-consisting blood , svarabheda hoarseness of voice , gatranam sadanam malaise , paridaha burning around the body etc.

Similar caution has been found in AH as follows; continuous use of Garlic- Lasuna causes raktapittapradusana vitiation of rakta-pitta causes internal-hemorrhage [ 27 ]. Another noted- treatise on Principles and Practices of Ayurvedic Medicine i.

also having single and compound preparations prescribed in number of disorders like; Lasunadi yoga a compound formulation having Pippali mula root of Piper longum L. and Abhaya Terminalia chebula Retz.

has been prescribed to alleviate spleenomegaly. At other place, the Lasunadya ghrita a compound preparation with clarified butter is prescribed to alleviates sula abdominal colic , gulma abdominal lump , arsa hemorrhoids , udararoga abdominal disorders , pandu anemia , pliha spleenomegaly , yonidosha uterine disorders , krimi worms , jvara fever , vata and kapha disorders and unmada insanity.

In this text also its synonym Rasona is find place and Rasona kshira Garlic-milk , Rasona-taila Garlic-oil , Rasona-pinda Garlic-bolus , Rasona-sura Garlic-liquor , Rasonadya-kalka Garlic-paste and Rasonadya ghrita Garlic-clarified butter are some of the compound formulations advised in various ailments.

It is interesting to mention here that the Rasona kshira is the same preparation of CS with little change in verse and the indications are the same as of Lasuna-kshiram of CS.

In popular manuscripts of 12th Cent. The fine paste of Garlic bulb with clarified butter with consumption of clarified butter in diet alleviates all kinds of Vatic disorders diseases caused due to vitiation of vata-dosha in body. At other place, a compound preparation- Rasonapinda bolus of Garlic , either with jala water or madya alcohol is praised to alleviate- amavata vitiated vata with endotoxin , vitiated vata in particular location and entire body, apasmara epilepsy , svasa dysponea , kasa cough , gara poisoning , unmada insanity , vatabhagna fracture due to vitiated vata , sula colic and jantu worm infestation.

The oil prepared from the paste and juice of Garlic alleviates all types of pain due to vitiated vata dosha [ 29 ]. In the most popular work of Srangadharacharya- Srangadharasamhita of 13th Cent. The kalka paste 0f Rasona-Lasuna mixed with the oil of sesame is prescribed in visamjvara intermittent- fever and vatic diseases.

In continuation to that a compound formulation prepared with matured Garlic- Lasuna is recommended to alleviate akangavata vitiated vata in particular location , sarvanga vata vitiated vata inentire body, apasmara epilepsy , unmada insanity , gridhrisi sciatica , sula colic and krimi worm infestation etc.

The author Sodhal has composed the text during 14th Cent. and named it Gadanigrah in which disorders along with their treatment are lucidly described.

Amongst the vegetable origin drugs Garlic- Lasuna is also find place in many diseases as single and compound formulations. The compound formulation- Lasunaddya ghritam Clarified butter preparation of Garlic with other drugs with honey and sugar alleviates- raktapitta internal hemorrhage , kasa cough , gulma intra abdominal tumor etc.

At other place with other vegetable drugs, clarified butter preparation of Garlic- Lasuna is prescribed in kasa cough , svasa dysponea , jvara fever , hridaroga cardiac disease etc.

An exclusive clarified preparation is made to overcome the gulma intra abdominal tumor and vatic disorders has been prescribed. The Rasonapinda bolus of Garlic , either with jala water or madya alcohol is praised to alleviate- amavata vitiated vata with endotoxin , vitiated vata in particular location and entire body, apasmara epilepsy , svasa dysponea , kasa cough , gara poisoning , unmada insanity , vatabhagna fracture due to vitiated vata , sula colic and jantu worm infestation.

The oil preparation of Kalka paste and svarasa juice of Rasona - Garlic cures all vatic disorders [ 31 ]. During 15th Cent. Kaiyadeva Nighantu Materia. Medica came into existence, which was created by Kaiyadeva. In fact, initially it was known as Pathyaapathya vibodhaka knowledge on wholesome and unwholesome.

In this Materia Medica, Garlic- Lasuna its synonyms, properties, action and therapeutic uses as an individual drug has been described. Here the similar properties as found in CS and SS are described.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the therapeutic uses are also the same as found in original texts [ 32 ]. The noted author of 16th Cent. In this text, the compound formulation consisting of Lasuna and other vegetable drugs prepared in mustard oil is poured in ear to alleviates- karnasula earache and karna-nada tinnitus.

The paste of Garlic mixed with sesame oil and rock salt cures visamjvara intermittent fever and all vatic disorders if consumed in the morning and Garlic paste in oil removes apasmara epilepsy.

In case of wound with maggots the paste of Garlic is applied to kill them. Administration of the paste of Garlic with sesame oil cures ardit facial paralysis. Rasonapinda bolus of Garlic , a compound formulation is advised to alleviate- amavata vitiated vata with endotoxin , vitiated vata in particular location and entire body, apasmara epilepsy , svasa dysponea , kasa cough , gara poisoning , unmada insanity , vatabhagna fracture due to vitiated vata , sula colic and jantu worm infestation [ 33 , 34 ].

He also created Bhavaprakasa Nighantu Materia - Medica in which Garlic- Lasuna, its synonyms, properties, action and therapeutic uses as single drug has been described. Here, it is stressed that a person should not do exercise, exposure to Sunlight, anger, excessive water drinking while consuming Garlic- Lasuna, because of hot in potency [ 35 ].

Pandit Narhari in 17th Cent. created Raja- Nighantu Materia Medica in which Garlic —Lasuna along with synonyms are described. Further, its properties like- Usna hot , katu pungent , picchala slimy snigdha unctuous , guru heavy , tikshna sharp , svadurasa sweet has been enumerated.

By virtue of its properties it has health promotive effects viz- atibalya excess strengthening , vrisya aphrodisiac , medha mental strengthening , varnya improve complexion etc. A part from that it also alleviates- hridaroga cardiac disorder , bhagnasthisandhankara union promoter of the fractured bone , jvara fever , gulma intra-abdominal tumor , sula colic , sopha inflammation etc.

During 18th Cent. Kaviraj Govind Das Sen compiled a manuscript and named it Bhaisajyaratnawali, which consist of formulations. In this work number of single and compound formulations of Garlic are included, which are as follows; Lasuna - Kshira milk preparation of Garlic , Lasunadi- ghrita clarified preparation of Garlic, Rasona-kalka garlic-paste , Rasona-taila garlic-oil , Rasona- sura garlic- liquor , Rasonadi-kvatha decoction of Garlic with other drugs etc.

They are recommended in apasmara epilepsy , svasa dysponea , kasa cough , gara poisoning , unmada insanity , vatabhagna fracture due to vitiated vata , sula colic and jantu worm infestation etc. Most of the preparations contains in Bhaisajyaratnawali are still in practice and prepared by the Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical industries [ 37 ].

In 19th Cent. Shaligram Nighantu- Bhusanam was created by Lala Shaligramji Vaisya, which is considered the last Nighantu of that time written in ancient style. In this Nighantu, Garlic-Lasuna has been placed under the heading of kandasaka of sakavarga vegetable group.

Here also, its synonyms like- Rasona, suklakanda etc. as referred in previous works are included. Similarly, properties, action, therapeutic uses find in CS, SS and later works are incorporated, which shows continuation of the TIM of ancient origin even during that period.

The botanical name Allium sativum L. Is included here [ 38 ]. Of them, the famous is Adarsha Nighantu , created by Vaidya Bapalal. In this Nighantu ; Garlic- Lasuna is included in Lasunadivarga Garlic group and its names in various regional languages of India and, Latin scientific name Allium sativum L.

Influence of garlic powder on cutaneous microcirculation. A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study in apparently healthy subjects.

Arzneimittel-Forschung , 41 6 , — Koscielny, J. The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum. Atherosclerosis , 1 , — Koushki, M.

Effect of garlic intake on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Postgraduate Medical Journal , 97 Kumar, R. Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory and adenosine deaminase—lowering effects of garlic in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with obesity. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy , 6 , Li, G.

Fresh Garlic Extract Enhances the Antimicrobial Activities of Antibiotics on Resistant Strains in Vitro. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology , 8 5. Mathew, B. Neuroprotective Effects of Garlic: A Review. Libyan Journal of Medicine , 3 1 , 23— Percival, S.

Aged Garlic Extract Modifies Human Immunity. The Journal of Nutrition , 2 , SS. Qureshi, A. Influence of minor plant constituents on porcine hepatic lipid metabolism.

Atherosclerosis , 64 , — Varshney, R. Garlic and Heart Disease. The Journal of Nutrition. Rouf, R. Antiviral potential of garlic Allium sativum and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data. Sweetnich, J. Top 5 Antioxidants That Can Improve Your Health and How To Test Your Patient's Levels.

Williams, F. Dietary garlic and hip osteoarthritis: evidence of a protective effect and putative mechanism of action. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders , 11 1. Yeh, Y. Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Garlic Extracts and Organosulfur Compounds: Human and Animal Studies.

The Journal of Nutrition , 3 , SS. Yoshimura, H. Integrative Approaches to Endometriosis: Managing Pain and Improving Quality of Life.

Zaremba, K. The Health Benefits of Garlic: What You Need to Know. Documents Tab. Redesigned Patient Portal. Simplify blood panel ordering with Rupa's Panel Builder.

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Research Studies. Running Your Business. Women's Health. Cardiovascular Health: Protecting the Heart In the United States, garlic is primarily used medicinally to reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Immune System Boost: Fending Off Infections Garlic has been widely recognized for its therapeutic effects in supporting the immune system, primarily due to its natural antimicrobial properties. Antioxidant Power: Shielding Against Oxidative Stress Researchers theorize that phytocompounds in garlic, including allicin, allyl, cysteine, and allyl disulfide, have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress Anti-Inflammatory: Reducing Swelling and Pain The active compounds in garlic inhibit the production of inflammatory substances in the body, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor Blood Sugar Regulation: Supporting Diabetics Garlic has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in blood sugar management, particularly in the context of diabetes.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Ann Intern Med. Silagy C, Neil A. Garlic as a lipid lowering agent—a meta-analysis..

J R Coll Physicians Lond. Saradeth T, Seidl S, Resch Kl. Does garlic alter the lipid pattern in normal volunteers?. Neil HA, Silagy CA, Lancaster T, Hodgeman J, Vos K, Moore JW, et al. Garlic powder in the treatment of moderate hyperlipidaemia: a controlled trial and meta-analysis..

Isaacsohn JL, Moser M, Stein EA, Dudley K, Davey JA, Liskov E, et al. Garlic powder and plasma lipids and lipoproteins: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial..

Arch Intern Med. Berthold HK, Sudhop T, von Bergmann K. Effect of a garlic oil preparation on serum lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism: a randomized controlled trial.. Stevinson C, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Garlic for treating hypercholesterolemia.

A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.. Ackermann RT, Mulrow CD, Ramirez G, Gardner CD, Morbidoni L, Lawrence VA. Garlic shows promise for improving some cardiovascular risk factors.. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Ackermann R, Gilbert Ramirez G, Morbidoni L, Aguilar C, et al.

Garlic: effects on cardiovascular risks and disease, protective effects against cancer, and clinical adverse effects. October Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Md. AHRQ publication no. Holzgartner H, Schmidt U, Kuhn U.

Comparison of the efficacy and tolerance of a garlic preparation vs. McCrindle BW, Helden E, Conner WT. Garlic extract therapy in children with hypercholesterolemia.. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Comparing effects of 3 sources of garlic on cholesterol levels.

Garlic in hyperlipidemia caused by HAART. Silagy CA, Neil HA. A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic on blood pressure.. J Hypertens. Siegel G, Walter A, Engel S, Walper A, Michel F.

Wien Med Wochenschr. Koscielny J, Klussendorf D, Latza R, Schmitt R, Radtke H, Siegel G, et al. The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum.. Siegel G, Klussendorf D. The anti-atherosclerotic effect of Allium sativuum : statistics re-evaluation..

Breithaupt-Grogler K, Ling M, Boudoulas H, Belz GG. Protective effect of chronic garlic intake on elastic properties of aorta in the elderly.. Wargovich MJ, Uda N, Woods C, Velasco M, McKee K.

Allium vegetables: their role in the prevention of cancer.. Biochem Soc Trans.

The increase on the garlic group was There was also a significant decrease in the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in the garlic group Two of 21 patients in the garlic group and 7 of 20 patients in the placebo group died during the follow-up period of up to 18 months 9.

Garlic Allium sativum is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek and chive. Garlic is a perennial flowering plant growing from a bulb. It has a tall, erect flowering stem that grows up to 1 metre. The leaf blade is flat, linear, solid, and approximately wide, with an acute apex.

The pink to purple flowers grow from upright stalks between July to September Northern Hemisphere. The bulb is odoriferous and contains outer layers of thin sheathing leaves surrounding an inner sheath that encloses the clove.

The bulb usually consists of 10 to 20 cloves that are asymmetric in shape cloves at the centre may be less symmetrical. It produces hermaphrodite flowers. It is pollinated by bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects.

Garlic is safe to use during lactation. It is regarded as generally safe taken as food, although it should be avoided at medicinal doses during pregnancy due to its stimulating nature The below interactions and contraindications are generally understood to be of limited evidence and are based on single case reports.

However, if taking medications for any below mentioned serious and ongoing health conditions it is worth consulting a medical herbalist before taking garlic in medical doses. You can find a clinical herbalist in our resources section. Caution is sometimes advised to those taking blood thinning medications.

This caution relates to one case report in which an increased International Normalized Ratio INR was observed in 2 patients on warfarin and in one patient on fluindione who had used garlic products. One single case report relating to 1 patient has also led to caution in the use of garlic for those taking medications to lower blood pressure such as lisinopril 1.

It is therefore advised to consult with a professional medical herbalist before taking garlic if taking any of the above medications. Caution is advised with regard to surgical operations due to some case reports with prolonged or increased bleeding.

Garlic should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgical operations Dried: Take between 6 — 15g of dried garlic per day for therapeutic effects. For the treatment of more severe conditions; i.

prophylaxis of atherosclerosis or treatment of elevated blood lipid levels and hypertension adults must take the equivalent of mg of alliin approx.

These compounds are typically contained in one clove of garlic or in 0. Carefully dried, powdered material contains about 1 per cent of alliin as the main sulphur-containing amino acid. In the presence of the enzyme alliinase, alliin will be converted to allicin 1 mg of alliin is equivalent to 0.

In turn, allicin is the precursor of various transformation products, including ajoenes, vinyldithiines, oligosulphides and polysulphides. The formation of these metabolites depends on the conditions applied such where medicine is prepared by steam distillation.

Extraction in an oily medium contains a number of allicin transformation products. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status garlic in the wild has not yet been assessed.

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must therefore ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant products?? in global trade was of unknown origin.

There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility transparency and traceability into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards VSS.

Read our article on sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability. Garlic is a common food product which can be bought in any grocery store.

It is however best to source organic garlic for medicinal purposes. This is due to the fact that a higher content of medicinal compounds is often found in organically grown produce over conventionally farmed.

Herbal Medicines are often extremely safe to take, however it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputed supplier. Sometimes herbs bought from unreputable sources are contaminated, adulterated or substituted with incorrect plant matter. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from.

There is more space for contamination and adulteration when the supply chain is unknown. Garlic is easy to grow and is highly resilient to low temperatures. If garlic is planted at the proper time and depth, it can be grown as far north as Alaska.

Garlic Allium sativum Amaryllidaceae Garlic is a panacea for all the ills. Sustainability status Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species.

Key benefits Digestive health Respiratory health Hyperlipidaemic Antioxidant Hypotensive Common cold Atherosclerosis. Aromatic Hot. Western Actions Alteratives. Cardiovascular system Garlic has a multitude of therapeutic effects in the circulatory system.

Digestive system Garlic can be used for a number of conditions in the digestive system. Respiratory system Garlics powerful volatile oils have a potent therapeutic effect on the lungs.

Metabolic Garlic is sometimes used by herbalists in the treatment of elevated blood lipid levels that are insufficiently controlled by diet 1. External uses An infused oil of garlic may be used for fungal infections and ringworm, as well as for ear infections Cardiovascular health An open study was carried out to assess the effects of mg of standardised garlic powder 1.

Hypertension A systematic review was carried out on the medical literature to investigate the current evidence of garlic for the treatment of hypertension.

Atherosclerosis A study which used serum taken from patients with coronary atherosclerosis 2 hours after ingestion of mg of standardised garlic powder 1. Myocardial infarction A 3-year randomised placebo controlled study was carried out to assess the efficacy of an oily garlic extract for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

Respiratory system A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of one of garlics primary compounds, allicin, for the prevention of the common cold. Additional information Botanical description Garlic Allium sativum is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus Allium.

Spear leek Camphor of the poor Clove of garlic Cultivated garlic Nectar of the Gods Rocambole Rustic treacle Serpent garlic Stinking rose. Fresh culinary Dried capsules Herbal honey Tincture. Fresh: Take between 1- 3 cloves per day for therapeutic effects. Garlic is native to South Asia, Central Asia and northeastern Iran.

Choose a warm sunny location with well-drained soil Break apart cloves from the bulb a few days before planting keeping the papery husk on each individual clove intact. Late autumn is an ideal time to plant garlic. Plant cloves 4 to 8 inches apart and around 2 inches deep, in their upright position with the pointed end facing up and the wider root side facing down.

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Gonzalez RE, Soto VC, Sance MM, Galmarini CR. High blood pressure, or hypertension , is one of the most important factors that may lead to these diseases. A meta-analysis of studies found garlic supplements to reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

The analysis noted that the effect of garlic was similar to some blood pressure medications but with fewer side effects. A review notes that allicin in garlic may limit the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that increases blood pressure.

It may also relax your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Garlic supplements appear to improve blood pressure for those with known high blood pressure.

In some cases, supplements may be as effective as regular medications. A research review suggests that garlic can lower total and LDL bad cholesterol.

The authors recommend that people with high cholesterol eat more garlic but caution that more research is needed to verify their findings. Researchers noted this effect in people with slightly raised cholesterol levels. But garlic does not seem to have the same effect on triglyceride levels , another risk factor for heart disease.

Research also suggests that garlic does not have an effect on HDL good cholesterol. Garlic supplements seem to reduce total and LDL bad cholesterol, particularly in those with slightly high cholesterol.

There appears to be no effect on HDL good cholesterol and triglycerides. Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to the aging process and related cognitive decline. Animal studies suggest that allicin in garlic may also help protect against cognitive decline. Human research is needed before we can fully understand its potential.

Garlic contains antioxidants that can help protect against cognitive decline related to cell damage and aging. But given the beneficial effects on important risk factors like blood pressure, it makes sense that garlic could help you live longer.

In a Chinese study , older adults who consumed garlic at least weekly lived longer than those who consumed garlic less than once a week.

The fact that it can help defend against infectious diseases is also important. Such diseases are common causes of death, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Garlic has known beneficial effects on common causes of chronic disease, so it makes sense that it could also help you live longer. Ancient civilizations used garlic to reduce fatigue and improve the work capacity of laborers.

Olympic athletes in ancient Greece consumed garlic to improve their performance. While rodent studies have shown that garlic helps with exercise performance, there have been very few human studies.

However, it may have reduced exercise-related oxidative stress and muscle damage. A small study also noted that garlic supplements might increase oxygen capacity during exercise.

But more research is needed to confirm this potential benefit. Animal studies suggest that garlic may improve physical performance. The benefits for humans are not yet conclusive. Ultimately, more research is needed. At high doses, the sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity.

Allicin in garlic can help reduce levels of lead in your blood and vital organs. It also reduced many clinical signs of toxicity, including headaches and high blood pressure. A few recent studies have measured the effects of garlic on bone health, specifically in women after menopause.

Results of a clinical trial published in showed that garlic can reduce oxidative stress that leads to osteoporosis. The participants took garlic tablets equal to about 2 grams of fresh garlic per day.

A study found that 12 weeks of garlic supplements 1 gram per day helped reduce pain in women with knee osteoarthritis and obesity or overweight. Garlic appears to have some benefits for bone health by reducing oxidative stress. Still, more human studies are needed.

Garlic is very easy to include in your current diet. It complements most savory dishes, particularly soups and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can also add a punch to otherwise bland recipes.

Garlic comes in several forms, from whole cloves and smooth pastes to powders and supplements like garlic extract and garlic oil. A common way to use garlic is to press a few cloves of fresh garlic with a garlic press, then mix it with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of salt.

This works as a very simple and nutritious salad dressing. Garlic is delicious and easy to add to your diet.

You can use it in savory dishes, soups, sauces, dressings, and more.