Pharmacological Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Singh VK, Singh DK. Pharmacological Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.). ARBS Annu Rev Biomed Sci 2008;10:6-26. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a bulbous herb used as a food item, spice and medicine in different parts of the world. Its medicinal use is based on traditional experience passed from generation to generation. Researchers from various disciplines are now directing their efforts towards discovering the effects of garlic on human health. Interest in garlic among researchers, particularly those in medical profession, has stemmed from the search for a drug that has a broad-spectrum therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity. Recent studies indicate that garlic extract has antimicrobial activity against many genera of bacteria, fungi and viruses. The role of garlic in preventing cardiovascular disease has been acclaimed by several authors. Chemical constituents of garlic have been investigated for treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, platelet aggregation and blood fibrinolytic activity. Experimental data indicate that garlic may have anticarcinogenic effect. Recent researches in the area of pest control show that garlic has strong insecticidal, nematicidal, rodenticidal and molluscicidal activity. Despite field trials and laboratory experiments on the pesticidal activity of garlic have been conducted, more studies on the way of delivery in environment and mode of action are still recommended for effective control of pest. Adverse effects of oral ingestion and topical exposure of garlic include body odor, allergic reactions, acceleration in the effects of anticoagulants and reduction in the efficacy of anti-AIDS drug Saquinavir. ©by São Paulo State University ISSN 1806-8774