Garlic: Allium sativum by Richard Le & Andrew Vaughn

What is garlic? A strongly scented herb belonging to genus Allium of the family Liliaceae or Lily Contains hundreds of constituents with at least 23 identified sulphur compounds Common names are Knoblaunch (German), stinking rose, da suan (Chinese) Other common trade names: Garlicin, Garlinase 4,000, Garlique, Kwai, & Wellness Garlicell

Plant Description plants have flat, grayish-green leaves, which grow 1-2 feet During bloom period, the plants send up slender stalks which produce edible flowers in a round, white bulb single bulb is composed of 8 to 12 sections called cloves, which are held together by parchment-like covering.

History of Garlic Sanskrit records the usage of garlic 5,000 years ago Chinese have used garlic for at least 3,000 years Aristotle & Hippocrates researched and wrote about garlic for medicinal usage

Traditional Use Antiviral & antibacterial for the lungs: coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia Garlic was and is still used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and naturopathic medicine as an antibacterial/antiviral agent, an expectorant, & a wound dressing Used to treat high blood pressure, colds, gastric ulcers, bacterial diarrhea, sinus infections, vaginal yeast infections, & otitis media The antibacterial activity of garlic was confirmed by Louis Pasteur in 1858 Used a topical cream to relieve wasp and bee stings

Medicinal Components Medicinal portion of garlic is the bulb Thiosulfanates (sulfur compounds) are main components of garlic Odor of garlic is caused by enzymatic breakdown of alliin into allicin Allicin is one of the most active ingredients

Allicin Has antimicrobial activity to inhibit growth against gram- positive & gram-negative bacteria: Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori Interferes with the hepatic metabolism of cholesterol to reduce it. Alliin reacts with enzyme allinase to form allicin Allicin inhibits an enzyme vital to cholesterol production Lowers LDL lipoproteins & raises HDL lipoproteins Works as anticoagulant by inhibiting platelet aggregation Protect endothelial tissue from oxidized low-density lipoprotein injury

Allicin cont. Reduces serum triglycerides by about 13% Reduces blood pressure by preventing atherosclerosis Improves peripheral arterial disease Can modestly reduce blood glucose by increasing body’s insulin and increasing glycogen storage in the liver

Ajoene Has weak antifungal activity against Candida albicans Reduces platelet stickiness Interferes with with hepatic metabolism of cholesterol to reduce serum cholesterol Antiviral activity against HIV

Diallyl Sulfide Has antitumor activity May raise levels of glutathione S-transferase, which detoxifies carcinogens Has antiviral properties and inhibits herpes simplex, HIV, & cytomegalovirus

Other Actions of Garlic Antioxidant activity Mediates nitric oxide synthase activation, which helps restore endothelial function. Improves the elasticity of blood vessels & reduces atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) & blood pressure Inhibits inflammatory prostaglandins

Nutritional Ingredients Common food & spice used in Chinese, French, Thai, Cajun, Italian, and many others. Minor source of selenium, chromium, potassium, germanium, calcium, iron, & vitamin A, B, & C

Dosage & Administration Preparations: Fresh or dried cloves, capsules, “odorless” tablets, aged garlic extracts Capsules: 500-600mg capsules a day -Use product that delivers 5,000g of allicin daily Food: one of fresh garlic per day Whole fresh garlic is more active than any of its single constituents

Dosage & Administration Mince a clove of garlic, let stand for 10-15 min., & mix with yogurt, applesauce, or honey. Lipid lowering effect: 600-900mg, 4g fresh garlic, or 10mg garlic oil gel caps, 2-3 per day

Toxicity, Contraindications, & Side Effects No toxicity in average doses Some concerns about consumption of garlic before surgery Studies show a brief inhibition of platelet aggregation – patients don’t need to worry about reduced clotting Person allergic to garlic or allium should avoid using garlic

Side Effects cont. Heartburn Nausea Flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, distress GI disturbance Allergic reactions Body and Breath odor Headache, insomnia, fatigue, & vertigo Topical Garlic may cause skin irritation Stimulates asthma, shortness of breath Tachycardia (increased heart rate)

Herb-Drug Interactions Decreases metabolism of acetaminophen & other drugs metabolized by the enzyme CYP 2E1 Garlic along with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, & prostacyclin may increase bleeding time Blood glucose level may further decreased with usage of antidiabetic drugs

Herb-Herb Interactions Garlic along with feverfew and ginkgo, anticoagulant drugs, may increase bleeding time Garlic along with glucomannan, an antihyperglycemic drug, may further decrease blood glucose levels