1. Garlic: Allium sativumby
Richard Le
&
Andrew Vaughn

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Dosage & Administration
Preparations: Fresh or dried cloves, capsules, “odorless” tablets, aged garlic extracts
Capsules: mg 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

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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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