A review on different therapeutic uses and antimicrobial potential of Garlic

Abstract

The objective of this review is to brie

fly examine the therapeutic uses of garlic

(

Allium sativum), a member of family Liliaceae in prevention and treatment

of diseases, as it is considered to be a herbal "wonder drug". Garlic is

one of the earliest found Herbs known for their culinary and medicinal values

therefore, employed in entire world as food spice as well as therapeutic

agent for the treatment of diseases and maintenance of human health. Today,

it stands as the second most utilized food supplement. Diseases that

may be treated or prevented by garlic’s medicinal activity include cancer,

diabetes, drug toxicity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases (including

strokes, hypertension, and thrombosis). Garlic’s current principal medicinal

uses are to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure

by 5

â€Â7% and cholesterol concentration approximately by 10%. It also

inhibits the platelet aggregation and enhances fibrinolytic activity, reducing

clotting on damaged endothelium. Due to its sulfur containing compounds,

high trace mineral content, and enzymes, the garlic has shown the antimicrobial,

(anti

â€Âviral, antiâ€Âbacterial, antiâ€Âfungal) and antioxidant abilities. Though,

it is safe as food supplement but in some sensitive persons, it can cause gastrointestinal

irritation, and of course, halitosis.