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GARLIC
Allium sativum - Family Liliaceae
Synonyms
Poor Man`s Treacle
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Description
Garlic grows up to 0.6 m in height, with leaves forming below the middle.
Flowers are terminal, pink, red or white. The bulbs are comprised of 6 -
12 wedges, arranged circularly around the central stem base and encased in
membranous scales. Garlic has a warm acrid taste and pungent odor.
Part Used
Bulb.
Constituents
The major constituents of Garlic are sulfur-contain compounds such as:
alliin, ajoene, vinyl dithiins and several allyl sulphides. Upon
hydrolysis, alliin produces allicin through activation of the enzyme
alliinase. This happens when Garlic is crushed or cut. Allicin is often
considered the most important marker (often referred to as ‘allicin
yield or potential`), as it is a ‘mother` constituent that produces many
other compounds. Allicin itself converts rapidly into many active
sulfur-containing compounds that have shown considerable activity. Ajoene
seem to be getting a lot of attention for its activity level on blood
platelets. Isolation of a few prostaglandins (A2 and F1a) might also be
seen as significant. The presence of selenium and adenosine is considered
important by some and unimportant to others. (1-7)
The constituents of a Garlic product depends a great deal on its
preparation. Many dried products contain alliin and produce full allicin
potential, having the largest spectrum of constituents and thus
therapeutic action. Aged Garlic contains S-allycysteine and has no alliin
or allicin yield potential. Steam distilled Garlic contains allyl
sulfides, and produce antimicrobial action but little to no effect on
blood cholesterol. Oil macerates of Garlic contain vinyl dithiins and
produce cholesterol lowering activity, but not antimicrobial action (8,9)
When you are choosing a Garlic product, it should be guaranteed for gamma-glutamylcysteines,
alliin, sulfur, thiosulfinates and allicin yield.
From the Garlic`s point of view, it produces allicin as a form of self
defence. If a mold, plant virus or bacterium attacks the bulb, the injury
will make the allinase interact with the alliin to produce allicin. This
produces a strong anti-microbial counter-attack on the part of the Garlic.
Usually the Garlic wins. This same thing is true if an animal or insect
breaks the bulb, allicin produces an odor that drives away the
perpetrator.
Mode of Action
Garlic has been shown to have strong antimicrobial action. Allicin and its
derivatives have been shown to be a larvacide and bacteriostat, active
against both Gram positive or Gram negative organisms as well as fungi
such as Candida albicans (with greater effectiveness than Nystatin).,
(10-12) There is a large group of other microbes that can be inhibited by
allicin-rich Garlic, including influenza viruses.(13-15) Garlic has been
found useful for modest control in glucose tolerance for both hypo - and
hyperglycemia, apparently reducing insulin requirements.(16) It is most
effective in mild cases, and diabetics should not consider it as a
replacement for insulin. However, Garlic often can help reduce the amount
of insulin needed. (17,18)
Garlic has been shown to be useful in controlling and preventing
atherosclerosis, lowering blood cholesterol.(19-22) Allium sativum
is known to have fibrinolytic activity, reducing platelet aggregation by
inhibiting prostaglandin E2 and the release of fibrinogen degradation
products.(23,24) Ajoene and thiosulfinates produces antithrombotic
activity by inhibiting exposure of fibrinogen receptors on platelet
membranes.(25) It can prevent and control atherosclerosis (fatty deposits
inside our blood vessels), while lowering blood cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. It not only lowers total serum cholesterol (6 - 12%,
in 3 months), it lowers the LDL (‘bad cholesterol`- 12 - 15%), while
increasing the HDL (‘good cholesterol`). Garlic lowers LDL by
suppression of its biosynthesis. Much of the bad cholesterol is
manufactured by our own bodies. By having a more healthy ratio between the
two cholesterols, we can actually dissolve some of the plaque inside our
arteries and still have good cholesterol to build sex hormones, etc.
Garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol in the liver by as much as 30%,
due to increasing bile production. Serum levels of triglycerides have been
reduced 17 - 35%, while lowering the uptake from diet. Blood pressure
usually can be lowered (25 mm Hg systolic and 15 mm Hg diastolic) over a
few months.(26,27) In other studies, it has been shown that Garlic can
significantly lower cholesterol in rats that have consumed a high
cholesterol diet(28) with a significant decrease VLDL and an increase in
HDL.(29) In an experiment using rats, liver weight, total liver lipid and
cholesterol was increased by feeding a high cholesterol and lard diet.
Garlic supplementation lowered indicators by 30% by increasing bile
output. The same results were obtained at low levels of supplementation as
at high levels. Cardiac arrhythmias have been shown to be noticeably
reduced with the use of Garlic or onions. (30-36)
Garlic has been found to be quite effective in asthma and bronchial
management.(37,38) There have been many studies showing that Garlic aids
the body in fighting the growth of cancerous cells, having an anti-mutagenic
activity (cancer preventing).(39-41) As well, studies also indicate a
significant increase in phagocyte activity (increased immune function)
after the consumption of Garlic. It`s also been shown to increase
T-lymphocyte activity, macrophage action, interleukin-1 levels, and
natural killer cell action (all signs of increased immune
function).(42-44) Some pilot studies have shown promise for AIDS patients
in Garlic`s ability to improve T-helper cells, as well as reducing
symptoms such as diarrhea, genital herpes, candidasis and pansinusitis
with fevers.(45)
Therapeutic Action
Diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, antiseptic, antibacterial.
Energetics
Traditional Chinese
Garlic is acrid (pungent) with a warm property; entering the Stomach,
Spleen, Lung and Colon meridians.(46,47)
Ayurvedic
Rasa - madhur, lavan (saline), katu (pungent), kasaya (astringent); Guna -
snigdha (pacifies vata), teekshna, pichila, guru (heavy), sara (unstable);
Veerya - ushna (hot); Vipak - katu (pungent). Action: Kapha vata samak,
sotha har, badana, sthapan, dipan, pachan, anuloman, shula pra saman,
krimighan, kafanisark, rasayan, amapachan, khutaghana.(48)
Other
Tierra lists Garlic as spicy and hot; entering Lung, Kidney, Spleen,
Stomach and Colon meridians.(49)
Folklore
Besides stopping werewolves and vampires, the folklore literature is full
of uses for Garlic. It has been used in cough remedies for centuries.
Externally it has often been used as a drawing poultice. It is strongly
recommended to first apply a layer of olive oil before applying the Garlic
directly on the skin. Garlic has seen wide use as an antiseptic. It has
also been used for the plague, whooping cough, dropsy, as a blood
cleanser, in promotion of kidney function and the removal of worms and
other parasites.(50,51)
Garlic has been used in Western medicine since the ancient Greeks and
Romans. Homer made reference to its medicinal properties. In the twelfth
century, Alexander Neckam used it for heart problems. In England we can
follow its use through the publications of Turner (1598), Gerard (1597),
and Miller (1722) up to the present day.(52,53)
The following is a quote from Dr. Herbert Pierson - U.S. National Cancer
Institute:(54)
Garlic is a veritable pharmacopeia. That`s why garlic has been found in
every medical book of every culture ever. For thousands of years, garlic
has been used for treatment and prevention of disease. So there has to be
something there.
Garlic has been prized by human beings ever since the first recorded
civilization. We can find remains in 10,000 year old caves. In Mesopotamia
(the Cradle of Civilization) we find descriptions of Garlic written on the
Nineveh Sumerian Tablets (circa 3000 BC) being used as a tonic, in the
form of a strengthening wine and to ward off disease and being used
externally for swelling and boils.
It has played a role in East Indian Ayurvedic tradition and in China for
centuries.(55,56) It is first noted in the Chinese literature in the
Collection of Commentaries on the Classic of the Materia Medica (500
AD).(57) The Cherokee made very broad use of Garlic as a stimulant,
carminative, diuretic, expectorant and mild cathartic.(58)
Dosage
Juice - 10 - 30 drops
Powder - 1 - 2 grams daily
Syrup - 1 dram (3.5 ml)
Tincture - 1/2 - 1 dram (1.8 - 3.5 ml)
Toxicity and Contraindications
Dermatitis can occur if external application is incorrect. It is strongly
recommended that one first apply a layer of olive oil to the site of
application before applying a crushed garlic poultice. Garlic tincture can
lower overall blood pressure and high dosages have been known to cause
leukocytosis.(59)
Official Recognition and Medical References
GRAS, 184.1317
German Comission E, p. 134
ESCOP, July 1997
PDR for Herbal Medicine, p. 626
UK, General Sale
France, Accepted for specific indications
References
1. Leung, A.Y. and S. Foster, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients:
Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York,
1996, p. 261-64
2. ESCOP Monographs on the Medincinal Uses of Plant Medicne July 1997,
Alli sativi bulbus.
3. Koch HP, Lawson LD; Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of
Allium sativum and Related species; Baltimore; William and Wilkins, 1996
4. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Woodbridge Press Publ. Co., Santa
Barbara CA, 1980. p. 17.
5. Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopeia, The Pharmaceutical Press, London,
1941.
6. Youngken, H.W., Textbook of Pharmacognosy, Blakiston, Toronto, 1950.
7. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Jonathan Cape, London, 1931, p. 342.
8. Leung, Foster Ibid.
9. Yarnell E; Garlic, Continuing Education Module; Bastyr University; Jan
1999
10. Sandhu, D.K. et al., Sensitivity of yeast isolated from case of
vaginitis to aqueous extract of garlic, Mykosen 23:691, 1980.
11. Spoerke, D.G., Herbal Medications, Ibid., p. 64.
12. Prasad, G. et al., Efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum)
treatment against experimental candidiasis in chicks, British Vet. J.
136:448, 1980
13. Nagi, K., Experimental studies on the preventive effect of garlic
extract against infection with influenza virus, Jap. J. of Infect. Dis.
47:321, 1973.
14. Nagi, K., Experimental studies on the preventive effect of garlic
extract against infection with influenza virus, Jap. J. of Infect. Dis.
47:321, 1973.
15. Reuter, HD; Allium sativum and Allium urinum: Part 2: Pharmacology and
Medicinal Application; Phytomedicine, Vol 2, 1995, p. 73-91
16. Leung, Foster, Ibid
17. Sheela CG, et al; Antidiabetic effects of S-allyl cysteine sulphoxide
isolated from Garlic Allium sativum; Indian J Exp Biol 30(6):523-6, 1992.
18. Jain RD,et al; Hypoglycemic Action of Onion and Garlic, Lancet
1491 Dec 29, 1973.
19. Jade, R.C. and Konge, D.B., Garlic Oil in Experimental Atherosclerosis,
Lancet Vol. 7965, No. 1, p. 918, 1976.
20. The Herbs and the Heart, Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 34, No. 2, p. 43 -
44, 1976.
21. Bordia, A., Essential Oil of Garlic in prevention of Atherosclerosis,
Lancet, p. 1491 - 1492, Dec. 29, 1973.
22. Bordia, A., Effect of Essential Oils of Garlic and Onion on Alimentary
Hyperlipemia, Atherosclerosis, Vol. 21, p. 15 - 19, 1975.
23. Nowell D.Y and Tarr R.S., Garlic, vampires and CHD Osteopath Ann. 12:
276-280, 1984.
24. Bordia A.K., Josh H.K. and Sanadhya Y.K., Effect of garlic oil on
fibrinolytic activity in patient with CHD, Atherosclerosis 28: 155-9, 1977
25. Leung, Foster, Ibid.
26. Bordia A., Effect of garlic on blood lipids in patients with coronary
heart disease, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 3410 2100-03 1981.
27. Queshi A.A., Burger W.C, et al., Suppression of
Cholesterogenesis by plant constituents, Lipids 20:11 817-824, 1984.
28. Sodimu O., Joseph P.K., et al., Certain biochemical effects of
garlic oil on rats maintained on high fat high cholesterol diet,
Experienta 40:1, 78-80, 1984.
29. Chi, M.S. and Koh, E.T., et al., Effects of garlic on lipid
metabolism in rats fed cholesterol or lard, J. Nutr. 112:2 241-248 1982.
30. Bordia A., Effect of Garlic on blood lipids in patients with coronary
heart disease, Am J. Clin. Nutr. 3410 2100-03, 1981.
31. Warshafsky S et. Al; Effect of Garlic on total serum cholesterol. Ann
Intern Med 119:599-605, 1993.
32. Jain AK et al Can Garlic reduce levels of serum lipids? A controlled
clinical study; Am. J. Med. 94:632-5, 1993.
33. Ernst E. Cardiovascular effects of Garlic (Allium sativum): A review.
Pharmatherapeutica 5 (2): 83-9, 1987.
34. Rietz B, Jacob R; Cardioprotective action of Garlic (Allium sativum)
Arzeim Forsh 43(2) :94-8. 1993.
35. Leung, Ibid.
36. Koch, Lawson, Ibid.
37. Bulatov, P.K. et al., Treatment of patients with different
inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs with the phytonicide of
garlic, Morph. Physiol. and Path. of the Resp. Syst. (Leningrad) 25-28,
1965.
38. Fedoseev, G.B., Changes in some of the variables of gas metabolism in
bronchial asthma patients during treatment by inhaling an aerosol of
garlic juice, German Eng abstract CA #11.54.573, 1967.
39. Lin X, Liu J, et. al.; Milner J Dietary Garlic powder such in
vivo formation of DNA adducts induced by N-nitroso compounds in liver and
mammal tissue; Faseb J 6:A1392, 1992.
40. Nagabhushan M et al; Anticarcinogenic action of diallyll
sulphide in hamster buccal pouch and forstomach; Cancer Lett 6:207-16,
1992.
41. Belmans S. Onion and Garlic oils inhibit tumor promotion;
Carciogenesis; 4(8):1063-5, 1983.
42. Lau BHS. Dextoxifying, radio protective and phagocyte-enhancing effect
of Garlic. Int Clin Nutr Rev 9(1):27-31, 1989.
43. Lau BH, et al; Garlic compounds modulate macrophage and T-lymphocyte
function. Mol Biother 3(2):103-7, 1991.
44. Morioka N, Morton DL, et al; A protein fraction from aged Garlic
extract enhances cytotoxicity and proliferation of human lymphocytes
medicated by interleukin-2 and concanavalin A; Proc Annu Meet Am. Assoc.
Cancer 34:A3297, 1993.
45. Leung, Foster; Ibid.
46. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica,
Eastland Press, Seattle, WA, 1986, p. 631-633.
47. Hsu, H.Y., Chen, Y.P., et al., Oriental Materia Medica: a
concise guide, Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA, 1986, p.
735-736.
48. Kapoor, L.D., CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, CRC Press,
Boca Raton, FL, 1990, p. 26-27.
49. Tierra, M., Planetary Herbology, Lotus Press, Santa Fe, NM, 1988, p.
305-306.
50. Grieve, M., Ibid.
51. Duke, J.A., Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton
FL, 1985.
52. Crellin, J.K. and Philpott, J., Herbal Medicine: Past and Present
(Vol. II), Duke University Press, London, 1990, p. 221.
53. Grieve, M., Ibid.
54. Bergner P; The healing Power of Garlic; Prima Pub; Rocklin Ca; 1996.
55. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Ibid.
56. Kapoor, L.D., Ibid.
57. Bensky, Ibid.
58. Moerman, D.E., Medicinal Plants of Native America, University of
Michigan Museum of Anthropology, Technical Reports, Number 19, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 1986, Vol.1, p. 25.
59. Spoerke, D.G.,Ibid.
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