Pharmacological Effects of Allium Sativum L. (Garlic).
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5016/1806-8774.2008.v10p6
Abstract
Abstract
Garlic (Allium sativum L.), is a valuable spice plant used as a food item as well as medicine in different parts of the world. At the beginning of the present century garlic was used in medicine on the basis of traditional experience passed from generation to generation. Chemical and pharmacodynamic studies started in the nineteenth century confirmed that constituents of garlic bulbs possessed medicinal properties. Researchers from various disciplines are now directing their efforts towards discovering the effects of garlic on human health. Interest among the researchers particularly those in the health profession, has stemmed from the search for a drug that has a broad-spectrum therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity. Recent researches indicate that garlic extract has antimicrobial activity against many genera of bacteria, fungi and virus. Garlics role in preventing cardiovascular disease has been acclaimed by several research groups. Chemical constituents of garlic have been investigated for possible effect on hyperlipidemia, hypertension, platelet aggregation and blood fibrinolytic activity. Experimental data on animals and some epidemiological studies clearly indicate that garlic may provide protection against cancer. This possibility needs to be fully explored. Recent researches in field of pest control indicate that garlic preparation has strong insecticidal, nematicidal, rodenticidal and molluscicidal activity. Although field trials and laboratory experiments on the pesticidal activity of garlic has been conducted, yet the more researches are recommended to study the exact mode of action, way of delivery in environment for effective control of pest.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.), is a valuable spice plant used as a food item as well as medicine in different parts of the world. At the beginning of the present century garlic was used in medicine on the basis of traditional experience passed from generation to generation. Chemical and pharmacodynamic studies started in the nineteenth century confirmed that constituents of garlic bulbs possessed medicinal properties. Researchers from various disciplines are now directing their efforts towards discovering the effects of garlic on human health. Interest among the researchers particularly those in the health profession, has stemmed from the search for a drug that has a broad-spectrum therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity. Recent researches indicate that garlic extract has antimicrobial activity against many genera of bacteria, fungi and virus. Garlics role in preventing cardiovascular disease has been acclaimed by several research groups. Chemical constituents of garlic have been investigated for possible effect on hyperlipidemia, hypertension, platelet aggregation and blood fibrinolytic activity. Experimental data on animals and some epidemiological studies clearly indicate that garlic may provide protection against cancer. This possibility needs to be fully explored. Recent researches in field of pest control indicate that garlic preparation has strong insecticidal, nematicidal, rodenticidal and molluscicidal activity. Although field trials and laboratory experiments on the pesticidal activity of garlic has been conducted, yet the more researches are recommended to study the exact mode of action, way of delivery in environment for effective control of pest.
Full Text:
PDFDOI: https://doi.org/10.5016/1806-8774.2008.v10p6