Therapeutic Value of Garlic (Allium sativum): A Review

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a source of medicine in many ways in human beings in routine life as well as in animals and its leaves,
flowers, and cloves have been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Research in recent decades has shown widespread pharmacological
and therapeutic effects of A. sativum and its organosulfur compounds especially allicin. The most important chemical
constituents of this plant are organosulfur compounds such as allicin, diallyl disulphide, S-allylcysteine, and diallyl trisulfide. These
chemicals were used for the treatment of inflammation, cancer, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia as praised by
several authors. Additionally, extracts of garlic have been used to treat various diseases and have shown anti-viral, anti-bacterial,
anti-fungal, anticoagulative and antioxidant effects. However, few adverse effects have been found with garlic are nausea and
vomiting when high quantity consumed. To review the therapeutic values of garlic and its importance in human and veterinary
practices. Garlic is safe and rich sources of biologically active compounds with low toxicity. Further studies are needed to confirm
the safety and quality of the plants to be used by clinicians as therapeutic agents.