Botany
A low herb, 30 to 60 cm high. Bulbs
are broadly ovoid, 2 to 4 cm in diameter, consisting of several, densely
crowded, angular and truncated tubers. Leaves are linear and flat.
Umbels are globose, many flowered. Sepas are oblong, greenish white,
slightly tinged with purple.
Distribution
Ubiquitous in market places. Commercially
grown in Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, Mindoro, and Cotobato.
Characteristics
and constituents
• Saponins; tannins; sulfurous compounds;
prostaglandins; alkaloids; volatile oils; allicin (bulb).
• The antihelminthic property is due to allyl disulphie content.
• Antibacterial, antihelminthic, antimycotic, antiviral,
antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, fibrinolytic, hypotensive,
promiting leucocytosis, lowering lipids and inhibiting platelet aggregation
• The most important chemical constituents are the
cysteine sulfoxides (alliin) and the nonvolatile glutamylcysteine
peptides which make up more than 82% of the sulfur content of garlic.
Allicin, ajoenes and sulfides are degradation products of alliin.
• Some of garlic's effect is attributed to alicin,
its active ingredient, which is converted to ajoene and allyl sulfides.
• Bulb: allicin; volatile oil, 0.9% - allyl disulfide, allypropyl disulfide;
inulin; protein; fat, 1.3%; carbohydrates, 0.2%; ash, 9.4%; choline,
0.7%; myrosinase.
Leaves: Protein, i.2%; fat, 0.5%; sulfides.
Parts
utilized
Bulbs: Features prominently as a condiment
and flavor in Filipino cuisine.
Herbalists, with concerns that cooking diminishes medicinal potency,
recommends eating raw garlic cloves.
Uses
Folkloric
Arthritis, rheumatism, toothaches: Crush
several cloves and rub on affected areas.
Headaches: Crush one clove and apply to both temples as poultice.
Insect bites: Crush garlic or cut clove crosswise and rub directly
to affected area.
Athlete's foot.
Decoction of leaves and bulbs for fever and as hypotensive, carminative,
expectorant, and antihelmintic.
Juice from freshly crushed garlic used for colds, cough, sore throat,
hoarseness, asthma and bronchitis.
Decoction use for tonsillitis.
For nasal congestion - a steam inhalation of chopped garlic and a
teaspoon of vinegar in boiling water.
Fresh garlic has been used as a complement to INH therapy for tuberculosis.
Also used for menstrual cramps.
Digestive problems and gastrointestinal spasms.
For gas pains, drink an infusion of a peeled broild clove.
Studies
Antibacterial, antifungal,
antiparasitic: (1) Topically, ajoene 0.4% cream, has been found 70% effective
in certain dermatologic fungal infections. A 0.6% gel was effective
in tinea corporis and tinea cruris.
Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity
Hypertension: Studies suggest a beneficial
antihypertensive effect but blood-lowering effects probably not dramatic.
Other studies show a vascular benefit through improvement of aortic
elasticity and possible slowing of the rate of atherosclerosis progression.
Hyperlipidemia / Antioxidant:
(1) Controversial, but probably has
beneficial effect on serum cholesterol and LDL levels. Some studies
have shown a 4% to 12% lowering of total cholesterol. It seems to
have no effect on high density lipoprotein (HDL). (2) Study of feeding
of fresh garlic bulbs to induced-hypercholesterolemic rats showed
decrease in total and LDL cholesterol and increase in HDL levels.(3)
Study concluded that garlic extracts may have a beneficial effect
on blood lipid profile and antioxidant status.
Anti-cancer / Chemoprotective: (1) Possible anticarcinogenic properties, specifically colon,
stomach and prostate cancers. In stomach cancers, probably through
its inhibitory effect on H. pylori. In epidemiologic studies on stomach
and colorectal cancer prevention, the garlic use was 3.5 grams to
30 grams of fresh or cooked garlic per week. (2) Study showed garlic may have an adjuvant effect on various defense mechanisms against DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in sub-maxillary salivary glands of rat through increased availability or utilization of beta-carotene.
Hepatoprotective / Hematologic Effects:
Study results on female Wistar rats suggest garlic and
vitamin C have some hepatoprotective and hematologica effects.
Antidiabetic:
Study results of ethanolic extracts of AS in normal and
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats suggest that A. sativum can be
considered an excellent candidate for future studies on diabetes mellitus.
Sperm Immobilization Activity :
Study of crude extract of A. sativum bulb showed spermicidal
activity in vitro.
Hepatopulmonary Syndrome Treatment: A trial showed garlic may improve oxygenation and symptoms in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Anti-Thrombotic Activity : Study of extracts of Allium sativum and Vernonia amygdalina showed both extracts offered protection against thrombosis produced by an intravenous injection of ADP and adrenalin, with A sativum showing the stronger activity.
Precautions
• Anticoagulant Use: Reports have suggested that garlic
may decrease platelet aggregation and have antifibrinolytic activity; therefore, should be used with caution in patients on anticoagulant
therapy.
• Induction of Cytochrome P450-34A: Concern for patients on cyclosporine and protease inhibitors. May
increase the effects of hypoglycemic drugs.
Availability
Wildcrafted.
Perennial market produce.
Commercial: Tablets, extracts, capsules, powder and tea.
