The Top 5 Therapeutic Uses of Garlic: From the Kitchen to the Medicine Cabinet

Garlic (Allium sativa) is among the most well-researched herbal supplements and is the second most used natural therapy for good reason. Garlic has a rich history as both a culinary staple and a medicinal herb. Widely used in various cuisines around the world, garlic adds a distinctive flavor to dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, garlic has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. Its active compound, allicin, and its metabolites have been linked to numerous health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. As a medicinal staple, garlic has been utilized in traditional medicine across different cultures to treat various ailments. Today, it continues to be a popular ingredient in kitchens and natural medicine practices, reflecting its enduring significance as a versatile and valuable herb. (40) 

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Can Garlic Be Used Medicinally?

Garlic has been used both as a culinary ingredient and a medicinal herb throughout history. Its medicinal use dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese recognizing its therapeutic properties. Garlic's transformation from a cooking ingredient to a medicinal herb can be attributed to the discovery of its primary active compound, allicin. Allicin is released when garlic cloves are crushed, chopped, or chewed, and it possesses various health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Upon ingestion, allicin is metabolized into several active organosulfur compounds, such as S-allyl cysteine, diallyl sulfide, and ajoene, which contribute to its medicinal effects. These compounds are associated with garlic's ability to combat infections, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and offer other therapeutic advantages. Over centuries, the understanding of these compounds and their medicinal properties has solidified garlic's reputation as a valuable herb in traditional and modern medicine. (17)

The Top 5 Therapeutic Uses of Garlic

The conditions for which garlic shows the most therapeutic potential include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infections, and inflammatory disorders.

1. Cardiovascular Health: Protecting the Heart

In the United States, garlic is primarily used medicinally to reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure. Evidence indicates that high-dose garlic powder reduces arteriosclerotic plaque, demonstrating its potential in preventing age-related vascular changes and atherosclerosis. Garlic is believed to protect vascular endothelial cells by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting LDL oxidation, and exerting antithrombotic effects (2, 24). These effects are attributed to the organosulfur compounds in garlic, such as diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, dipropyl sulfide, and dipropyl disulfide. Additionally, garlic appears to inhibit inflammatory mediators that are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. 

Studies have shown that garlic supplementation can reduce systolic blood pressure by 7-16 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5-9 mmHg (33). It is suggested that allicin is responsible for activating endothelial nitric oxide, which causes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, contributing to garlic's ability to reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation (10, 25).   

Furthermore, garlic has been found to improve levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), oxidized LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol"), and triglycerides (4, 15, 22). Various constituents in garlic have shown evidence of inhibiting hepatic cholesterol synthesis. In patients with hyperlipidemia, garlic may lower cholesterol levels by acting as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, the same mechanism by which antilipemic statin medications work.

These studies provide strong evidence for the therapeutic use of garlic in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, making it a valuable natural remedy for promoting heart health.

2. Immune System Boost: Fending Off Infections

Garlic has been widely recognized for its therapeutic effects in supporting the immune system, primarily due to its natural antimicrobial properties. Allicin is known for its ability to combat various types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. By disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis and interfering with microbial enzymatic processes, garlic helps inhibit the growth and proliferation of harmful microorganisms.

Numerous clinical studies have investigated garlic's effectiveness in immune support. These studies have demonstrated that garlic supplementation can reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu-like symptoms. One notable study found that participants who took aged garlic extract for three months during the cold and flu season experienced less severe cold/flu symptoms and fewer days of missed school or work compared to those who did not. Additionally, garlic's antimicrobial properties are effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it a promising natural alternative in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

Garlic's immune-boosting potential extends beyond its antimicrobial properties. It has been found to enhance the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, which play crucial roles in the body's defense mechanisms. By modulating the immune response, garlic helps the body fight off infections more effectively and aids in overall immune system balance. (3) 

3. Antioxidant Power: Shielding Against Oxidative Stress

Researchers theorize that phytocompounds in garlic, including allicin, allyl, cysteine, and allyl disulfide, have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress (15). Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells and contributing to the aging process and the development of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. By scavenging and neutralizing these free radicals, garlic helps combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of these chronic diseases. 

Several clinical studies have provided evidence supporting garlic's antioxidant effects. A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials concluded that supplementing garlic in doses of 80-4,000 mg daily for 2-24 weeks increases the total antioxidant capacity in patient serum samples. The antioxidant benefits of garlic can be applied to therapeutic interventions for diseases associated with increased oxidative stress. For example, combatting oxidative stress with garlic may help protect against neurodegeneration, reducing the risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 

4. Anti-Inflammatory: Reducing Swelling and Pain

The active compounds in garlic inhibit the production of inflammatory substances in the body, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor (27). The natural anti-inflammatory properties of garlic have been recognized for their potential in treating various inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, and alleviating associated pain. 

In conditions like arthritis, where inflammation of the joints leads to pain and stiffness, garlic's anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief. Preliminary clinical research in female patients with osteoarthritis of the knee shows that taking garlic at 500 mg twice daily for three months reduces pain scores by 15% compared to placebo. Interestingly, women who eat diets high in allium vegetables, including garlic, leeks, and onions, have lower rates of osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, and hand.

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue behaves like normal endometrial tissue, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding during the menstrual cycle. However, because it has no way to exit the body like the normal endometrial tissue in the uterus, it becomes trapped, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue. The severity of inflammation correlates with the intensity of symptoms experienced by individuals with endometriosis, which can include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility. Managing pain is a primary therapeutic goal in endometriosis treatment, and various approaches, including medication and surgery, are utilized to alleviate discomfort. Recent studies have shown that garlic, with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, can effectively reduce endometriosis-related pain, offering a potential natural remedy to enhance pain management strategies for individuals suffering from this condition. (1) 

5. Blood Sugar Regulation: Supporting Diabetics

Garlic has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in blood sugar management, particularly in the context of diabetes. Studies have shown that garlic and its active compounds can enhance insulin sensitivity, increase endogenous pancreatic secretion of insulin, reduce oxidative stress, and interfere with carbohydrate absorption. By improving the body's absorption, metabolism, and utilization of carbohydrates, garlic helps cells absorb glucose more effectively, leading to stabilized blood sugar levels. Clinical research has supported these findings, indicating that garlic supplementation can significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels by about 2 mg/dL in diabetic individuals after 12 weeks. Other studies show that taking garlic with metformin augments the blood sugar-lowering capacity of the medication. (23)

Safety, Dosage, and Consumption

When considering the therapeutic use of garlic, it's essential to be mindful of appropriate consumption methods and dosages. Garlic can be consumed in various forms, such as raw, cooked, or as supplements like garlic powder, garlic oil, or aged garlic extract. Garlic extract products are typically standardized to allicin content. (19) 

For general health benefits, incorporating fresh or cooked garlic into your daily diet is a safe and effective way to enjoy its advantages. However, if you opt for supplements, it's crucial to follow the recommended dosage guidelines provided on the product labels or as advised by a healthcare professional. A standard dosage for garlic supplements ranges from 600-2,400 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. (19) 

While garlic is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderate amounts, it can cause side effects in some individuals, including bad breath, body odor, heartburn, and digestive upset. Raw garlic, in particular, may be harsh on the stomach and cause irritation. Additionally, garlic supplements can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners. Therefore, it is always advised to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating garlic supplements into your routine, especially if you are taking medications or have underlying health conditions. (16) 

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Summary

Embracing the therapeutic wonders of garlic unlocks a treasure trove of health benefits. From its role in cardiovascular health, where it regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, to its potent immune support, combating infections with its antimicrobial properties, garlic proves its versatility. To harness these benefits, incorporating garlic wisely into your diet and wellness routines can make a significant difference. Whether used in cooking or taken in supplemental form, understanding the many therapeutic advantages of garlic empowers individuals to take charge of their health naturally.