Garlic (Allium sativum): Mankind’s Health Superstar (original) (raw)

Medicinal properties of Garlic are well known since long time. Garlic is recommended as nutritive element in treatment of various health problems and prolongation of human life. The present review article on garlic is to explore ancient the Phytomedicinal uses with modern scientific knowledge. Garlic cloves contain a colourless, odorless soluble compound called alliin, water and vascular enzyme allinase. As soon as garlic clove is cut alliin is converted to allicin by the action of enzyme allinase. Pungent garlic smell is due to allicin. Modern scientific studies have revealed the beneficial effects of garlic on cardiovascular system, Alzheimer disease, diabetic, wound healing, neuro/nephroprotection, osteoporosis, stress, ageing, and anti-fungal/bacterial/viral/Protozoans. Though, it is commonly used in food items, yet it is also recommended as pesticide/insecticide/molluscicide. The present review deals with diversified beneficial activity of the garlic in welfare of human beings. Although recent researches on its medicinal properties had explored its therapeutic value in treatment of various ailments, yet a lot of studies are still required to establish the garlic as safe phytomedicine.