Allium sativum(Amaryllidaceae)- Garlic

Allium sativum (Garlic)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Allium sativum

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Genus: Allium

Related Herbs from the same family:

Allium cepa (Onion, Palandu): A fundamental culinary and medicinal bulb used extensively in Ayurveda and across the Indian subcontinent. It is considered a diuretic, expectorant, and digestive stimulant.

Allium schoenoprasum (Chives): While not native to the Indian subcontinent, it is a related species from the same genus, sharing similar sulfur-containing compounds and mild medicinal properties.

Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic): Native to South Africa, this plant shares a similar garlic-like aroma and is used in traditional medicine for similar purposes, such as for cardiovascular and immune health, demonstrating the pharmacological potential of the family.

The Amaryllidaceae family, particularly the Allium genus, is renowned for plants rich in sulfur compounds, which are responsible for their characteristic pungency and a wide array of medicinal benefits, from cardioprotective to antimicrobial actions.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Allium sativum | English: Garlic | Sanskrit: Lashuna, Rasona, Bhütaghna | Hindi: Lahsun | Tamil: Vellai Poondu | Telugu: Vellulli | Kannada: Bellulli | Malayalam: Vellulli | Marathi: Lasun | Bengali: Rosun | Nepali: Lasun | Urdu: Lehsan | French: Ail | Spanish: Ajo | Italian: Aglio | German: Knoblauch | Chinese: Dàsuàn (大蒜) | Russian: Chesnok (Чеснок) | Japanese: Ninniku (ニンニク) | Arabic: Thum (ثوم)

3. Medicinal Uses:Hypolipidemic (lowers cholesterol), Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Anti-hypertensive (lowers blood pressure), Antiplatelet (prevents blood clots), Immunomodulatory, Carminative (relieves gas), Expectorant (clears phlegm), Rubefacient (topical irritant), Anthelmintic (expels worms).

Medicinal Parts:The primary medicinal part of the Allium sativum plant is the bulb, specifically the individual cloves. The fresh bulb, aged garlic extracts, and garlic oil are all used for therapeutic purposes.

Bulb (Cloves): This is the most potent and widely used part. It contains the precursor alliin and the enzyme alliinase, which interact when crushed or chewed to form the active compound allicin.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Allicin: Formed when the clove is crushed or damaged. It is highly unstable and responsible for garlic's strong odor and potent Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiviral actions. It also contributes to its Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic effects.

Ajoene: A stable compound derived from allicin. It is a powerful Antiplatelet agent, helping to prevent unwanted blood clots, and also exhibits Antifungal properties.

S-Allyl Cysteine (SAC): A stable, water-soluble, and bioavailable compound found in aged garlic extracts. It is a potent Antioxidant, supports detoxification processes in the liver, and contributes to Cardioprotective and Neuroprotective effects.

Diallyl Disulfide & Diallyl Trisulfide: Oil-soluble sulfur compounds. They are studied for their potential Anticancer properties, ability to support cardiovascular health, and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) actions.

Flavonoids & Saponins: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant capacity and support the immune-modulating functions of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Hridya (Cardiac Tonic) & Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier)

Formulation: Fresh garlic cloves or medicated garlic ghrita (ghee).

Preparation & Use: Consuming 1-2 crushed raw cloves on an empty stomach or incorporated into the diet is a traditional practice for managing cholesterol and blood pressure. Medicated garlic ghee is used in Ayurvedic formulations for heart health.

Reasoning: The sulfur compounds like ajoene and allicin help reduce platelet aggregation and improve blood lipid profiles, while antioxidants protect blood vessels from damage.

Krimighna (Anthelmintic) & Kusthaghna (Antibacterial for Skin Disorders)

Formulation: Fresh garlic paste or juice.

Preparation & Use: A small amount of garlic juice mixed with honey or water is given for intestinal worms. A paste of crushed garlic is topically applied to treat fungal infections like ringworm and bacterial skin infections.

Reasoning: Allicin and other thiosulfinates have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against parasites, fungi, and bacteria.

Kasa-Svasa (Cough & Asthma) & Śvāsa (Dyspnoea)

Formulation: Garlic decoction or syrup with honey.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is made by boiling crushed garlic in water, which is then mixed with honey and consumed to relieve cough, cold, and bronchial congestion.

Reasoning: Garlic's expectorant and antimicrobial properties help loosen phlegm in the airways and fight respiratory infections.

Agnidīpana (Digestive Stimulant) & Śūla (Colic Pain)

Formulation: Garlic incorporated into cooking or as a chutney.

Preparation & Use: Using garlic as a regular spice in food preparation helps stimulate the digestive fire (Agni), relieve flatulence, and ease colicky pain.

Reasoning: It acts as a carminative, helping to expel gas and soothe the digestive tract.

Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety)

Usage: Ethanolic extract of garlic or garlic supplements.

Procedure: Oral administration of garlic extract (e.g., 25-100 mg/kg in experimental animals) daily for weeks.

Reasoning: Garlic acts via neurotransmitter modulation (serotonin, dopamine, GABA) and MAO inhibition, reducing anxiety and depressive behaviors.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Garlic is a cornerstone of culinary traditions worldwide, especially in Indian cuisine.

General Health & Immunity Garlic-Honey Tonic

Purpose: A daily tonic for immune support and overall wellness.

Preparation & Use:

• Finely mince or crush 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic.

• Mix with one tablespoon of raw honey.

• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the allicin to form.

• Consume a teaspoon of this mixture directly or add to warm water (not boiling, to preserve enzyme activity). Can be taken once daily.

Garlic Decoction (Kashayam) for Cold & Cough

Purpose: To relieve chest congestion, cough, and cold symptoms.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush 3-4 garlic cloves.

• Boil them in 2 cups of water until it reduces to about 1 cup.

• Strain, and add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of black pepper.

• Drink this warm, 1-2 times a day.

Medicated Garlic Oil for Earache

Purpose: To alleviate pain from minor ear infections (Otitis Media). Caution: Do not use if the eardrum is perforated.

Preparation & Use:

• Gently heat 2-3 crushed garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil or mustard oil until they turn slightly brown.

• Let it cool completely and strain.

• Using a dropper, place 1-2 drops of the warm (not hot) oil into the affected ear.

Aged Garlic Extract or Capsules For Hypertension

Procedure: Oral consumption daily (dose typically around 600-1200 mg aged garlic extract) for several weeks.

Effects: Lowers systolic by ~8-10 mmHg and diastolic by ~5-6 mmHg via vasodilation mediated by hydrogen sulfide signaling.

Culinary Base (Tadka/Vaghaar)Purpose: To aid digestion and incorporate medicinal benefits into daily meals.Preparation & Use: Garlic is finely chopped or crushed and sautéed in oil or ghee at the beginning of preparing curries, dals, and vegetable dishes, forming the flavor base of countless recipes.

7. Disclaimer:Allium sativum is generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts. However, therapeutic doses of raw garlic can cause heartburn, stomach upset, and bad breath. Topical application can cause skin irritation or burns in some individuals. Due to its antiplatelet properties, individuals on blood-thinning medications (like warfarin) should consult their doctor before taking high doses of garlic supplements. It is not recommended in large quantities before surgery or for individuals with bleeding disorders. Nursing mothers may find that garlic alters the taste of their milk. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

• Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Allium cepa (Onion)

• Species: Allium cepa | Family: Amaryllidaceae | Genus: Allium

• Similarities: A very close relative, sharing similar sulfur compounds (though different profiles) like allicin precursors and flavonoids. It possesses potent Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Expectorant properties. It is also used to support cardiovascular health and is a foundational food in ethnobotanical practices across the Indian subcontinent.

2. Zingiber officinale (Ginger, Ārdraka/Śuṇṭhī)

• Species: Zingiber officinale | Family: Zingiberaceae | Genus: Zingiber

• Similarities: Like garlic, ginger is a powerful Carminative and Digestive stimulant. It also shares Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties. Both are warming spices used extensively in daily cooking and traditional medicine to combat infections, improve circulation, and support respiratory health.

3. Curcuma longa (Turmeric, Haridrā)

• Species: Curcuma longa | Family: Zingiberaceae | Genus: Curcuma

• Similarities: Turmeric, like garlic, is a potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory agent. Both are considered Raktashodhaka (blood purifiers) in Ayurveda and have broad-spectrum Antimicrobial properties. They are foundational herbs for systemic health and immune support in traditional Indian medicine.