GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM): PHARMACEUTICAL USES FOR HUMAN HEALTH

The medicinal properties of Garlic are well known for a long time. Garlic is recommended as a nutritive element in the treatment of various health problems and the prolongation of human life. The present review article on garlic is to explore ancient phytomedicinal uses with modern scientific knowledge. Garlic cloves contain a colorless, odorless, soluble compound called alliin, water, and vascular enzyme alliinase. As soon as garlic clove is cut, alliin is converted to allicin by the action of enzyme alliinase. Pungent garlic smell is due to allicin. Modern scientific studies have revealed the beneficial effects of garlic on the cardiovascular system, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, wound healing, neuro/ nephroprotection, osteoporosis, stress, aging, 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 the diversified beneficial activity of the garlic in the welfare of human beings. Although recent researches on its medicinal properties had explored its therapeutic value in the treatment of various ailments, yet a lot of studies are still required to establish garlic as a safe phytomedicine.