Garlic
Allium sativum, known as garlic from William Woodville, Medical Botany, 1793.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Asparagales Family: Alliaceae Subfamily: Allioideae Tribe: Allieae Genus: Allium Species: A. Plants are living Organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. The flowering plants or angiosperms ( Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta) are the most widespread group Liliopsida is a Botanical name for the class containing the family Liliaceae (or Lily Family Asparagales is an order of Flowering plants The order must include the family Asparagaceae, but other families included in the order have varied markedly Alliaceae is a family of herbaceous perennial Flowering plants. Allium is the Onion Genus, with about 1250 Species, making it one of the largest plant genera in the world sativum
Binomial name
Allium sativum L.

Allium sativum L. Carl Linnaeus (Latinized as Carolus Linnaeus, also known after his ennoblement as, May 23 new style (13 May old style 1707 who laid the foundations for , commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion family Alliaceae. Organicsalsajpg||thumb|right|Onions used in salsa.]]Cooked onions in frying pan Alliaceae is a family of herbaceous perennial Flowering plants. Its close relatives include the onion, the shallot, and the leek. Organicsalsajpg||thumb|right|Onions used in salsa.]]Cooked onions in frying pan The term shallot is used to describe two different Allium species of plant The leek, Allium ampeloprasum var porrum (L also sometimes known as Allium porrum, is a vegetable which belongs along with the Onion and Garlic has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Culinary art is the Art of Cooking. The word "culinary" is defined as something related to or connected with cooking or Kitchens A culinarian Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the It has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. ^[1]. A bulb of garlic, the most commonly used part of the plant, is divided into numerous fleshy sections called cloves. The cloves are used as seed, for consumption (raw or cooked), and for medicinal purposes. The leaves, stems (scape) and flowers (bulbils) on the head (spathe) are also edible and most often consumed while immature and still tender. In Botany, scapes are flowering stems usually leafless rising from the crown or roots of a plant The papery, protective layers of 'skin' over various parts of the plant and the roots attached to the bulb are the only parts not considered palatable.

Contents 1 Origin and distribution 2 Cultivation 2.1 Production Trends 3 Uses 3.1 Culinary uses 3.2 Storage 3.3 Historical use 3.4 Medicinal use and health benefits 4 Properties 5 Superstition and mythology 6 Cautions 7 References 7.1 Notes 7.2 Bibliography 7.3 Films 8 External links

Origin and distribution

The ancestry of cultivated garlic, according to Zohary and Hopf, is not definitely established: "a difficulty in the identification of its wild progenitor is the sterility of the cultivars. "^[2]

Allium sativum grows in the wild in areas where it has become naturalised; it probably descended from the species Allium longicuspis, which grows wild in south-western Asia. Allium longicuspis is a plant in the Alliaceae family ^[3] The 'wild garlic', 'crow garlic' and 'field garlic' of Britain are the species Allium ursinum, Allium vineale and Aleum oleraceum, respectively. Ramsons, buckrams, wild garlic, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic or bear's garlic ( Allium ursinum) is a wild relative Allium vineale ( Crow Garlic or Wild Onion) is a perennial Bulbflower in the genus Allium, native to In North America, 'Allium vineale, known as 'wild-' or 'crow garlic', and Allium canadense, known as 'meadow-' or 'wild garlic' and 'wild onion', are common weeds in fields. Wild Onion ( Allium canadense) also known as Meadow Garlic, Tree Onion, Wild Garlic, and Canadian Garlic, is a perennial plant WEED (1390 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Spanish format ^[4] One of the best known "garlics," the so-called elephant garlic, is actually a wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum). Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum is a variety of garlic with very large cloves and a tender mild slightly sweet flavor Allium ampeloprasum is a member of the Onion genus Allium, in the family Alliaceae.

Cultivation

Garlic is easy to grow and can be grown year-round in mild climates. In cold climates, cloves can be planted in the ground about six weeks before the soil freezes, and harvested in late spring. Garlic plants are not attacked by pests. They can suffer from pink root, a disease that stunts the roots and turns them pink or red. Garlic plants can be grown close together, leaving enough room for the bulbs to mature, and are easily grown in containers of sufficient depth. A bulb is an underground vertical Shoot that has modified leaves (or thickened leaf bases that are used as Food Storage organs by

Production Trends

Garlic is grown globally, but China is by far the largest producer of garlic with approximately 23 billion pounds annually, accounting for over 75% of world output. India (4%) and South Korea (3%) follow, with the United States (2%) in fourth place, where garlic is grown primarily as a cash crop in every state except for Alaska. In Agriculture, a cash crop is a crop which is grown for Money. [1] This leaves 16% of global garlic production in countries that produce less than 2% of global output.

Top Ten Garlic Producers — 2005
Country	Production (Int $1000)	Footnote	Production (MT)	Footnote
People's Republic of China	8,490,020	C	11,093,500	F
India	385,910	C	500,000	F
Republic of Korea	270,137	C	350,000	F
United States	182,890	C	236,960	F
Russia	177,519	C	230,000	*
Egypt	125,094	C	162,077
Spain	112,145	C	145,300
Argentina	110,166	C	142,735	F
Ukraine	105,739	C	137,000	*
Myanmar	93,390	C	121,000	F
No symbol = official figure,F = FAO estimate, * = Unofficial figure, C = Calculated figure; Production in Int $1000 have been calculated based on 1999-2001 international prices Source: Food And Agricultural Organization of United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Devision

Uses

Culinary uses

Garlic is widely used around the world for its pungent flavor, as a seasoning or condiment. The flavour varies in intensity and aroma with cooking methods. It is often paired with onion, tomato, or ginger. Organicsalsajpg||thumb|right|Onions used in salsa.]]Cooked onions in frying pan The tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum, syn Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is a herbaceous usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family Ginger is commonly used as a cooking spice throughout the world The parchment-like skin is much like the skin of an onion, and is typically removed before using in raw or cooked form. Organicsalsajpg||thumb|right|Onions used in salsa.]]Cooked onions in frying pan An alternative is to cut the top off the bulb, coat cloves of garlic by dribbling olive oil (or other oil based seasoning) over them and roast them in the oven. Olive oil is a fruit oil obtained from the olive ( Olea europaea; family Oleaceae along with Lilacs Jasmine and ash trees The garlic softens and can be extracted from the cloves by squeezing the (root) end of the bulb or individually by squeezing one end of the clove.

Oils are often flavored with garlic cloves. Commercially prepared oils are widely available, but when preparing garlic-infused oil at home, there is a risk of botulism if the product is not stored properly. Botulism ( Latin, botulus, "sausage" is a rare but serious Paralytic illness caused by Botulin Toxin. To reduce this risk, the oil should be refrigerated and used within one week. Manufacturers add acids and/or other chemicals to eliminate the risk of botulism in their products. ^[5]

In Chinese cuisine, the young bulbs are pickled for 3–6 weeks in a mixture of sugar, salt and spices. In Russia and the Caucasus, the shoots are pickled and eaten as an appetizer. The Caucasus ( also referred to as North Caucasus) is a geopolitical region located between Europe Asia & Middle East

It is widely used with kebabs, mezes and various meals in Turkish cuisine. Kebab (also transliterated as kabab, kabob, kibob, kebhav, kephav) refers to a variety of meat dishes in Middle Eastern Meze or mezze ( Arabic, مَزة, Greek mezé (μεζέ Bulgarian: мезé / mezé, Turkish Turkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and

Immature scapes are tender and edible. They are also known as 'garlic spears', 'stems', or 'tops'. Scapes generally have a milder taste than cloves. They are often used in stir frying or prepared like asparagus. Stir frying is an Umbrella term used to describe two fast Chinese cooking techniques chǎo ( 炒) and bào ( 爆) Asparagus officinalis is a flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus from which the Vegetable known as asparagus is obtained Garlic leaves are a popular vegetable in many parts of Asia, particularly Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian and Korean cuisines. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Vietnam (ˌviːɛtˈnɑːm Việt Nam) officially The Kingdom of Cambodia ( formerly known as Kampuchea (, transliterated: Preăh Réachéanachâkr Kâmpŭchea) is a country in South East Laos (ˈlɑːoʊs or /ˈlaʊs/ officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a Landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma Korea is a geographic area composed of two sovereign countries a civilization and a former state situated on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. The leaves are cut, cleaned and then stir-fried with eggs, meat, or vegetables. Stir frying is an Umbrella term used to describe two fast Chinese cooking techniques chǎo ( 炒) and bào ( 爆)

Garlic is essential to several Mediterranean dishes. Mixing garlic with eggs and olive oil produces aioli ("garlic and oil" in Provençal). Aioli ( Provençal Occitan alhòli, Catalan allioli) is a sauce made of Garlic and Olive oil. The Spanish variant does not use eggs. Garlic, oil, and a chunky base produce skordalia (from the Greek and Italian names of garlic). Skordalia or skordhalia / skorthalia (σκορδαλιά; in Greek also called αλιάδα is a thick puree (or sauce/dip/spread/etc Blending garlic, almond, oil and soaked bread produces ajoblanco (ajo blanco is Spanish for "white garlic"). The Almond ( Prunus dulcis, syn Prunus amygdalus Batsch Amygdalus communis L Ajoblanco is an Andalusian cold white Soup especially typical of Málaga and Cádiz. Le Tourin is a French garlic soup. Le Tourin is a type of Garlic Soup, from France, also known as le tourin d'ail doux, or Smooth Garlic Soup

In Asia, garlic is fundamental to Korean and Thai cuisine. In Chinese cuisine, it is usually chopped and stir-fried with chopped ginger and other aromatics in oil as the basis of sauces. Japanese cuisine uses very little garlic.

Garlic along with ginger form the basis for most of the Indian curries and cooked varieties of rice such as pulao, biriyani, coconut rice etc. Curry is the English description of any of a general variety of spicy dishes best known in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan

About 1/4 teaspoon of dried powdered garlic is equivalent to one fresh clove. A teaspoon is a small Spoon, or a spoon used in measuring commonly used to stir the contents of a cup of Tea or Coffee.

Storage

Domestically, garlic is stored warm (above 18 °C or 64 °F) and dry, to keep it dormant (so that it does not sprout). It is traditionally hung; softneck varieties are often braided in strands called "plaits", or in short plaits. Plaits are sometimes called grappes, following French usage.

Garlic can be frozen in several ways. Freeze garlic stored in oil immediately. The low-acid garlic, exclusion of air (by mixing with oil), and room temperatures can support the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which is deadly. In Computer science, ACID ( Atomicity Consistency Isolation Durability) is a set of properties that guarantee that Database transactions are Temperature and layers The temperature of the Earth's atmosphere varies with altitude the mathematical relationship between temperature and altitude varies among five Clostridium botulinum is a Gram-positive, rod shaped bacterium that produces the Neurotoxin Botulin, which causes the flaccid

• Chop the garlic and wrap tightly in plastic. Plastic is the general common term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products To use, grate or break off sections.
• Freeze the garlic unpeeled and remove cloves as needed.
• Peel the cloves and puree them with twice as much oil. Purée and (more rarely mash are general terms for food usually Vegetables or Legumes that have been ground pressed and/or strained to the An oil is a substance that is in a viscous Liquid state ( "oily") at ambient temperatures or slightly warmer and is The puree will stay soft enough to scrape off parts for cooking.
• Peel the garlic and cover with oil. Remove cloves as needed.

Garlic can also be dried. Dry only fresh, firm garlic cloves with no bruises. Peel the cloves, cut in half lengthwise, and dry at 140 degrees for 2 hours, then reduce heat to 130 degrees until completely dry or crisp. If desired, powder dried garlic by processing in a blender or food processor until fine. A blender, or liquidiser in British English, is a Kitchen appliance used to mix ingredients or Puree food A food processor is a kitchen appliance used to facilitate various repetitive tasks in the process of preparation of Food.

Peeled cloves may be stored in wine or vinegar in the refrigerator. Wine is an Alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of Grape juice Vinegar is an acidic liquid processed from the Fermentation of Ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient Acetic acid (also called ethanoic acid A refrigerator (often called a " fridge " for short is a cooling appliance comprising a thermally insulated compartment and a Heat pump - The mixture can be kept for about 4 months. The month is a unit of Time, used with Calendars which is approximately as long as some natural period related to the motion of the Moon; Discard the whole mixture if you see any mold or yeast growth. WikipediaManual_of_Style#National_varieties_of_English --> Molds (or Yeasts are a growth form of eukaryotic Microorganisms classified in the kingdom Fungi, with about 1500 Species currently described ^[6]

Commercially, garlic is stored at 0 °C, also dry. ^[7]

Historical use

From the earliest times garlic has been used as a food. It formed part of the diet of the Israelites in Egypt (Numbers 11:5) and of the labourers employed by Khufu in constructing the pyramid. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. Khufu (in Greek known as Χέωψ Cheops; ˈkiɑps was a Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt 's Old Kingdom. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three Garlic is still grown in Egypt, but the Syrian variety is the kind most esteemed now (see Rawlinson's Herodotus, 2. Syria ( سوريّة or) officially the Syrian Arab Republic (Arabic ar الجمهورية العربية السورية Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson 1st Baronet (1810-1895 was born at Chadlington, Oxfordshire. 125).

It was consumed by the ancient Greek and Roman soldiers, sailors and rural classes (Virgil, Ecologues ii. The term ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC Publius Vergilius Maro ( October 15, 70 BCE &ndash September 21, 19 BCE later called Virgilius, and known in English as Virgil or 11), and, according to Pliny the Elder (Natural History xix. Gaius or Caius Plinius Secundus, ( AD 23 – August 25, AD 79 better known as Pliny the Elder, was an ancient Author Naturalis Historia ( Latin for "Natural History" is an Encyclopedia written Circa AD 77 by Pliny the Elder. 32), by the African peasantry. Galen eulogizes it as the "rustic's theriac" (cure-all) (see F Adams's Paulus Aegineta, p. Galen ( Greek: Γαληνός Galēnos; Latin: Claudius Galenus, Aelius Galenus, Claudius Aelius Galenus, or 99), and Alexander Neckam, a writer of the 12th century (see Wright's edition of his works, p. Alexander ( of) Neckam ( 8 September 1157 &ndash 1217 was an English scholar and teacher 473, 1863), recommends it as a palliative of the heat of the sun in field labor. Palliative care (from Latin palliare to cloak is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of Disease Symptoms

In his Natural History Pliny gives an exceedingly long list of scenarios in which it was considered beneficial (N. H. xx. 23). Dr. T. Sydenham valued it as an application in confluent smallpox, and, says Cullen (Mat. Smallpox is an Infectious disease unique to humans caused by either of two virus variants named Variola major and Variola minor. Med. ii. p. 174, 1789), found some dropsies cured by it alone. Oedema (or Edema in American English formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is the increase of Interstitial fluid in any organ &mdash swelling Early in the 20th century, it was sometimes used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis or phthisis. Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common

Garlic was rare in traditional English cuisine (though it is said to have been grown in England before 1548), and has been a much more common ingredient in Mediterranean Europe. The Tacuinum (sometimes Taccuinum) Sanitatis is a medieval handbook on wellness based on the Taqwin al‑sihha ar تقوين الصحة ("Tables British cuisine is the specific set of cooking traditions and practices associated with the United Kingdom. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Garlic was placed by the ancient Greeks on the piles of stones at cross-roads, as a supper for Hecate (Theophrastus, Characters, The Superstitious Man); and according to Pliny, garlic and onions were invoked as deities by the Egyptians at the taking of oaths. Hecate ( Greek: Ἑκάτη, "far-shooting") Hekate ( Hekátê Theophrastus ( Greek:; 371 – c 287 BC a Greek native of Eressos in Lesbos, was the successor of Aristotle in the Peripatetic (Pliny also states that garlic de-magnetizes loadstones, which is not factual. Lodestone or loadstone refers to either Magnetite, a Magnetic Mineral form of iron(II, Iron(III oxide )^[8] The inhabitants of Pelusium in lower Egypt, who worshipped the onion, are said to have had an aversion to both onions and garlic as food. Pelusium was a city in the eastern extremes of Egypt 's Nile Delta, 30 km to the southeast of the modern Port Said.

To prevent the plant from running to leaf, Pliny (N. H. xix. 34) advised bending the stalk downward and covering with earth; seeding, he observes, may be prevented by twisting the stalk (by "seeding", he most likely means the development of small, less potent bulbs).

Medicinal use and health benefits

Garlic, raw Nutritional value per 100 g (3. 5 oz)
Energy 150 kcal   620 kJ
Carbohydrates     33. Carbohydrates (from ' Hydrates of Carbon ' or saccharides ( Greek σάκχαρον meaning " Sugar " are the most 06 g - Sugars  1. 00g - Dietary fiber  2. Dietary fibers are the indigestible portion of plant foods that move food through the Digestive system, absorbing water and easing Defecation. 1 g   Fat 0. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water 5 g Protein 6. Proteins are large Organic compounds made of Amino acids arranged in a linear chain and joined together by Peptide bonds between the Carboxyl 36 g - β-carotene  5 μg  0% Thiamin (Vit. B1)  0. The term carotene is used for several related substances having the formula C40H56 For the similarly spelled pyrimidine see Thymine Thiamin or thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1 2 mg   15% Riboflavin (Vit. B2)  0. Riboflavin ( E101) also known as vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed Micronutrient with a key role in maintaining Health 11 mg   7% Niacin (Vit. B3)  0. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin which prevents the deficiency disease Pellagra. 7 mg   5% Pantothenic acid (B5)  0. Pantothenic acid, also called Vitamin B5 (a B vitamin) is a water- Soluble vitamin required to sustain life ( 596 mg  12% Vitamin B6  1. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble Vitamin. Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP is the active form and is a cofactor in many reactions of Amino acid metabolism including 235 mg 95% Folate (Vit. Folic acid (also known as Vitamin M and Folacin) and Folate (the Anionic form are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9 B9)  3 μg  1% Vitamin C  31. Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an Essential nutrient for a large number of higher primate species a small number of other Mammalian 2 mg 52% Calcium  181 mg 18% Iron  1. Calcium (ˈkælsiəm is the Chemical element with the symbol Ca and Atomic number 20 Iron (ˈаɪɚn is a Chemical element with the symbol Fe (ferrum and Atomic number 26 7 mg 14% Magnesium  25 mg 7%  Phosphorus  153 mg 22% Potassium  401 mg   9% Sodium  17 mg 1% Zinc  1. Magnesium is an essential element in biological systems. Magnesium occurs typically as the Mg2+ ion Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Potassium (pəˈtæsiəm is a Chemical element. It has the symbol K (kalium from qalīy Atomic number 19 and Atomic mass 39 For sodium chloride in the diet see Salt. Sodium chloride, also known as common salt, table salt, or Halite, is a Zinc (ˈzɪŋk from Zink is a Metallic Chemical element with the symbol Zn and Atomic number 30 16 mg 12% Manganese 1. Manganese (ˈmæŋgəniːz is a Chemical element, designated by the symbol Mn. 672 mg selenium 14. Selenium (səˈliniəm is a Chemical element with the Atomic number 34 represented by the chemical symbol Se, an atomic mass of 78 2 mcg
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Reference Daily Intake (or Recommended Daily Intake ( RDI) is the daily dietary intake level of a nutrient which was considered (at the time they were defined to be sufficient Source: USDA Nutrient database

Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating at least as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were built. Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. Atherosclerosis is a Disease affecting arterial Blood vessels It is a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries in large part due to the accumulation Cholesterol is a Lipid found in the Cell membranes and transported in the Blood plasma of all Animals It is an essential component of mammalian Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the Blood pressure is chronically elevated Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled ^[9]

Animal studies, and some early investigational studies in humans, have suggested possible cardiovascular benefits of garlic. A Czech study found garlic supplementation reduced accumulation of cholesterol on vascular walls of animals. ^[10] Another study had similar results, with garlic supplementation significantly reducing the plaque in the aortas of cholesterol-fed rabbits. ^[11] Another study showed that supplementation with garlic extract inhibited vascular calcification in human patients with high blood cholesterol. ^[12] The known vasodilative effect of garlic is possibly caused by catabolism of garlic-derived polysulfides to hydrogen sulfide in red blood cells, a reaction that is dependent on reduced thiols in or on the RBC membrane. For the related metabolic process see Anabolism. Catabolism is the set of Metabolic pathways which break down molecules into Polysulfides are a class of Chemical compounds containing chains of Sulfur atoms Hydrogen sulfide (or hydrogen sulphide) is the Chemical compound with the formula H 2 S. Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenous cardioprotective vascular cell signaling molecule. ^[13]

However, a randomized clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States of America and published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007 found that the consumption of garlic in any form did not reduce blood cholesterol levels in patients with moderately high baseline cholesterol levels. A randomized controlled trial (RCT is a type of scientific Experiment most commonly used in testing the Efficacy or Effectiveness of Healthcare "NIH" redirects here For other meanings of NIH see NIH (disambiguation. The Archives of Internal Medicine is a bi-monthly international peer-reviewed professional Medical journal published by the American Medical Association. ^[14][15]

With regard to this clinical trial, theheart. org reports:

“

Despite decades of research suggesting that garlic can improve cholesterol profiles, a new NIH-funded trial found absolutely no effects of raw garlic or garlic supplements on LDL, HDL, or triglycerides. . . The findings underscore the hazards of meta-analyses made up of small, flawed studies and the value of rigorously studying popular herbal remedies. [16]

”

In 2007 a BBC news story reported that Allium sativum may have beneficial properties, such as preventing and fighting the common cold. ^[17] This assertion has the backing of long tradition. Traditional British herbalism used garlic for hoarseness and coughs, both as a syrup and in a salve made of garlic and lard, which was rubbed on the chest and back. ^[18] The Cherokee also used it as an expectorant for coughs and croup. The Cherokee (ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ a-ni-yv-wi-ya, in the Cherokee language) are a people native to North America, who at the time of European contact A mucolytic agent is any agent which dissolves thick Mucus usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties Croup is a group of Respiratory diseases that often affect infants and children under age 6 ^[19]

Allium sativum has been found to reduce platelet aggregation and hyperlipidemia. Platelets, or Thrombocytes, are small cytoplasmic bodies derived from cells They circulate in the Blood of Mammals and are involved Hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia or dyslipidemia is the presence of raised or abnormal levels of Lipids and/or Lipoproteins in the ^[20][21]

Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood sugar levels. Glucose (Glc a Monosaccharide (or simple Sugar) also known as grape sugar, is an important Carbohydrate in Biology. Regular and prolonged use of therapeutic amounts of aged garlic extracts lower blood homocysteine levels, and has shown to prevent some complications of diabetes mellitus. Homocysteine is a Chemical compound with the formula HSCH2CH2CH(NH2CO2H Diabetes mellitus (ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/ /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/ often referred to simply as diabetes ( Ancient Greek: grc ^[22][23] People taking insulin should not consume medicinal amounts of garlic without consulting a physician. Insulin is a Hormone with intensive effects on both metabolism and several other body systems (eg vascular compliance

Allium sativum may also possess cancer-fighting properties due to the presence of allylic sulfur compounds such as diallyl disulfide (DADs), believed to be an anticarcinogen. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled Diallyl disulfide ( 45-dithia-17-octadiene) is an organosulfur compound found in plants of the genus Allium. ^[24]

In 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic's antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II. Louis Pasteur (27 December 1822 – 28 September 1895 a French Chemist and Microbiologist, is best known for remarkable breakthroughs in the causes and ^[25] More recently it has been found from a clinical trial that a mouthwash containing 2. 5% fresh garlic shows good antimicrobial activity, although the majority of the participants reported an unpleasant taste and halitosis. Halitosis, oral malodor, breath odor mouth odor foul breath fetor oris fetor ex ore or most commonly bad breath are terms used to describe noticeably unpleasant ^[26]

In modern naturopathy, garlic is used as a treatment for intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites, both orally and as an anal suppository. Naturopathic medicine (also known as naturopathy, or natural medicine) is a Complementary and alternative medicine which emphasizes the body's intrinsic Intestinal parasites are Parasites that populate the Gastro-intestinal tract. A suppository is a drug delivery system that is inserted either into the Rectum (rectal suppository Vagina (vaginal suppository or Urethra (urethral Garlic cloves are used as a remedy for infections (especially chest problems), digestive disorders, and fungal infections such as thrush. An infection is the detrimental Colonization of a host Organism by a foreign Species. Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a Fungal infection (mycosis of any of the Candida species of which [2][3]

Garlic has been reasonably successfully used in AIDS patients to treat cryptosporidium in an uncontrolled study in China. Cryptosporidium is a Protozoan that can cause gastro-intestinal illness with Diarrhea in humans ^[27] It has also been used by at least one AIDS patient to treat toxoplasmosis, another protozoal disease. ^[28]

Garlic supplementation in rats along with a high protein diet has been shown to boost testosterone levels. Testosterone is a Steroid hormone from the Androgen group In mammals testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and the Ovaries ^[29]

To maximise health benefits from consuming cooked garlic, it has been suggested to allow crushed or chopped garlic to rest for 15 minutes before use to allow enzyme reactions to occur. ^[30] However the primary compound of interest from this reaction, allicin, is generally deactivated during cooking due to its instability, and may be more beneficial consumed raw. Allicin is an Organic compound obtained from Garlic. This colourless liquid has a distinctively pungent smell

Properties

When crushed, Allium sativum yields allicin, a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal compound (phytoncide). Allicin is an Organic compound obtained from Garlic. This colourless liquid has a distinctively pungent smell In modern usage an antibiotic is a Chemotherapeutic agent with activity against Microorganisms such as Bacteria, fungi or Protozoa Phytoncides are Antimicrobial allelochemic Volatile organic compounds derived from Plants The word which means "exterminated by the plant" However due to poor bioavailability it is of limited use for oral consumption. In Pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered Dose of unchanged drug that reaches the Systemic circulation, one of It also contains alliin, ajoene, enzymes, vitamin B, minerals, and flavonoids. Alliin (al'-ee-in is a Sulfoxide that is a natural constituent of fresh Garlic. Ajoene (ˈɑːhoʊiːn is a Chemical compound available from Garlic ( Allium sativum) Enzymes are Biomolecules that catalyze ( ie increase the rates of Chemical reactions Almost all enzymes are Proteins The B vitamins are eight water-soluble Vitamins that play important roles in cell Metabolism. A mineral is a naturally occurring substance formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition a highly ordered atomic structure and specific The term flavonoid (or bioflavonoid refers to a class of Plant Secondary metabolites According to the IUPAC nomenclature they can be classified into

The percentage composition of the bulbs is given by E. Solly (Trans. Hon. Soc. Loud. , new ser. , iii. p. 60) as water 84. 09%, organic matter 13. 38%, and inorganic matter 1. 53% - that of the leaves being water 87. 14%, organic matter 11. 27% and inorganic matter 1. 59%.

The phytochemicals responsible for the sharp flavor of garlic are produced when the plant's cells are damaged. The cell is the structural and functional unit of all known living Organisms It is the smallest unit of an organism that is classified as living and is often called When a cell is broken by chopping, chewing, or crushing, enzymes stored in cell vacuoles trigger the breakdown of several sulfur-containing compounds stored in the cell fluids. In general vacuole functions include Removing unwanted structural debris Isolating materials that might be harmful or a threat to the cell Containing Sulfur or sulphur (ˈsʌlfɚ see spelling below) is the Chemical element that has the Atomic number 16 The resultant compounds are responsible for the sharp or hot taste and strong smell of garlic. Some of the compounds are unstable and continue to evolve over time. Among the members of the onion family, garlic has by far the highest concentrations of initial reaction products, making garlic much more potent than onions, shallots, or leeks. The leek, Allium ampeloprasum var porrum (L also sometimes known as Allium porrum, is a vegetable which belongs along with the Onion and ^[31] Although people have come to enjoy the taste of garlic, these compounds are believed to have evolved as a defensive mechanism, deterring animals like birds, insects, and worms from eating the plant. Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Insects ( Class Insecta) are a major group of Arthropods and the most diverse group of Animals on the Earth with over a million described A worm is a common name given to a diverse group of invertebrate animals that have a long soft body and no legs ^[32]

A large number of sulfur compounds contribute to the smell and taste of garlic. Diallyl disulfide is believed to be an important odour component. Diallyl disulfide ( 45-dithia-17-octadiene) is an organosulfur compound found in plants of the genus Allium. Allicin has been found to be the compound most responsible for the "hot" sensation of raw garlic. Allicin is an Organic compound obtained from Garlic. This colourless liquid has a distinctively pungent smell This chemical opens thermoTRP (transient receptor potential) channels that are responsible for the burning sense of heat in foods. Transient receptor potential or TRP channels are a family of loosely related Ion channels that are non-selectively permeable to Cations including Calcium The process of cooking garlic removes allicin, thus mellowing its spiciness. ^[33]

When eaten in quantity, garlic may be strongly evident in the diner's sweat and breath the following day. This is because garlic's strong smelling sulfur compounds are metabolized forming allyl methyl sulfide. Allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) cannot be digested and is passed into the blood. Blood is a specialized Bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances to the body's cells ��such as nutrients and oxygen—and transports Waste products It is carried to the lungs and the skin where it is excreted. Since digestion takes several hours, and release of AMS several hours more, the effect of eating garlic may be present for a long time.

This well-known phenomenon of "garlic breath" is alleged to be alleviated by eating fresh parsley. Parsley ( Petroselinum crispum) is a bright Green, biennial Herb, also used as Spice. The herb is, therefore, included in many garlic recipes, such as Pistou, Persillade and the garlic butter spread used in garlic bread. Pistou sauce, or just pistou, is a cold sauce made from cloves of Garlic, fresh Basil, and Olive oil. Persillade ( pronounced /pɛrsi'jad/ is the culinary term for a chopped mixture of Garlic and Parsley, usually in equal parts by volume Garlic bread typically consists of bread topped with Garlic and Butter or sometimes Olive oil (or both However, since the odour results mainly from digestive processes placing compounds such as AMS in the blood, and AMS is then released through the lungs over the course of many hours, eating parsley provides only a temporary masking. One way of accelerating the release of AMS from the body is the use of a sauna. A sauna (ˈsɔːnə or as Finnish) is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions or an establishment with one or more of these and auxiliary Due to its strong odor, garlic is sometimes called the "stinking rose".

Because of the AMS in the bloodstream, it is believed by some to act as a mosquito repellent. However there is no evidence to suggest that garlic is actually effective for this purpose. ^[34]

Superstition and mythology

Garlic has been regarded as a force for both good and evil. A Christian myth considers that after Satan left the Garden of Eden, garlic arose in his left footprint, and onion in the right. Christian mythology ( μῦθος (mythos in Greek is the body of traditional Narratives associated with Christianity. Satan, ( Standard Hebrew Satan'el, English accuser) is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally Not to be confused with Eden Gardens.The Garden of Eden ( Hebrew "pleasure" גַּן עֵדֶן Arabic: جنات عدن, ^[35] In Europe, many cultures have used garlic for protection or white magic, perhaps owing to its reputation as a potent preventative medicine. Magic, sometimes known as sorcery, is a Conceptual system that asserts human ability to control the natural world (including events objects people and ^[36] Central European folk beliefs considered garlic a powerful ward against demons, werewolves, and vampires. See also Lycanthropy (disambiguation Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes, are mythological or folkloric humans with the ability to Vampires are mythological or folkloric revenants who subsist by feeding on the blood of the living ^[36] To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn, hung in windows or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes. ^[37]

Colloidal silver is often used as antibacterial agent. Colloidal silver is a Liquid suspension of Microscopic particles of Silver. As with silver, the association of garlic to evil spirits may be based on the antibacterial, antiparasitic value of garlic, which could prevent infections that lead to delusions, and other related mental illness symptoms. ^[38][39]

In Northeastern India, it is believed that garlic mixed with water spread around the home will keep snakes from entering.

Cautions

• Known adverse effects of garlic include halitosis (non-bacterial), indigestion, nausea, emesis and diarrhea. Halitosis, oral malodor, breath odor mouth odor foul breath fetor oris fetor ex ore or most commonly bad breath are terms used to describe noticeably unpleasant Dyspepsia (from the Greek "δυς-" (Dys- and "πέψη" (Pepse known in plain English as indigestion, meaning hard Nausea ( Latin: Nausea, Greek:, " Sea-sickness " also called wamble) is the sensation of unease and discomfort Vomiting (also called throwing up, emesis) is the forceful expulsion of the contents of one's Stomach through the Mouth and sometimes the In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea ^[40]

• Garlic may interact with warfarin, antiplatelets, saquinavir, antihypertensives, Calcium channel blockers, hypoglycemic drugs, as well as other medications. Warfarin (also known under the brand names Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, and Waran) is an Anticoagulant. An antiplatelet drug is a member of a class of pharmaceuticals that decreases Platelet aggregation and inhibits Thrombus formation Saquinavir is an Antiretroviral drug used in HIV therapy It falls in the protease inhibitor class Antihypertensives are a class of drugs that are used in Medicine and Pharmacology to treat Hypertension (high blood pressure Hypoglycemia or hypoglycaemia is the medical term for a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of Glucose ( sugar) in the blood Consult a health professional before taking a garlic supplement^[40] or consuming excessive amounts of garlic.

• Garlic can thin the blood similar to the effect of aspirin. ^[41]

• Two outbreaks of botulism have been caused by consuming commercially produced garlic-in-oil preparations that were not properly preserved. Botulism ( Latin, botulus, "sausage" is a rare but serious Paralytic illness caused by Botulin Toxin. It is especially important for home-preparation to use safe and tested food-preservation methods to retard bacterial growth, such as including sufficient salt or acidity and keeping the mixture refrigerated. A preservative is a natural or synthetic chemical that is added to products such as foods pharmaceuticals paints biological samples wood etc It is recommended to not keep home-preparations for more than a week. ^[42][43]

• While culinary quantities are considered safe for consumption, very high quantities of garlic and garlic supplements have been linked with an increased risk of bleeding, particularly during pregnancy and after surgery and child birth. Pregnancy ( Latin graviditas) is the carrying of one or more offspring known as a Fetus or Embryo, inside the Uterus of a Female Childbirth (also called labour, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a Human Pregnancy or ^[44][40] Some breastfeeding mothers have found their babies slow to feed and have noted a garlic odour coming from their baby when they have consumed garlic. ^[45][40] The safety of garlic supplements had not been determined for children. ^[46]

• The side effects of long-term garlic supplementation, if any exist, are largely unknown and no FDA-approved study has been performed. However, garlic has been consumed for several thousand years without any adverse long-term effects, suggesting that modest quantities of garlic pose, at worst, minimal risks to normal individuals. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, sweating, dizziness, allergic reactions, bleeding, and menstrual irregularities. ^[47]

• Some degree of liver toxicity has been demonstrated in rats, particularly in large quantities^[48]

• There have been several reports of serious burns resulting from garlic being applied topically for various purposes, including naturopathic uses and acne treatment. ^[49] On the basis of numerous reports of such burns, including burns to children, topical use of raw garlic, as well as insertion of raw garlic into body cavities is discouraged. In particular, topical application of raw garlic to young children is not advisable. ^[50]

• Garlic and onions may be toxic to cats and dogs. ^[51]

References

Notes

Bibliography

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Films

• 1980 - Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers. Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers ( 1980) is a Documentary film about Garlic directed by Les Blank. Directed by Les Blank. Les Blank (b 27 November 1935, Tampa, Florida, United States) is an American documentary filmmaker best known

External links

• PROTAbase on Allium sativum
• Garlic: Plants For a Future database

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