garlic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Antimicrobial: garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which can help prevent and treat infections. 
• Cardiovascular: garlic is believed to have a positive effect on heart health, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improving blood flow. 
• Immune system: garlic can boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections and disease. 
• Anti-inflammatory: garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. 
• Antioxidant: garlic contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. 

The spectrum of garlic’s effects can also vary depending on the form in which it is consumed. Raw garlic is believed to have the most potent health benefits, while cooked garlic may be less effective.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Not Defined 

Angioedema 

Bleeding 

Asthma 

Conjunctivitis 

Anaphylaxis 

Diarrhea 

Contact dermatitis 

Black Box Warning

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication / Caution: 

• Bleeding disorders: garlic may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin, or heparin.  
• Stomach problems: garlic can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach, especially when consumed in large amounts or on an empty stomach.  
• Allergies: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to garlic, especially if they are allergic to other plants in the same family as garlic, such as onions, leeks, or chives.  
• Diabetes: garlic can lower blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.  
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: garlic is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when consumed in food amounts.  
• Surgery: garlic can interfere with blood clotting, which can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

garlic (Allium sativum) is a commonly used culinary herb that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. garlic contains various biologically active compounds, including organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of garlic is multifaceted and involves various mechanisms of action. Its active ingredient allicin has potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardiovascular, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-cancer properties. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

garlic is primarily absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. It is readily absorbed in the form of its bioactive compounds, including allicin, alliin, and ajoene. 

Distribution 

After absorption, garlic compounds are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. garlic compounds are known to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in various organs, including the liver and kidney. 

Metabolism 

garlic compounds undergo metabolism primarily in the liver. Allicin, the primary active compound in garlic, is rapidly metabolized into various sulfur-containing compounds, such as diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide.  

Elimination and Excretion 

garlic compounds are excreted through the urine and feces.  

Adminstartion

Administration: 

garlic is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, and it is also used for its potential health benefits. Here are some ways to use garlic: 

• Raw: Raw garlic can be added to salads, dressings, or dips for a pungent kick of flavor. 
• Cooked: garlic can be sautéed or roasted to add depth of flavor to dishes. 
• Supplements: garlic supplements are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and oils. They are used for their potential health benefits such as boosting immunity and reducing blood pressure. 
• Tea: garlic tea can be made by boiling garlic cloves in water for a few minutes. It is said to have antibacterial and antiviral properties and is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: garlic 

Why do we use garlic? 

garlic is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Here are some reasons why garlic is used: 

• Culinary uses: garlic is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world because of its pungent and distinctive flavor. It is used to enhance the taste of dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. 
• Medicinal uses: garlic has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Garlic is also known to lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. 
• Traditional remedies: garlic has been used in traditional remedies to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and sore throats.