Major therapeutic interest

  • Preventing and reducing circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia (excess of lipids in the blood); preventing circulatory/vascular disorders (atherosclerosis) by thinning the blood;
  • Treating bronchial infections, respiratory infections, colds, flu, and ear infections.

Other therapeutic interest / Traditional Use

  • Treating athlete's foot (external use);
  • Reducing the risk of stomach and colon cancer;
  • Helping to expel digestive tract parasites by acting as a vermifuge.

Cons-indications

  • Breastfeeding (can cause colic in infants);
  • Bleeding disorders;
  • Gastrointestinal irritation (particularly with raw garlic);
  • Diabetes: Use carefully, under close medical supervision.

Important Notice

  • Garlic should be avoided 1 to 2 weeks before or after a surgery due to the risk of bleeding.
  • Garlic should be avoided following organ or tissue transplants due to a risk of rejection.

Drug Interactions

Known human interactions

  • Potentially increases the effect of Coumadin;
  • Reduces the effect of Fortovase and Invirase.

Known animal interactions

  • Has a hypoglycemic effect, leading to possible potentiation of the effect of insulin and oral antidiabetic medications (Actos, Diabeta, Diamicron, Avandia, Glucophage, etc.)

Suspected interactions

  • May increase the effect of anticoagulants and antithrombotic agents (Coumadin, Lovenox, heparin, etc.), antiplatelet drugs (Plavix, Ticlid), as well as salicylic acid derivatives (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA, aspirin, Entrophen, etc.), and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Voltaren, Ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin], Naprosyn, etc.);
  • May reduce effect of Neoral and Sandimmune (immunosuppressors);
  • May reduce effect of certain HIV medications (Agenerase, Norvir, Viramune, Viracept, Sustiva, Rescriptor);
  • May alter certain antiarrhythmics/antihypertensives (Cardizem, Isoptin, etc.), and some antitumorals (Vinblastine, Vincristine, Taxol, etc.), fungicides (Nizoral, Sporanox, etc.), oral contraceptives, and many other medications from different categories (Cozaar, Mevacor, Allegra, Alfenta, etc.)

Parts used

Fresh or dried bulbs

Main constituents

  • Mix of sulphurous substances (alliin, allicin, ajoene, S-allyl-mercaptocystein, S-allyl-cysteine, allicine); vitamins A, B, and C; selenium. 

Other names

Allium sativum, Common garlic