Medicinal Properties of Garlic (Allium sativum L): A Review

Among the spices grown in India, garlic (Allium sativum L.) is undoubtedly one of the important crops of the Alliaceae after onion and propagated vegetatively. It is also used as flavour agent and in pharmaceutical preparation due to its high valid medicinal properties like antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic action. Garlic is one of the oldest herbal remedies; it was a favoured food in Old Testament and has been accorded almost magical properties in various cultures. Garlic has been employed to treat infections, wounds, respiratory conditions, diarrhea, rheumatism, heart disease, diabetes and many other disorders. Currently, it is most often used as an antithrombotic and antioxidant herb to help present heart disease, atherosclerosis and cancer.