Phytochemical compounds and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a species of monocotyledonous perennial vegetable plant whose bulbs, with a strong odor and taste, are often used as a condiment in cooking and a traditional remedy for various diseases. Garlic possesses more than 100 biologically useful secondary metabolites, including alliin, alliinase, allicin, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), diallyldisulfide (DADS), diallyltrisulfide (DATS) and methyl allyl trisulfide. The γ-glutamyl-S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteines are the major sulfur compounds present in garlic. Fundamental studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, renal protective, digestive system protective, hepatoprotective and wound healing properties.
This review examines the phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activities of A. sativum extracts as well as its main active constituent, allicin to cure many diseases, highlighting and discussing the relevant mechanisms of actions for many of their therapeutic effects.