Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Garlic (Allium Sativum) and its Biological Active Compounds

Abstract

Garlic has a tremendous pharmacological effects due to its biological active constituent (Allicin and its derivatives) organosulfur compounds. Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are organosulfur compounds such as allicin, diallyl disulphide, S-allylcysteine, and diallyl trisulfide which contribute a vital role in its nutraceutical applications. Garlic is one of the most important bulb vegetables, which is used as spice and flavoring agent for foods Garlic adds to taste of foods as well as it helps to make them digestible. Garlic contains different useful minerals, vitamins and many other substances used for health of human beings. It is rich in sugar, protein, fat, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sulfur, iodine fiber and silicon in addition to vitamins. It possesses high nutritive value. Furthermore, garlic has pharmaceutical effects and used to cure a vast conditions including blood pressure and cholesterol, cancer, hepatoprotective, antihelmentics, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal and wound healing, asthma, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, backache, bronchitis, chronic fever, tuberculosis, rhinitis, malaria, obstinate skin disease including leprosy, leucoderma, discolouration of the skin and itches, indigestion, colic pain, enlargement of spleen, piles, fistula, fracture of bone, gout, urinary diseases, diabetes, kidney stone, anemia, jaundice, epilepsy, cataract and night blindness. Key Word: Allicin, Allium Sativum, Organosulfur, Nutraceutical Effects, Pharmaceutical