ABSTRACT
Garlic (Allium sativum) belongs to the genus allium, which includes over 800 bulbous plant species such as leek, shallot, chive, scallion, and onions (Li, Zhou et al. 2010). Besides being consumed as an important avoring component in the human diet, garlic has been extensively used as a medicine for many centuries, and its positive effects on human health have been observed throughout this long-term usage (Dausch and Nixon 1990). In fact, garlic preparations are the most widely used dietary supplements in US households (Timbo, Ross et al. 2006). Many claims on the healthpromoting effects of garlic in traditions and cultures have been conrmed by clinical and preclinical research in the past decades, while controversies or disapproval also occurred to some folklore beliefs on garlic (Butt, Sultan et al. 2009). The biological responses associated with garlic and its preparations are very diverse, including alteration of lipid metabolism, modulation of the immune system, induction of the detoxifying and antioxidant system, regulation of signal transduction pathways, and selective cytotoxicity. Observations of these health-related bioactivities imply the value of garlic in antimicrobial treatment and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
