Asklepios is the god of healing or medicine in Greek mythology. His symbol is the staff used in the medical field, entwined with two snakes. The staff symbolizes the tree of life, while the snake represents renewal and immortality due to its ability to shed its skin. Additionally, the snake symbolizes the ethical values of the art of healing: silence, the secrecy of knowledge, and the diligence and patience required in practice.

Asklepios was said to heal all patients with his prescriptions and even resurrect the dead, thereby granting humanity immortality. However, immortality was a privilege reserved for the gods, and Asklepios’s actions needed to be punished. The chief god, Zeus, killed Asklepios with a lightning bolt. The last prescription written by Asklepios fell onto a herb found nearby. When it rained, the essence of the prescription transferred to that herb, leading to the emergence of GARLIC, a remedy for all ailments.

Garlic, widely used as a spice, is highly beneficial for health due to its bioactive compounds (organic sulfurs such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, s-allylcysteine, saponins, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, etc.). Numerous studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory (immune-supporting), anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antibacterial effects.

Black garlic has a higher antioxidant effect compared to fresh garlic.

Raw garlic is more digestible than cooked garlic.

Different processing methods alter the bioactive compounds in garlic.

Effects of Garlic on Health:

Antioxidant Activity

Garlic is a powerful antioxidant.

The antioxidant effect of raw garlic is higher than that of cooked garlic.

Fermented garlic has a higher antioxidant effect than fresh garlic.

Applying pressure to garlic or crushing it increases its antioxidant activity.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Garlic can prevent inflammation by inhibiting factors that cause inflammatory reactions. It may support the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Anti-Microbial Activity

Garlic fights bacterial and fungal infections. A clinical study showed that raw garlic could suppress H. Pylori infection in the stomach. This antimicrobial effect varies with the type of garlic and the methods applied.

Support for the Immune System

Garlic contains healthy bioactive compounds for the immune system, improving its functions. It is known to reduce the likelihood of catching illnesses like the common cold and flu and to lessen their severity if contracted.

Fresh garlic exhibits stronger activity in the immune system compared to black garlic.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Garlic is known to improve peripheral blood circulation in patients with hypertension and to lower systolic blood pressure (the highest blood pressure reached).

It lowers blood lipids. A study showed that individuals consuming 300 mg of garlic daily experienced reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol levels increased; however, it was not effective on triglycerides in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia. Processing garlic with high temperature and pressure reduces its sharpness but enhances its effect on lowering blood lipids. Dried garlic is more effective than raw garlic.

Its antioxidant activity and compounds prevent blood clotting within the vessels.

Anti-Cancer Activity

Recent studies suggest that garlic may provide protection against various cancers, including colorectal, lung, stomach, and bladder cancers.

It can prevent the formation of carcinogenic substances that occur during processes like cooking and storage of food.

Garlic may help regulate carcinogen metabolism, suppress the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, kill cancer cells, and prevent metastasis.

It may also aid in reducing the adverse effects of cancer treatments.

Protection of the Liver

Garlic protects against liver damage by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is known to reduce alcohol-related liver disease.

Fermented garlic has been shown to be more effective in reducing liver fat levels compared to unfermented garlic.

More research should be conducted on the safe dosage and consumption frequency of garlic. Excessive consumption of garlic may have side effects.

Protection of the Digestive System

Garlic reduces oxidative stress, suppresses inflammation, thus decreasing infections like H. Pylori, improving gastrointestinal functions, and alleviating other gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis and gastric ulcers.

Raw garlic reduces the intense bacterial activity in the stomach, thereby decreasing H. Pylori.

Anti-Diabetic Activity

Garlic aids in the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications.

A meta-analysis conducted with 768 patients with Type 2 Diabetes showed significant reductions in hemoglobin levels.

It reduces pathological changes in Type 1 diabetics and protects against diabetic retinopathy.

Anti-Obesity Activity

Fermented garlic products are known to regulate fat metabolism and have positive effects on obesity.

Kidney Protection

Garlic protects the kidneys from toxic effects.

References:

1. Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.), Foods 2019, 8(7), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8070246
2. Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview, Antioxidants 2020, 9(7), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9070619
3. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Bioactives and Its Role in Alleviating Oral Pathologies, Antioxidants 2021, 10(11), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10111847