Garlic is an acquired part of things that many people have and use in their kitchens. What’s more, garlic is very good for you. We’ve been enjoying the health benefits of garlic all day, many of which stem from the presence of a compound called allicin. So, what is allicin and what exactly can it do for our health?
WHAT IS ALLICIN?
Allicin is a sulfur compound found in garlic and has many potential medical benefits. In garlic, it acts as a plant defense mechanism to protect against pests. When the plant is injured, it produces compounds through an enzymatic reaction.
An enzyme called allinase converts to allicin, and this compound is toxic to insects, fungi and other harmful microorganisms.
Allicin was originally isolated and then studied by Chester Cavallito in 1944. While garlic has been studied extensively, there has been relatively little research on the health benefits of allicin. Nevertheless, studies have shown that allicin has several medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and hypolipidemic actions.
Allicin is the compound responsible for the well-known pungent smell of garlic plants and herbs. In fact, allicin is not sold in pure form because of its offensive odor and volatility. When extracted from garlic, allicin quickly loses many of its medicinal properties and turns into other sulfur compounds.
Allicin is not sold in its pure form because it is unstable and gives off an offensive odor. Allicin extracted from garlic can quickly lose its beneficial properties. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is produced by hydrolysis with extracted allicin. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from cancer to bacterial infections and cardiac arrhythmias.
A review of the health benefits of garlic and allicin supplements recently found that supplements are less beneficial than fresh garlic. The review also found that due to bioavailability, non-coated supplements were more beneficial than enteric-coated ones.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALLICIN
Studies have shown that allicin has several beneficial actions that can positively affect human health. For example, allicin has demonstrated beneficial effects on the heart due to its antiplatelet, hypolipidemic, and circulatory properties. The study also found that the compound has anticancer, chemopreventive and antimicrobial properties.
Aged garlic has also demonstrated additional benefits, including brain and liver health properties, but allicin itself may be limited by its volatility and bi-availability.
Although there is relatively little research on the health effects of allicin, it has several potential uses, including heart health, cancer prevention, bone health, immune health, and skin health benefits.
MAY REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
According to research, allicin may have beneficial effects on the heart due to its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Both high cholesterol and blood pressure are known factors that increase the risk of heart disease.
A few studies have shown that allicin can help lower cholesterol levels in humans.
One of the first studies, published in 2001, looked at the effects of garlic powder supplements on 46 participants with high cholesterol. Participants, who were also placed on a low-fat diet, were given either a garlic powder tablet containing 9.6 mg of allicin or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The results were promising. At the end of the 12-week study, the group that took the allicin supplement had significantly lower ldl cholesterol levels than those that took the placebo. Additionally, hdl (good type) cholesterol levels were not affected.
A meta-analysis published in 2013 found that compounds present in garlic helped lower both total and ldl cholesterol levels when taking the supplement for two months or longer. Additionally, the authors found that treatment with garlic supplements was associated with a 38% reduction in coronary events at age 50.
MAY REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE
In addition to its effect on cholesterol levels, allicin and other compounds found in garlic may help control blood pressure levels.
A study published in 2013 involved 210 patients who were given garlic tablets, a beta-blocker, or a placebo. The researchers found that the group that took the garlic supplement had significantly lower blood pressure levels than both the beta-blocker and placebo groups.
Atherosclerosis
There is some evidence that allicin may help prevent atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a common heart disease that involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque is made up of various substances including cholesterol, fat and calcium. Over time, it hardens and narrows the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood around the body.
A study published in 2017 looked at the effects of allicin on 62 patients with coronary heart disease. Patients were divided into two groups and treated with allicin or aspirin. After 12 weeks, researchers found that patients treated with allicin had decreased Hcy levels, which may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
The researchers concluded that allicin may be an effective treatment for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
May protect against cancer
Eating garlic has been suggested to treat several conditions. Some claim it can reduce the risk of cancer, but studies are sparse.
Several laboratory studies have shown that allicin can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, but the compound’s effect on human cancer remains unknown. The main limitations of allicin are its instability and its poor bioavailability. It appears to be most effective only when allicin comes into direct contact with cancer cells.
Muscle Soreness
There is some evidence that allicin may help treat muscle injuries and relieve aches and pains.
According to a study published in 2008, the compound may be effective in treating muscles injured by exercise. In this study, athletes were given either an allicin supplement or a placebo 14 days before a treadmill workout. Researchers found that those who took an allicin supplement experienced less muscle soreness after exercise than those who took a placebo.
While the study involved athletes, the results suggest that the compound may be effective in reducing muscle aches and pains in general.
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Allicin and the garlic it is found in also have excellent antimicrobial properties. Several laboratory studies have shown that allicin has antibacterial and antifungal activity against a variety of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Helicobacter pylori. It can also be effective against common yeast infections like candida.
MIGHT PREVENT COLDS AND BOOST IMMUNE FUNCTION
Allicin can help strengthen the immune system and protect against common conditions like colds and flu.
A large study published in 2001 looked at the effects of garlic supplements on 146 volunteers. Participants were divided into two groups and given a daily garlic supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that the group given the supplements had a 63% reduction in colds compared to the control group. Garlic supplements also significantly reduced the length of illness from 5 days to just 1.5 days.
Another study later confirmed these findings. Researchers found that consuming high doses of aged garlic significantly reduced the incidence of colds and flu.
It should be noted that this study specifically involved taking large doses of garlic supplements as opposed to allicin. It should also be noted that not all studies found that garlic supplements were effective in preventing colds, and more research is needed.
HOW TO USE ALLICIN
More garlic is one way to get more allicin into your system, but just more garlic will make you exercise. A clove of garlic typically contains between 5 and 18 ml of the compound. A very high dose has been used in this regard.
Allicin is available in supplement form and is usually labeled as allicin or garlic.
There is no standard recommended dosage for allicin.
Studies have shown that consuming fresh garlic is more beneficial than taking supplements.
SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS
Unfortunately, we do not have safety information regarding allicin or garlic supplements. A lack of research means that relatively little is known about the long-term use of these supplements or whether they interact with other types of medication.
Some reported side effects of allicin supplements include nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and gas.
Allicin may increase a person’s risk of bleeding. It is therefore important to avoid taking allicin supplements in the weeks before scheduled surgery.
For the same reason, people who use blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin should avoid using allicin supplements unless they consult their doctor.
Allicin can lower blood sugar levels so diabetics and those taking diabetes medications should consult their doctor before using allicin.
Allicin can lower blood pressure. People taking other blood pressure supplements or blood pressure medications should avoid using allicin supplements.
There is no information on the safety of allicin supplements in pregnant women or nursing mothers. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to exercise caution and avoid using allicin supplements.de effects and warnings
FINAL THOUGHTS
Allicin is a compound found in garlic and is responsible for the herb’s distinctive flavor. Allicin has several potential health benefits. It is used to lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure while it may also help protect against atherosclerosis,
In addition to heart health benefits, allicin can help boost the immune system and protect against colds and the flu. Laboratory studies have also found that allicin has antimicrobial properties against various bacterial and fungal strains. In vitro studies also suggest that allicin may have anti-cancer potential.
You can get allicin from eating garlic and it is available in supplement form. So far, there are no firm dosage recommendations, but studies have looked at the effects of large doses of allcine, up to 1500 mg per day. Although allicin supplements are safe for most people, you should consult your doctor before using them. They may interact with certain medications and should be avoided by people with certain preexisting conditions
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