Aged Garlic Extract as a Wonder Herb in Medicine and Oral Care: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

There has been a sudden high demand of the population for herbal products in the current scenario. Plant-derived various natural products have been utilized in the treatment of various diseases since ancient times. The constituents of these products are mostly herbal extracts, such as polyphenols, garlic, turmeric, aloe vera, green tea, neem, fenugreek, and basil leaves. The most active and beneficial component of garlic is considered allicin. It has the following properties such as antibiotic effect, antioxidant effect, cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition, antineoplastic activity, and anti-inflammatory effect. A wide range of beneficial effects of garlic extracts has been seen to have on oral health. Garlic extracts have proven to be a potential agent for reducing gingival and periodontal diseases in many studies. In an in vitro study, aged garlic extract (AGE) showed gingival wound healing. AGE has proved to be effective against chlorhexidine gluconate in inhibiting plaque bacteria in vitro as well as in vivo. Garlic extracts have antimycotic activity toward a group of fungal agents which also includes its role in denture stomatitis. Due to its role in inhibiting carcinogenesis, AGE is shown to improve the signs and symptoms of stage II oral submucous fibrosis patients. Despite all the beneficial effects, it has a potential risk factor for postsurgical bleeding, chemical burn in oral mucosa, malodor, and mucosal irritation. With all the health benefits, AGE can be used as an alternate to other antibiotics and a potential agent for many oral diseases.