Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Adverse effects and drug interactions in humans

Abstract

Garlic (Alllium sativum L., Fam Liliaceae) is used medicinally mainly for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of arteriosclerosis. Clinical trials have consistently shown that "garlic breath" and body odor are the most common (and well-documented) complaints associated to garlic intake. Case reports have highlighted the possibility that garlic use may cause allergic reactions (allergic contact dermatitis, generalized urticaria, angiedema, pemphigus, anaphylaxis and photoallergy), alteration of platelet function and coagulation (with a possible risk of bleeding), and burns (when fresh garlic is applied on the skin, particularly under occlusive dressings). Consumption of garlic by nursing mothers modifies their infant's behavior during breast-feeding. Finally, garlic may enhance the pharmacological effect of anticoagulants (e. g. warfarin, fluindione) and reduce the efficacy of anti-AIDS drugs (i. e. saquinavir).

Anticoagulant effects of phytotherapeutic drugs and their importance in surgical dental procedures

“…It is also indicated for decreasing cholesterol and treating arteriosclerosis 12 . However, its anticoagulant effect has been proven in studies that have demonstrated a reduction in platelet activity, leading to hemorrhage 4,13 . This effect may be further heightened by its combined use with allopathic medications, such as acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin and other drugs 12,[14][15] .…”

Naturally Occurring Organic Sulfur Compounds: An Example of a Multitasking Class of Phytochemicals in Anti-Cancer Research

“…Interactions between garlic and drugs have been well described such as in the case of AIDS medication (e.g. interaction with saquinavir and darunavir metabolism) (Borrelli et al, 2007). Some pieces of evidence underline the ability of OSCs to chemosensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic treatment by modulation of cytochrome P450 isoforms.…”

“…Cellular damage by oxidation of macromolecules such as DNA, proteins or membrane lipids is an important process during early carcinogenesis (Borrelli et al, 2007;Valko et al, 2006). Antioxidant activities of phytochemicals that counteract ROS or free radicals are therefore highly desirable for potential anti-cancer compounds.…”

“…Another strategy used by OSCs is the increase in the cellular antioxidant defense by upregulating/activating phase II detoxification enzymes (see Section 5.1.1) as well as alteration of the GSH redox cycle have been demonstrated in response to AGE and SAC (Geng, 1997). Oxidative stress is also linked to inflammation, while the latter is associated with carcinogenesis (Bartsch & Nair, 2006;Borrelli et al, 2007;Kundu & Surh, 2008). ROS are known to activate the NF-B signalling pathway thereby causing aberrant expression of target genes, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are involved in tumorigenesis (Balkwill & Mantovani, 2001;Karin & Greten, 2005).…”

“…Especially prevention of cardiovascular diseases has been attributed to regular garlic consumption (Galeone et al, 2009;KrisEtherton et al, 2002;Rahman & Lowe, 2006). Moreover, cholesterol lowering, hypoglycemic, immune-stimulatory, anti-microbial and even anti-cancer properties have been reported for garlic compounds (Agarwal, 1996;Amagase et al, 2001;Balkwill & Mantovani, 2001;Borrelli et al, 2007;Goncagul & Ayaz, 2010;Kalra et al, 2006). Epidemiological studies clearly show the correlation between moderate garlic intake and a low cancer incidence (Galeone et al, 2006;Kim, J.Y.…”