Allium sativum: Botanical, Chemical, and Therapeutic Aspects

Aims: The presence of Allium sativum in human societies dates back thousands of years. Its medicinal and aphrodisiac properties, combined with its distinctive flavor, make it a valuable ingredient in both culinary and traditional medicinal practices in various cultures. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most researched and marketed herbal products today. Active substances present in garlic, such as allicin and other sulfur compounds, have been the subject of extensive research, with promising results in several areas of health.

Objective: The main objective of this article is to gather relevant information on the botanical, chemical and therapeutic aspects of garlic in order to provide a comprehensive overview of this important legume.

Methods: The search was undertaken in the following electronic databases: Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The terms (in English) used for the bibliographic search were identified in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): "Garlic", "Botany", "Chemistry" and "Therapeutic Uses". Thirty-one academic texts were selected to construct this work.

Results, Discussion and Conclusion: From the data obtained, it was possible to list several health benefits of garlic, the main ones being: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal, anticancer and other protective effects. In this way, A. sativum demonstrates a variety of pharmacological effects, which makes it a viable option for the treatment of various diseases, even though its mechanisms of action are poorly understood and require further scientific studies.