Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for treating infections. In the modern era, scientific studies have investigated garlic's antimicrobial properties, identifying key compounds like allicin, ajoene, and various sulfur-containing molecules. Laboratory research has demonstrated that garlic extracts and purified allicin exhibit inhibitory effects against a range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species, as well as fungi and some viruses. These effects are primarily observed in vitro (test tube studies) and in animal models, where garlic can reduce the growth of pathogenic microbes.

Some small-scale clinical trials and observational studies suggest that garlic supplementation may reduce the incidence or duration of common infections, such as colds, though results are mixed and often limited by study design or sample size. There is currently insufficient robust clinical evidence to recommend garlic as a replacement for antibiotics in the treatment of serious bacterial infections in humans. However, garlic may have a supportive role in preventing minor infections or as an adjunct in some cases, due to its antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects. Overall, while scientific evidence supports garlic's antimicrobial properties, more rigorous human studies are needed to firmly establish its efficacy as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.

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