Plant Comparison

Garlic vs Lingzhi

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant AGarlicAllium sativumAmaryllidaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BLingzhiGanoderma lingzhiGanodermataceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Garlic and Lingzhi: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, blood sugar / diabetes support, cancer (anticancer research), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

GarlicLingzhi
Constituents12
Pharmacological actions77
Indicated uses1111
Safety notes22
Cited sources4021
Indicated uses
Only Garlic
Wounds
Shared (10)
Arthritis / joint painBlood sugar / diabetes supportCancer (anticancer research)Cardiovascular / heart healthCold & fluImmune supportInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Metabolic supportSkin irritation
Only Lingzhi
Insomnia / sleeplessness
Pharmacological actions
Only Garlic
AntifungalAntimicrobial
Shared (5)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntioxidantImmunomodulator / immune support
Only Lingzhi
AntiviralSedative / sleep support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionGarlicLingzhiVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Blood sugar / diabetes support9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Cancer (anticancer research)5/108/10Stronger for Lingzhi
Cardiovascular / heart health10/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Cold & flu9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Immune support9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Infection (general)8/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Inflammation (general)9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Metabolic support9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Skin irritation9/101/10Stronger for Garlic

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Allicin and organosulfur compounds (ajoene, S-allyl-cysteine)[1, 2, 6, 7, 8]

Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), formed enzymatically when raw garlic is crushed, together with ajoene and the aged-garlic compound S-allyl-cysteine, are the principal bioactives behind garlic's antimicrobial and cardiovascular effects — acting partly by raising nitric oxide and by targeting microbial thiol-containing enzymes.

Allicin / organosulfur thiosulfinatesOrganosulfur compounds
Beta-glucan polysaccharides[1, 4]

Principal immunomodulatory constituents, the main focus of anticancer-adjunct and immune research.

Polysaccharides
Triterpenes (ganoderic acids)[1]

Bitter triterpenes associated with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and adaptogenic activity.

Triterpene saponinsTerpenes / terpenoids

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[2, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
Anticancer (preclinical)[16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Garlic organosulfur compounds (allicin, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, S-allylcysteine) induce apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest and inhibit proliferation, invasion and metastasis across leukaemia, breast, colon and other cancers (preclinical); a randomized trial found garlic supplementation reduced gastric-cancer mortality.

Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[1, 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
Antifungal[8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Antimicrobial[1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Immunomodulator / immune support[2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24]
Anti-inflammatory[2, 6, 14, 15, 16]
Anticancer (preclinical)[4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[5, 9, 14, 15, 16]
Antioxidant[5, 7, 14, 15, 16]
Antiviral[6, 14, 15, 16]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16]
Sedative / sleep support[14, 15, 16]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 9
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 9
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]Moderate · 5/10

Garlic and its organosulfur compounds show broad preclinical anticancer/chemopreventive activity (apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-invasion); in the randomized Shandong Intervention Trial, 7 years of garlic supplementation significantly reduced gastric-cancer mortality over 22-year follow-up (preclinical + RCT).

Evidence: 5
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cardiovascular / heart health[4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24]Strong · 10/10
Evidence: 10
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cold & flu[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24]Strong · 9/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 9
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24]Strong · 9/10
Evidence: 9
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]Good · 8/10

inferred from antifungal action

Evidence: 8
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 9
Label: Inflammation (general)
Metabolic support[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 9
Label: Metabolic support
Skin irritation[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 9
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23]Good · 8/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 8
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[1, 4, 10, 15]Good · 8/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 8
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cardiovascular / heart health[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cold & flu[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Metabolic support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Metabolic support
Skin irritation[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]Caution

Garlic is generally very safe at culinary and supplemental doses for most healthy adults. Raw garlic contains allicin (formed when crushed) at concentrations that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract — nausea, heartburn, flatulence, and diarrhoea are the most common side effects, especially with large amounts of raw garlic on an empty stomach. Garlic may inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin — use caution with blood-thinning medications, especially before surgery (stop 7–10 days prior). May lower blood pressure and blood sugar — caution when combined with antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications. Topical raw garlic can cause chemical burns (contact dermatitis) and should not be applied undiluted to skin for prolonged periods. Odour (from allicin metabolites) affects breath and perspiration. Pregnancy: culinary amounts safe; avoid medicinal-dose supplements due to blood-thinning risk (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2021).

Safety note[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 25]Caution

Duke (2002) rates garlic as +++ with exceptional clinical evidence (score 3) for antiseptic activity, and score 2 for anti-aggregant (antiplatelet), antiatherosclerotic, antiatherogenic, antibacterial, and antimycotic effects — among the most clinically validated herbal medicines. Commission E approves garlic for arteriosclerosis prevention and elevated blood lipids. Dose: 4 g (1 clove) fresh garlic daily, or 300 mg standardized dry powder extract (1.3% allicin) three times daily. Important interaction: garlic significantly potentiates anticoagulant medications (warfarin, aspirin) due to its anti-aggregant effects; use with caution in patients on blood thinners (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[14, 15, 16]Caution

Generally well tolerated at standard doses. May cause mild digestive upset, dry mouth, or dizziness in some individuals. May enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antihypertensive medications. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Extended use beyond 6 months is not well studied in humans.

Safety note[14, 15, 16, 17]Caution

Duke (2002) rates reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) as + and notes immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It is a key adaptogen in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for its polysaccharide (beta-glucan) content. Duke notes antiviral (score 1) and anti-aggregant activities. No strong clinical trials existed at time of publication, but lentinan and polysaccharide fractions from related species show immunomodulatory potential. Duke suggests caution in bleeding disorders due to anti-aggregant activity (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 2856681
Wikidata: Q23400
Gbif: 7690471
Wikidata: Q97958947

Botanical Description

Bulbous perennial herb usually grown as an annual, forming an underground compound bulb ('head') of several angular cloves wrapped in papery white to purplish skin. The leaves are flat, narrow and strap-shaped, greyish-green, arising from the bulb. A tall, leafless flowering stem (scape) may rise from the bulb bearing a rounded umbel of small pink-white flowers, often mixed with small bulbils, though cultivated garlic rarely sets true seed.[1]

Height: 30-100 cm (flowering scape)
Habit: Bulbous perennial herb, usually grown as an annual
Leaves: Flat, narrow, strap-shaped, greyish-green
Flowers: Small pink-white flowers in a rounded umbel, often mixed with bulbils; true seed is rare in cultivated garlic
Stem: Tall, leafless flowering scape when present
Root: Fibrous roots below a compound bulb of several cloves
Fruit: Rarely sets true seed; propagated mainly by cloves
Flowering Period: Summer

Bracket (shelf) fungus (not a true plant) that grows on the trunks and stumps of deciduous trees. It develops a hard, kidney- or fan-shaped cap with a glossy, varnished, red-brown to mahogany crust and concentric growth rings, often on a lateral woody stalk; the pale underside is covered in fine pores that release rusty-brown spores. The mycelium spreads through the wood substrate before fruiting.[1]

Height: Cap 5-20 cm across
Habit: Perennial wood-decay bracket fungus
Leaves: Not applicable (fungus)
Flowers: Not applicable (fungus); reproduces by spores
Stem: Hard, glossy, varnished kidney- or fan-shaped cap, often on a lateral stalk
Root: Mycelium spreading through the wood substrate
Fruit: Pale, finely pored underside releasing rusty-brown spores
Flowering Period: Fruiting body develops over weeks to months on the host wood

Habitat

Believed to originate in Central Asia; cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical climates as a garden and field crop, thriving in well-drained, sunny sites.[1]

Grows as a wood-decay fungus on the stumps and trunks of deciduous trees (notably maple and other hardwoods) in East Asian forests; also widely cultivated commercially on hardwood logs or sawdust substrate.

Harvesting

Bulbs are lifted in mid- to late summer once the leaves have yellowed and died back, then cured (dried) in a warm, airy place before storage; young leaves and immature flower scapes ('sprouts') can be cut earlier in the season.

Parts: Leaf, Root, Young sprouts
Season: Mid- to late summer for the bulb; spring for young leaves and sprouts

Wild fruiting bodies are collected once mature; cultivated material is harvested from logs or substrate at maturity, then dried and processed into slices, powder or extract.

Parts: Mycelium, Whole Plant

Traditional Uses

Garlic has one of the longest continuous medicinal histories of any plant, used across many traditional systems (Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian, Greco-Roman and European folk medicine) as an antimicrobial, cardiovascular and respiratory remedy, for colds and infections, and as a digestive and immune tonic. This traditional reputation is now among the most extensively clinically studied of all herbal medicines.[1, 9]

Reishi/lingzhi, the 'mushroom of immortality', is one of the most revered tonic fungi in traditional Chinese medicine, used for centuries to support vitality, calm the spirit, strengthen immunity and promote longevity; this traditional tonic reputation is now studied for immunomodulatory, anticancer-adjunct and metabolic effects.[1, 4]

Preparations

Fresh clove[1]

Fresh clove crushed or chopped and left to stand briefly (activating allicin formation) before eating raw or lightly cooked.

Standardised extract/powder[1, 10]

Dried garlic powder standardised to allicin content, or aged garlic extract, taken as capsules or tablets.

Standardised extract[1, 4]

Extract standardised to polysaccharide (beta-glucan) or triterpene content, taken as capsules or powder; the form used in most modern studies.

Dosage

Fresh clove[11]

The WHO monograph on Bulbus Allii Sativi gives an average daily dose of 2-5 g of fresh garlic (roughly one to two cloves), alongside 0.4-1.2 g of dried powder, 2-5 mg of oil and 300-1000 mg of extract as solid material. The EU herbal monograph gives no posology for fresh cloves, so WHO is the source here. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardised powder extract[10, 12]

The EU herbal monograph gives, for adults and elderly, powdered herbal substance at a single dose of 300-750 mg for a daily dose of 900-1380 mg divided into 3 to 5 doses; liquid extract 110-220 mg four times daily; and, for the second indication, dry extract 100-200 mg 1-2 times daily (daily dose 100-400 mg). Garlic is CONTRAINDICATED in patients on saquinavir/ritonavir therapy. Not recommended under 18 years for the first indication. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Not documented

References

REF-2426, REF-2427, REF-2428, REF-2429, REF-2430
REF-0821, REF-0822, REF-0823, REF-2039, REF-2040, REF-2041, REF-2042, REF-2043, REF-2044, REF-2045, REF-2046, REF-2047, REF-2048

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[26, 27]Caution
Drug Class: antiretrovirals
Mechanism: Garlic supplements reduced saquinavir exposure by about half in healthy volunteers, which could lower the effectiveness of some HIV protease inhibitors.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[27]Caution
Drug Class: anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Mechanism: Garlic has antiplatelet activity (ajoene) and may add to the bleeding risk of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; interactions with warfarin have been reported.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[27, 28]Caution
Drug Class: antidiabetics
Mechanism: Garlic may modestly lower blood glucose (a meta-analysis in diabetic patients found reduced fasting glucose and HbA1c); watch for an additive effect with diabetes medication (an interaction with chlorpropamide has been reported).
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[29]Caution
Drug Class: antihypertensives
Mechanism: Garlic can lower blood pressure (a meta-analysis found meaningful reductions in people with high blood pressure); combined with blood-pressure medicines it may add to their effect, so monitor blood pressure.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19]Caution
Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants
Mechanism: Reishi is traditionally used as a calming, sedative herb; taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Pairings

Garlic and ginger both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[30, 31]

Partner Id: zingiber-officinale
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Garlic and ginseng both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[30]

Partner Id: panax-ginseng
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Garlic and feverfew both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[30, 32]

Partner Id: tanacetum-parthenium
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Garlic and black seed (Nigella sativa) can each mildly lower blood pressure, so taking them together — especially alongside blood-pressure medicines — may add up and lower blood pressure more than expected. Monitor your blood pressure.[29, 33]

Partner Id: nigella-sativa
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Not documented

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note[34, 35, 36, 37]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: colchicum-autumnale
Confused Part: Spring leaves, when foraging wild garlic (ramsons) foliage before flowering.
Confusion Context: When people gather wild garlic (ramsons) leaves in spring, autumn crocus leaves — which emerge at the same time in the same damp meadows and woodland edges — are the deadliest thing they can pick by mistake. Autumn crocus contains colchicine, a cell poison with no reliable antidote; a few leaves can kill, and poisoning is repeatedly documented from 'wild garlic' that was actually autumn crocus, progressing from stomach upset to multi-organ failure.
Distinguishing Features: Crushed wild-garlic leaves smell strongly of garlic or onion; autumn crocus leaves have NO garlic smell., Each wild-garlic leaf grows singly on its own slender stalk; autumn crocus leaves are thicker, stiffer and glossy, several clasped together from a common base at ground level, with no individual stalks., Wild garlic pulls up with a small white bulb and onion-like roots; autumn crocus has no garlic bulb.
Key Test: Crush one leaf with clean hands and smell it: a strong garlic or onion smell = wild garlic (safe); no garlic smell = do not pick it. Hands already smelling of garlic give false reassurance, so test with clean hands.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Safety note[38, 39, 40]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: convallaria-majalis
Confused Part: Spring leaves, when foraging wild garlic (ramsons) foliage before flowering.
Confusion Context: Lily-of-the-valley leaves emerge at the same time and in the same shady, damp woodland as wild garlic and are a classic, sometimes fatal, mix-up. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that disturb the heartbeat like an overdose of heart medicine, and there is no reliable antidote; foragers who ate leaves they took for wild garlic have arrived at hospital with a dangerously slow heart and low blood pressure.
Distinguishing Features: Crushed wild-garlic leaves smell strongly of garlic or onion; lily-of-the-valley leaves have NO garlic smell., Wild garlic has ONE leaf per individual stalk; lily-of-the-valley has a pair (sometimes three) of leaves wrapped together around a single common stalk, often purplish at the base., Lily-of-the-valley leaves are stiffer and glossier, and there is no garlic bulb underneath.
Key Test: Crush one leaf with clean hands and smell: strong garlic or onion = wild garlic (safe); no garlic smell = discard. Then check the leaves — one leaf per separate stalk (wild garlic) versus a pair of leaves sheathed around one common stalk (lily-of-the-valley).
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Safety note[40]Irritant
Dangerous Plant: arum-maculatum
Confused Part: Young spring leaves, when foraging wild garlic (ramsons) foliage.
Confusion Context: Lords-and-ladies pushes up its young leaves at the same time and in the very same damp woods as wild garlic, often mixed in with it. Every part contains needle-like calcium-oxalate crystals: biting a leaf drives them into the mouth and throat, causing immediate intense burning, blistering and swelling — occasionally enough to threaten the airway.
Distinguishing Features: Crushed wild-garlic leaves smell strongly of garlic or onion; lords-and-ladies leaves have NO garlic smell., Wild-garlic leaves have parallel veins running the length of the leaf; lords-and-ladies leaves have a branching net of veins., Lords-and-ladies leaves are arrow- or spear-shaped with two backward-pointing lobes ('tails') at the base, often glossy and sometimes dark-spotted; wild-garlic leaves are smooth ovals with no basal lobes.
Key Test: Crush one leaf with clean hands and smell: garlic or onion = wild garlic (safe); no smell = discard. Reject any leaf that is arrow-shaped with basal 'tail' lobes or has net-like (not parallel) veins — that is lords-and-ladies.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Safety note[20, 21]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: podostroma-cornu-damae
Confused Part: Wild-collected fruit bodies gathered as reishi/lingzhi for medicinal tea; the immature red, antler-like fruit bodies of poison fire coral can be taken for young reishi.
Confusion Context: Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi / lucidum) is a hard, varnished bracket fungus collected and brewed as a health tonic. Poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), one of the few deadly-poisonous fungi, is documented to resemble Ganoderma lucidum in its immature stage. A peer-reviewed case report (Ahn et al., 2013, Yonsei Med J) describes two people who collected and boiled wild fungus as tea - one died of pancytopenia and multiple organ failure - and states that in its immature period poison fire coral resembles Ganoderma lucidum, 'well known as a health-food.' Its trichothecene mycotoxins (satratoxins) are frequently fatal. Because reishi is wild-collected for medicinal tea in East Asia, this is a genuinely lethal confusion.
Distinguishing Features: Colour and form: poison fire coral is bright blood-red to orange-red and grows as erect, often branched antler- or coral-like clubs rising from the ground or buried wood. True reishi is a flat kidney- or fan-shaped bracket (conk) with a hard, glossy, varnished red-brown to mahogany crust and a pale pored underside, growing on wood., Growth pattern: reishi forms a shelf/bracket with a distinct cap and often a lateral stalk; poison fire coral forms finger-like or antler-like red spikes with no cap., Underside: reishi has a white-to-brown pored underside that drops rusty-brown spores; poison fire coral has no pores at all.
Key Test: Look at the shape. Reishi is a hard, flat, varnished shelf/bracket with a pale pored underside, growing on wood. Any bright red, erect antler- or coral-like club with NO cap and NO pores is NOT reishi - it may be poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), which can kill. Never brew an unfamiliar red club or coral fungus; if unsure, do not use it and confirm with an expert mycologist.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

  1. El-Saber Batiha, G. and Magdy Beshbishy, A. and G Wasef, L. and Elewa, Y.H.A. and A Al-Sagan, A. and Abd El-Hack, M.E. and Taha, A.E. and M Abd-Elhakim, Y. and Prasad Devkota, H (2020) 'Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review', Nutrients, 12(3), pp. 872. doi:10.3390/nu12030872 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030872
  2. Shang, A. and Cao, S.Y. and Xu, X.Y. and Gan, R.Y. and Tang, G.Y. and Corke, H. and Mavumengwana, V. and Li, H.B (2019) 'Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)', Foods, 8(7), pp. 246. doi:10.3390/foods8070246 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8070246
  3. Mejia Delgado, E.M. and Quiroz-Aldave, J.E. and Durand-Vasquez, M.D.C. and Aldave-Pita, L.N. and Fuentes-Mendoza, J.M. and Concepcion-Urteaga, L.A. and Paz-Ibarra, J. and Concepcion-Zavaleta, M.J (2025) 'Immunomodulatory effect of Allium sativum in type 2 diabetes mellitus', World Journal of Experimental Medicine, 15(2), pp. 103481. doi:10.5493/wjem.v15.i2.103481 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.5493/wjem.v15.i2.103481
  4. Majewski, M (2014) 'Allium sativum: facts and myths regarding human health', Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, 65(1), pp. 1-8. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Allium%20sativum%3A%20facts%20and%20myths%20regarding%20human%20health
  5. Mardi, P. and Kargar, R. and Fazeli, R. and Qorbani, M (2023) 'Allium sativum: A potential natural compound for NAFLD prevention and treatment', Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, pp. 1059106. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1059106 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1059106
  6. Sleiman, C., Daou, R.M., Al Hazzouri, A., Hamdan, Z., Ghadieh, H.E., Harbieh, B. and Romani, M (2024) 'Garlic and Hypertension: Efficacy, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Implications', Nutrients, 16(17). doi:10.3390/nu16172895 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172895
  7. Serrano, J.C.E., Castro-Boque, E., Garcia-Carrasco, A., Moran-Valero, M.I., Gonzalez-Hedstrom, D., Bermudez-Lopez, M. and others (2023) 'Antihypertensive Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract in Subjects with Grade I Hypertension and Antihypertensive Drug Therapy: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Controlled Trial', Nutrients, 15(17). doi:10.3390/nu15173691 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173691
  8. Choo, S., Chin, V.K., Wong, E.H., Madhavan, P., Tay, S.T., Yong, P.V.C. and Chong, P.P (2020) 'Review: antimicrobial properties of allicin used alone or in combination with other medications', Folia Microbiologica, 65(3), pp. 451--465. doi:10.1007/s12223-020-00786-5 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-020-00786-5
  9. Mikaili, P., Maadirad, S., Moloudizargari, M., Aghajanshakeri, S. and Sarahroodi, S (2013) 'Therapeutic uses and pharmacological properties of garlic, shallot, and their biologically active compounds', 16(10), pp. 1031--1048. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3874089/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3874089/
  10. Josling, P (2001) 'Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey', 18(4), pp. 189--193. doi:10.1007/BF02850113 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850113
  11. World Health Organization (1999) 'Bulbus Allii Sativi'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
    https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37
  12. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2017) 'European Union herbal monograph on Allium sativum L., bulbus'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-allium-sativum-l-bulbus_en.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-allium-sativum-l-bulbus_en.pdf
  13. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2021) 'Garlic'. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic Traditional / reference
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic
  14. Ried, K (2016) 'Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: an updated meta-analysis and review', 146(2), pp. 389S--396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.114.202192
  15. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Allium sativum L'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:530118-1 Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:530118-1
  16. World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (2018) 'Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective (Continuous Update Project Expert Report)'. Available at: https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer Traditional / reference
    https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer
  17. Imaizumi, V.M., Laurindo, L.F., Manzan, B., Guiguer, E.L., Oshiiwa, M., Otoboni, A.M.M.B. and others (2022) 'Garlic: A systematic review of the effects on cardiovascular diseases', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(24), pp. 6797--6819. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2043821 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2043821
  18. Li, W.-Q. and Zhang, J.-Y. and Ma, J.-L. and Li, Z.-X. and Zhang, L. and Zhang, Y. and Guo, Y. and Zhou, T. and Li, J.-Y. and Shen, L. and Liu, W.-D. and Han, Z.-X. and Blot, W.J. and Gail, M.H. and Pan, K.-F. and You, W.-C (2019) 'Effects of Helicobacter pylori treatment and vitamin and garlic supplementation on gastric cancer incidence and mortality: follow-up of a randomized intervention trial', BMJ, 366, pp. l5016. doi:10.1136/bmj.l5016 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l5016
  19. Hassan, H.T (2004) 'Ajoene (natural garlic compound): a new anti-leukaemia agent for AML therapy', Leukemia Research, 28(7), pp. 667-671. doi:10.1016/j.leukres.2003.10.008 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leukres.2003.10.008
  20. Agbana, Y.L. and Ni, Y. and Zhou, M. and Zhang, Q. and Kassegne, K. and Karou, S.D. and Kuang, Y. and Zhu, Y (2019) 'Garlic-derived bioactive compound S-allylcysteine inhibits cancer progression through diverse molecular mechanisms', Nutrition Research, 73, pp. 1-14. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2019.11.002 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2019.11.002
  21. Puccinelli, M.T. and Stan, S.D (2017) 'Dietary Bioactive Diallyl Trisulfide in Cancer Prevention and Treatment', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(8), pp. 1645. doi:10.3390/ijms18081645 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18081645
  22. Borlinghaus, J. and Albrecht, F. and Gruhlke, M.C.H. and Nwachukwu, I.D. and Slusarenko, A.J (2014) 'Allicin: chemistry and biological properties', Molecules, 19(8), pp. 12591-12618. doi:10.3390/molecules190812591 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules190812591
  23. Reiter, J., Levina, N., van der Linden, M., Gruhlke, M., Martin, C. and Slusarenko, A.J (2017) 'Diallylthiosulfinate (Allicin), a Volatile Antimicrobial from Garlic (Allium sativum), Kills Human Lung Pathogenic Bacteria, Including MDR Strains, as a Vapor', Molecules, 22(10). doi:10.3390/molecules22101711 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22101711
  24. Ried, K (2016) 'Garlic Lowers Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals, Regulates Serum Cholesterol, and Stimulates Immunity: An Updated Meta-analysis and Review', Journal of Nutrition, 146(2), pp. 389S--396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.114.202192
  25. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  26. Piscitelli, S.C., Burstein, A.H., Welden, N., Gallicano, K.D. and Falloon, J (2002) 'The effect of garlic supplements on the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir', Clinical Infectious Diseases, 34(2), pp. 234-238. doi:10.1086/324351 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1086/324351
  27. Izzo, A.A. and Ernst, E (2009) 'Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review', Drugs, 69(13), pp. 1777-1798. doi:10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000
  28. Shabani, E., Sayemiri, K. and Mohammadpour, M (2019) 'The effect of garlic on lipid profile and glucose parameters in diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Primary Care Diabetes, 13(1), pp. 28-42. doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2018.07.007 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2018.07.007
  29. Ried, K (2016) 'Garlic Lowers Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals, Regulates Serum Cholesterol, and Stimulates Immunity: An Updated Meta-analysis and Review', The Journal of Nutrition, 146(2), pp. 389S-396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.114.202192
  30. Ang-Lee, M.K., Moss, J. and Yuan, C.S (2001) 'Herbal medicines and perioperative care', JAMA, 286(2), pp. 208-216. doi:10.1001/jama.286.2.208 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.286.2.208
  31. Jiang, X., Williams, K.M., Liauw, W.S., Ammit, A.J., Roufogalis, B.D., Duke, C.C., Day, R.O. and McLachlan, A.J (2005) 'Effect of ginkgo and ginger on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects', British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(4), pp. 425-432. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x
  32. Groenewegen, W.A. and Heptinstall, S (1990) 'A comparison of the effects of an extract of feverfew and parthenolide, a component of feverfew, on human platelet activity in-vitro', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 42(8), pp. 553-557. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07057.x Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07057.x
  33. Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L.E., Derosa, G., Maffioli, P. and Parati, G (2016) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure', Journal of Hypertension, 34(11), pp. 2127-2135. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049
  34. Galland-Decker, C. and Charmoy, A. and Jolliet, P. and Spertini, O. and Hugli, O. and Pantet, O (2015) 'Progressive organ failure after ingestion of wild garlic juice', The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 50(1), pp. 55-60. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.06.034 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.06.034
  35. Kupper, J. and Reichert, C (2009) 'Intoxications with plants', Therapeutische Umschau, 66(5), pp. 343-8. doi:10.1024/0040-5930.66.5.343 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1024/0040-5930.66.5.343
  36. Gabrscek, L. and Lesnicar, G. and Krivec, B. and Voga, G. and Sibanc, B. and Blatnik, J. and Jagodic, B (2004) 'Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus', Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology, 42(1), pp. 85-8. doi:10.1081/clt-120028750 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1081/clt-120028750
  37. German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) (2023) 'Wild garlic: beware of mix-ups'. Available at: https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/press-release/baerlauch-vorsicht-vor-verwechslungen/ Traditional / reference
    https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/press-release/baerlauch-vorsicht-vor-verwechslungen/
  38. Trebach, J. and Calleo, V. and Akbar, S. and Langston, J. and Filigenzi, M. and Hoffman, R.S (2022) 'Detectable digoxin concentrations in 3 patients with ramps misadventure', Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, 33(3), pp. 340-343. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2022.04.008 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2022.04.008
  39. Fink, S.L. and Robey, T.E. and Tarabar, A.F. and Hodsdon, M.E (2014) 'Rapid detection of convallatoxin using five digoxin immunoassays', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 52(7), pp. 659-63. doi:10.3109/15563650.2014.932366 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2014.932366
  40. Wild Food UK (2020) 'Wild garlic impostors'. Available at: https://www.wildfooduk.com/articles/identifying-mushrooms-and-plants/wild-garlic-impostors/ Traditional / reference
    https://www.wildfooduk.com/articles/identifying-mushrooms-and-plants/wild-garlic-impostors/
  1. Li, W., Zhou, Q., Lv, B., Li, N. et al (2024) 'Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Supplementation Significantly Activates T-Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity and Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(21), pp. 12072-12082. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08385 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08385
  2. Cai, Q., Li, Y. and Pei, G (2017) 'Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum attenuate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and modulate microglial phagocytosis and behavioural response', Journal of Neuroinflammation, 14(1), pp. 63. doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0839-0 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-017-0839-0
  3. Zheng, G., Zhao, Y., Li, Z., Hua, Y. et al (2023) 'Ganoderma lucidum spore powder and derived triterpenes attenuate atherosclerosis and aortic calcification by stimulating ABCA1/G1-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux and inactivating RUNX2-mediated VSMC osteogenesis', Theranostics, 13(4), pp. 1325-1341. doi:10.7150/thno.80250 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.80250
  4. Sohretoglu, D. and Huang, S (2018) 'Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides as An Anti-cancer Agent', Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 18(5), pp. 667-674. doi:10.2174/1871520617666171113121246 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1871520617666171113121246
  5. Seweryn, E., Ziala, A. and Gamian, A (2021) 'Health-Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum', Nutrients, 13(8), pp. 2725. doi:10.3390/nu13082725 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082725
  6. Liu, X., Yang, L., Li, G., Jiang, Y., Zhang, G. and Ling, J (2022) 'A novel promising neuroprotective agent: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 229, pp. 168-180. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.276 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.276
  7. Zhu, M., Chang, Q., Wong, L.K., Chong, F.S. and Li, R.C (1999) 'Triterpene antioxidants from Ganoderma lucidum', Phytotherapy Research, 13(6), pp. 529-531. doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(199909)13:6<529::aid-ptr481>3.0.co;2-x Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(199909)13:6<529::aid-ptr481>3.0.co;2-x
  8. Zeng, P., Chen, Y., Zhang, L. and Xing, M (2019) 'Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide used for treating physical frailty in China', Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 163, pp. 179-219. doi:10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.02.009 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.02.009
  9. Wu, P., Zhang, C., Yin, Y., Zhang, X., Li, Q., Yuan, L., Sun, Y., Zhou, S., Ying, S. and Wu, J (2024) 'Bioactivities and industrial standardization status of Ganoderma lucidum: A comprehensive review', Heliyon, 10(19), pp. e36987. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36987 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36987
  10. Xu, Z., Chen, X., Zhong, Z., Chen, L. and Wang, Y (2011) 'Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 39(1), pp. 15-27. doi:10.1142/S0192415X11008610 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X11008610
  11. Geng, X., Zhong, D., Su, L., Lin, Z. and Yang, B (2019) 'Preventive and therapeutic effect of Ganoderma lucidum on kidney injuries and diseases', Advances in Pharmacology, 87, pp. 257-276. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.10.003 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2019.10.003
  12. Sliva, D (2004) 'Cellular and physiological effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)', Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 4(8), pp. 873-879. doi:10.2174/1389557043403323 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557043403323
  13. Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J. and Zhi-Bin, L (2007) 'Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds', Biotechnology Annual Review, 13, pp. 265-301. doi:10.1016/S1387-2656(07)13010-6 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S1387-2656(07)13010-6
  14. Bao, X. et al (2001) 'Structural requirements for the immunological activities of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum', 41(9), pp. 2603--2611. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Structural%20requirements%20for%20the%20immunological%20activities%20of%20polysaccharides%20from%20Ganoderma%20lucidum
  15. Jin, X. et al (2012) 'Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20%28Reishi%20mushroom%29%20for%20cancer%20treatment
  16. Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J.A. and Benzie, I.F.F (2011) 'Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20%28Lingzhi%20or%20Reishi%29%3A%20A%20Medicinal%20Mushroom
  17. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  18. Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201
  19. Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
  20. Ahn, J.Y. and Seok, S.J. and Song, J.E. and Choi, J.H. and Han, S.H. and Choi, J.Y. and Kim, C.O. and Song, Y.G. and Kim, J.M (2013) 'Two cases of mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae', Yonsei Medical Journal, 54(1), pp. 265-8. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265
  21. Choe, S. and In, S. and Jeon, Y. and Choi, H. and Kim, S (2018) 'Identification of trichothecene-type mycotoxins in toxic mushroom Podostroma cornu-damae and biological specimens from a fatal case by LC-QTOF/MS', Forensic Science International, 291, pp. 234-244. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043

Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.