Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

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. · Foods · 2019

Meta-analysis / review

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Abstract

Garlic ( Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties. In this review, the main bioactive compounds and important biological functions of garlic are summarized, highlighting and discussing the relevant mechanisms of actions. Overall, garlic is an excellent natural source of bioactive sulfur-containing compounds and has promising applications in the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of certain diseases.

Referenced for these plants

How to cite

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

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