Garlic

Garlic The Supreme Antimicrobial

Garlic is often celebrated for its culinary versatility, but its health benefits extend far beyond enhancing flavor. This humble bulb, belonging to the Allium family, has been utilized for thousands of years in various cultures for its medicinal properties.

From supporting gut health and combating fungal infections to protecting the heart and detoxifying the body, garlic is a potent natural remedy with broad therapeutic applications. Its effectiveness is not only rooted in ancient tradition but also backed by modern science.

Among its many virtues, garlic stands out as one of the most powerful natural antifungals, particularly in the fight against Candida overgrowth—a common concern for gut health.

Garlic: A Journey Through History and Modern Science

Medieval illustration of two individuals harvesting garlic near a tree. One person stands holding garlic, while the other kneels to pick more from the ground. Lush greenery surrounds them.

The Historical Significance of Garlic

Garlic has been valued for its medicinal and culinary uses for thousands of years, recognized by ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The Egyptians used it to boost strength and endurance, while the Greeks and Romans employed it to treat infections and digestive issues.

Even early Olympic athletes consumed garlic to improve stamina. Ancient Chinese and Indian medicine also used garlic for respiratory and parasitic ailments. Long before modern science confirmed its health benefits, garlic was widely revered for its healing properties.

Earliest Recorded Use 6th Century B.C.
Some of the earliest recorded uses of garlic can be traced back to the Avesta, a collection of Zoroastrian holy texts from around the 6th century BC (Sahidur et al., 2023).
Avicenna In the 11th Century:
The famous Persian physician Avicenna in his work Al Qanoon Fil Tib (The Canon of Medicine), praised garlic for its effectiveness in treating arthritis, toothaches, chronic coughs, constipation, parasitic infestations, and insect bites, among others (Nasser et al., 2009).
Used During Early Olympic Games:
During the earliest Olympic Games in ancient Greece, athletes were given garlic to enhance stamina and endurance (Lawson and Bauer, 1998).
Ancient Chinese and Indian medicine:
Garlic was widely recommended for improving respiratory and digestive health, and even treating conditions like leprosy and parasitic infestations (Bayan et al., 2014).
Medieval Period:
During the medieval, garlic played an important role in treating various ailments. (Rivlin et al., 2001).

A scientist in a white lab coat and blue gloves is looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting. Various lab equipment is visible on the table.

How Garlic Works: The Chemistry Behind Its Medicinal Power

With the dawn of the Renaissance, European scholars renewed their focus on garlic’s medicinal potential, and this interest has only grown. Today, garlic’s role in health, especially concerning gut health and immunity, is well documented. Research highlights its potential in managing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer prevention due to its strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Garlic has become a staple in both traditional and modern treatments, with many studies backing its role in maintaining health. In some Western countries, garlic supplements have become as popular as leading prescription drugs for their therapeutic and preventive properties.

Whether improving stamina for ancient Greek athletes or aiding modern immune health, garlic remains an enduring symbol of the fusion between tradition and science.

Garlic has long been prized for its potent health benefits, particularly its antifungal, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties. The secret to garlic’s wide-ranging medicinal effectiveness lies in its rich chemical composition, particularly its sulfur-containing compounds

Chemical structure diagram of allicin, showing two vinyl groups, a sulfoxide group, and a disulfide bridge.

Allicin the Key Compound

The most well-known component of garlic is allicin, which is formed when the garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin (S-(2-propenyl)-2-propene-1-sulfinothioate), the most biologically active sulfur-containing compound of garlic, is responsible for its smell and taste (Bathia et al., 2020).

Allicin transforms into other organo sulfur compounds like diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and s-allyl cysteine, which contribute further to garlic’s health benefits.

These several sulfur compounds travel from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, exerting strong biological effects throughout the body. Their widespread action explains garlic’s effectiveness in various health conditions.

How Allicin Is Formed

When a garlic clove is crushed or chopped, the enzyme allinase is activated, which converts alliin (a sulfur compound found in intact garlic) into allicin, the key bioactive compound.

As garlic sits at room temperature after being chopped, allicin levels increase. In addition to allicin, garlic contains other important compounds, such as thiosulfonates, ajoene, and L-cysteine, which contribute to its wide range of medicinal effects (Bayan et al., 2014).

A diagram categorizes sulfur compounds in garlic: water-soluble (alliin, cysteine, SAC, SAMC) and oil-soluble (allicin, DAS, DADS, DATS, ajoene).

Sulfur Compounds: The Powerhouse Behind Garlic’s Effects

Garlic’s ability to combat fungal infections stems from its powerful sulfur compounds that work by disrupting the normal functioning of fungal cells, inhibiting their growth, and preventing the spread of infection.

Garlic not only targets fungal cell membranes but also interferes with their protein and lipid synthesis, making it a highly effective natural alternative for managing a wide range of fungal infections. This makes garlic an attractive option for those seeking a more natural approach to fungal treatment.

Proven Health Benefits of Garlic

Research consistently shows garlic’s therapeutic and preventive benefits in several key areas:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Its compounds may help reduce inflammation, contributing to overall health (Arreola etal., 2015).
Antimicrobial Effects:
Garlic’s ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi makes it a powerful antimicrobial agent.
Antibacterial (Magryś et al., 2021)
Antifungal (Marchese et al., 2016)
Antiparasite (Krstin et al., 2018)
Antiviral (Rouf et al., 2020).
Antioxidant Effects:
Garlic neutralises free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. (Savairam et al., 2023).
Cancer Prevention:
Studies suggest that garlic may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. (Pandy et al., 2023).
Cardiovascular Health:
Garlic helps reduce risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (Ried 2020).
Detoxification and Liver Protection:
Garlic enhances the detoxification of toxins and protectsfrom liver damage (Pourreza et al., 2023).
Diet and Culinary Taste
Enhances the taste and nutritional content of food without adding calories. (Bayan et al., 2014).
Immune Support:
Garlic is known for its potential to boost the immune system, helping to protect against common illnesses like the cold.

a petri dish containing Candida auris growth

Targeting Candida: Garlic’s Antifungal Properties

Garlic is a powerful antifungal agent that can combat fungal infections, particularly Candida albicans, a common yeast responsible for infections when it overgrows in the body.
Garlic’s antifungal power was first discovered in 1936 by Schmidt and Marquardt while working with skin fungi (Lemar et al., 2002)

Japanese researchers investigated garlic’s antifungal effects by applying an extract from crushed garlic cloves to agar plates containing various clinically significant fungi.

The extract, rich in allicin, was highly effective against Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum, but showed less potency against Aspergillus. Allicin was found to inhibit both the germination of fungal spores and the growth of hyphae. (Fromtling et al., 1978).

Active Compounds in Garlic

Allicin: The primary antifungal compound in garlic. Removing allicin from garlic extract significantly reduces its antifungal activity (Hughes and Lawson, 1991).
Diallyl disulfide (DADS):
DADS is a major bioactive component of garlic, has several beneficial biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protective, neuro-protective, and anticancer activities (Song et al., 2021).
Diallyl trisulfide (DATS):
DATS has been studied for its anti-cancer effects. Research shows that DATS can stop cancer cells from growing by blocking multiple pathways, including “cell cycle arrest”. It also promotes apoptosis (cell death) and inhibits invasion, migration, and angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels), which are all important for cancer to spread. These findings highlight DATS as a promising natural option for cancer prevention and treatment (Puccinelli et al., 2017).
Ajoene:
Ajoene helps prevent blood clots, which may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also shows antiviral effects against viruses like herpes simplex, influenza, and even HIV. Additionally, ajoene has antimicrobial properties, fighting both bacteria and fungi. It has been particularly effective against Trichophyton rubrum, the main cause of Athlete’s Foot.
Ajoene inhibits Aspergillus and other fungi more effectively than allicin (Yoshida et al., 1987).

Here’s a breakdown of garlic’s antifungal activity and the relevant studies that highlight its effectiveness:

Key Antifungal Effects of Garlic

Sensitive To Fungi: Garlic is effective against a variety of fungi, including:
Candid albicans (Yousuf, 2011)
Torulopsis, Trichophyton, Cryptococcus (Fromtling and Bulmer, 1978)
Aspergillus (Hitokoto et al., 1980)
Trichosporon and Rhodotorula (Tansey and Appleton, 1975)
Botrytis and Trichoderma: Garlic has also been found to combat air-borne fungi like Botrytis cinerea and Trichoderma harzianum (Lanzotti et al., 2012).

How Garlic Works Against Fungi

Reduces Fungal Ability To Breathe:
Reduce fungal oxygen uptake (Szymona, 1952)
Blocks Lipid Syntheses:
Inhibit the synthesis of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (Adetumbi et al., 1986). Blockage of lipid synthesis is likely an important component of the anti-Candida activity of garlic.
Damages Yeast Cell Structure:
Damage fungal membranes. Garlic treatment affected the structure and integrity of the outer surface of the yeast cells (Ghannoum, 1988).
Reduces Candida Adhesion:
Adhesion of Candida to the inside of the mouth was significantly reduced after both short and long time exposure of yeast to garlic extract . (Ghannoum, 1990).
Breaks Down Biofilm
Active against Candida biofilms (Shuford et al., 2005).
Based on test results, the author of one study concludes that garlic extract is effective in decreasing the biofilm viability of Candida albicans (Tjokrosetio et al., 2018).

Garlic vs. Conventional Treatments:

Denture Stomatitis (sore mouth) :
Patients with denture-related fungal infections reported better results using garlic compared to nystatin, a common antifungal drug (Bakhshi et al., 2012).

Key Points about Garlic’s Antifungal Action:

Targets Candida: Helps to control and reduce Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract.
Anti-Microbial – helps balance the level of dysbiotic and beneficial bacteria (Zhao et al., 2022).
Overcomes Anti-Biotic Resistance – Garlic has shown to even control bacteria in the gut that have become anti-biotic resistant (Magryś et al., 2021).
Maintains a Healthy Microbiome: Garlic selectively destroys harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria intact, promoting gut health. Garlic even has prebiotic properties. (Sunu et al., 2019).
Boosts Detoxification: Stimulates the liver and colon, enhancing the body’s natural detox processes and contributing to overall well-being (Bayan et al., 2014).

How Garlic Boosts Detoxification

Garlic supports the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms, particularly through the liver and lymphatic system. Here are a few major points:

Reverses Fatty Liver:
Garlic significantly reduced liver triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT, AST, and liver weight. The study showed that garlic improved liver health, reducing fat, liver enzymes, and liver weight. (Shojaei-Zarghani et al., 2022).
Stimulates the liver:
Garlic encourages the liver to detoxify harmful substances, boosting your body’s internal cleansing systems (Hodges et al., 2015).
Enhances lymphatic function:
By stimulating the lymphatic system, garlic helps the body efficiently rid itself of waste and toxins. (Tesfaye 2021).
Lead detoxification:
A combination of garlic, vitamin C and vitamin E enhances the biological recovery induced by lead toxicity and mobilises heavy metal such as lead from intra-cellular positions (Mumtaz et al., 2020).
Another study found garlic to be as effective as d-penicillamine in significantly reducing blood lead concentration (BLCs), with fewer side effects and greater clinical improvement. Therefore, garlic may be a safer alternative for treating occupational lead poisoning (Kianoush et al., 2011).

A person in a gray sweater and plaid pajama pants sits on a bed, holding their stomach with both hands, indicating discomfort, possibly considering an anti candida diet for relief.

Garlic’s Role in Managing SIBO, IBS, and IBD

Garlic’s combination of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties make it an invaluable natural remedy for managing complex gut disorders like SIBO, IBS, and IBD. Its unique ability to target harmful bacteria while nurturing beneficial ones supports overall digestive health, providing a comprehensive approach to gut care.

These gut-related disorders often involve an imbalance in the gut microbiome, inflammation, or bacterial overgrowth. Garlic’s unique properties make it a valuable natural remedy for addressing these conditions, helping to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

Garlic as a Natural Antibiotic

One of garlic’s most remarkable qualities is its broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, which can be particularly useful in managing SIBO (Wright et al., 2021).

SIBO occurs when harmful bacteria proliferate in the small intestine, disrupting normal digestion and causing bloating, gas, and discomfort.

Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic, targeting harmful bacteria without wiping out the beneficial strains that are crucial for gut health (Magryś et al., 2021). Fresh garlic extract displayed evident inhibition properties against Candida and MRSA (antibiotic-resistant bacteria) (Li et al., 2015).

How Garlic Aids in SIBO management:

Selective antibacterial action:
Garlic’s sulfur compounds, particularly allicin, target pathogenic bacteria while sparing the beneficial ones, promoting a healthier balance in the gut (Bhatwalkar et al., 2021).
Reduction of bacterial overgrowth:
By controlling the growth of harmful bacteria in the small intestine, garlic can help alleviate symptoms such as bloating and indigestion often associated with SIBO. (Wright et al., 2021).

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic

Inflammation is a common factor in both IBS and IBD, contributing to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping.

Garlic has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gut inflammation, offering relief to individuals suffering from these chronic conditions. In particular, the sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to suppress inflammatory markers, providing a soothing effect on the digestive tract.

How garlic helps reduce gut inflammation:

Alleviates IBS symptoms: Garlic’s anti-inflammatory effects can help ease abdominal discomfort, reduce bloating, and promote more regular bowel movements in individuals with IBS.
Soothes IBD flare-ups: For those with IBD (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), garlic’s ability to calm inflammation may help manage flare-ups, improving overall gut health.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Garlic

Garlic has shown promising anti-cancer potential, largely due to its sulfur-containing compounds like allicin and diallyl sulfide, which can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Research suggests that garlic may reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly those of the digestive system, by promoting detoxification, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells from oxidative damage. These compounds also play a role in triggering apoptosis, the programmed death of cancer cells, while sparing healthy ones.

Breast Cancer:
Diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide are the main allyl sulfur compounds present in garlic, and are known to exhibit anti-cancer activity as they interfere with breast cancer cell proliferation, tumor metastasis, and angiogenesis (Malla et al., 2022).
Breast Cancer Drug Resistance
Diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide in garlic as therapeutic agents are beneficial for management of drug resistance in breast cancer patients (Marni et al., 2022).
Brain Tumour (gliomas):
Study results showed that garlic oil exhibits favourable anti‑cancer potential towards gliomas of various degrees of differentiation (Choromanska et al., 2020).
Prostate cancer:
A study involving mice indicates that diallyl trisulfide significantly retards growth of prostate cancer cells without causing weight loss or any other side effects (Xiao et al., 2006).

Prebiotic Potential of Garlic

Beyond its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, garlic also has prebiotic properties, meaning it supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome is essential for maintaining overall digestive health and preventing the recurrence of issues like SIBO, IBS, and IBD.

Garlic contains compounds like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) that act as food for beneficial bacteria, encouraging their growth and activity.

How garlic supports a healthy microbiome:

Feeds Beneficial Bacteria:
The prebiotic compounds in garlic nourish good bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced and thriving microbiome (Zhao et al., 2022)..
Prevents Dysbiosis:
By encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria, garlic helps prevent dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), which can exacerbate digestive issues (Chen et al., 2019).

The Importance of a Balanced Microbiome

A balanced microbiome plays a crucial role in overall gut health. When the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract outnumber harmful pathogens, digestion is more efficient, inflammation is minimised, and the risk of conditions like SIBO, IBS, and IBD decreases.

Garlic’s ability to simultaneously control harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and support beneficial bacteria makes it an essential component in managing these gut disorders.

Key benefits of a balanced microbiome:

Improved digestion: A healthier gut environment leads to more efficient digestion and nutrient absorption and waste excretion.
Reduced inflammation: Balanced gut bacteria help regulate the immune response, reducing unnecessary inflammation in the digestive tract.
Enhanced gut resilience: With a balanced microbiome, the gut is better equipped to handle stressors and prevent conditions like SIBO and IBD from recurring.

Caution With Garlic and Side Effects

Garlic is generally safe when consumed in typical food amounts, but supplements and excessive intake may lead to side effects, especially gut discomfort.

Raw garlic can cause bad breath, heartburn, and stomach issues. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be cautious with garlic supplements, and those taking blood thinners or undergoing surgery should consult their doctor first, as garlic can increase the risk of bleeding. Garlic may also interfere with certain medications, including those for HIV.

Key Side Effects of Garlic:

Increased risk of bleeding: Particularly for those on blood thinners or having surgery (Smith 2009).
Garlic breath: Due to its sulfur compounds, especially in raw garlic (Mengers et al., 2022).
Digestive issues: Bloating, gas, and stomach pain, those with fructan intolerance (Dimidi et al., 2023).
Heartburn: Garlic may worsen acid reflux or GERD for some individuals (Limketkai et al., 2023).

Harnassing The Antifungal Power of Garlic

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Adding garlic to your meals is easy and delicious. Here are a few ways to enjoy its health benefits:

Fresh Garlic: Often used in cooking for its robust flavor.
Garlic Powder: A convenient option for seasoning dishes.
Garlic Oil: Used to enhance flavor and as a cooking oil.
Topical Applications: Garlic may also be applied to the skin for certain conditions.
Raw Garlic: Incorporate raw minced garlic into salad dressings or dips for a flavor boost.
Cooking: Sauté garlic in olive oil as a base for sauces and stir-fries.
Supplements: Consider garlic supplements if you prefer a concentrated form.

To reap the health benefits of garlic, consider adding it to soups, stews, marinades, or dressings. You can also take garlic supplements if preferred, though whole garlic is often recommended for maximum benefits.

Medicinal Use of Garlic

Yeastrix Cleanse: A Comprehensive Antifungal

For those looking for an all-in-one solution to tackle Candida and other fungal or bacterial infections, consider Yeastrix Cleanse, our 3rd generation antifungal supplement.

This product combines garlic (2% allicin) with several other powerful antifungals, creating a balanced and effective cleanse for yeast overgrowth.

Yeastrix Cleanse includes:

With Yeastrix Cleanse, you can simplify your antifungal regimen by getting the benefits of garlic along with other natural ingredients that promote gut health and combat yeast infections. Made with the highest-quality, non-GMO, and vegetarian ingredients, it’s designed for those looking for a natural, safe, and effective approach to Candida management.

Conclusion

Garlic is not only a versatile ingredient but also a powerful ally in supporting overall health. Its potential benefits, especially related to heart health and immune function, make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Whether consumed fresh, as a powder, or in oil form, garlic can enhance both the flavor of your meals and your well-being.

Eric Bakker N.D.

Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.