Garlic has traditionally been used for the relief of chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds, and flu. Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal and antiparasitic properties.
Garlic contains sulphur compounds which are concentrated in the bulb. These sulphur compounds include alliin, a sulphur-containing amino acid. Alliin is responsible for many of the beneficial actions of garlic. Alliin is converted by enzymes naturally occurring in garlic to the active compound allicin, when garlic is cut, crushed or chewed. Allicin is responsible for the characteristic smell of garlic, and the biological activity of garlic lies in its ability to produce allicin.
Garlic contains sulphur compounds which are concentrated in the bulb. These sulphur compounds include alliin, a sulphur-containing amino acid. Alliin is responsible for many of the beneficial actions of garlic. Alliin is converted by enzymes naturally occurring in garlic to the active compound allicin, when garlic is cut, crushed or chewed. Allicin is responsible for the characteristic smell of garlic, and the biological activity of garlic lies in its ability to produce allicin.