Local and Systemic Effects of Garlic Essay Example

Garlic ( Allium sativum) is a bulbous plant which is recognized for its medicinal and thereapeutic value. It has been widely used in various ways either as an extract or in raw form. Its earliest uses in china and india are in aid of digestion and respiration as well as the treatment of leprosy and parasitic infectections. It was also noted to provide stamina to athletes during the Greece Olympics. However, latest developments in science have provided extensive and conclusive evidence of its medicinal value after experimentations and dedication of medical studies on the plant. The anti-pathogenic agents in garlic have been noted to hinder growth or spread of infections. Despite its value in the medical fraternity, garlic has been used in various forms including in the spicing of foods, indigestion, and flu and colds treatments in the local set-ups. This, therefore, ascertain its revered status and importance. The rising demand for healthier alternatives in the medical field and the modern day emergence of lifestyle diseases has reverted interest in garlic. These emerging trends have helped popularize its usage and effects as well as devise tests on an array of aspects in pursuit of deriving its full potential in the medical field.

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Garlic is classified under medicinal plants and has been widely used in the treatment of various illnesses such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, wounds as well as Tuberculosis. The effects of its bacterial agent Bacillus which causes Anthrax. The studies on its widespread use have been recorded in various parts of the world such as in Ethioia and Egypt where it is traditionally used as an antibiotic and in the treatment of various ailments (A, 2016). Garlic is recognized to have curative and therapeautic uses ranging from skin care to anti-fungal treatments.

The uses of garlic are diverse, and it is imperative when used in raw form. Garlic can be used by slicing and crushing to get garlic extract or chewing in its raw form.Garlic is used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. Rubbing a freshly cut garlic on the skin surface is the most widely used method in this treatment. Its antioxidants help in the expulsion of bacteria causing acne and skin ailments. Garlic contains a compound Allicin which is attributed to have a number of healthy benefits and is the subject under review in different medical tests around the world. (Garcia, 2007).

The use of garlic in the anti-fungal treatment is facilitated by its compound element Ajoene which is noted to inhibit the growth of fungus. When garlic is crushed it releases compound Aliin which is converted to, allicin an active ingredient. This is, therefore, the anti-bacterial agent which counters the growth of fungi, bacteria, virus or protozoa. This was especially used in the treatment of wounds and bruises contracted by soldiers during the World War 1. These medicinal qualities in the modern context have been studied to affirm its ability to inhibit bacteria growth such as staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Brucella and Vibrio species

Garlic stands as the most used supplement in many cultures across the world most notably a seasoning agent during during the ancient civilisations as well as during the modern day as people look for healthier alternatives and to compliment dietary changes (LoGiudice, 2008). Therapeautic value of garlic is as a result of its lower molecular thiosulfanates.These compounds are inactivated through heating.

The use of garlic during cooking has been the most commonly recognized aspect in its uniqueness. This can be done through mincing or crushing of the garlic. These actions result to an odor-free exposure of the allinase enzymes which are quickly coverted to thiosulfanates thereby giving it a distinct aroma (LoGiudice, 2008). These practices, however, have been perfected over time with the processing of garlic into garlic powder which is added to food other than using the garlic bulb but maintaining the same qualities. Garlic can as well be added to onions and tomatoes during the preparation of meals.

Garlic is one the most researched and studied her in the world and is widely used in various forms to render health benefits to its users. It has also been used traditionally to strengthen the immune system as well in the gastrointestinal health.

However, garlic has been noted to be ineffective and toxic in some aspects. Due to its long effect in the body after intake ,breastfeeding mothers are not advised to frequently consume diets or raw consumption of the herb. Garlic consumed by breastfeeding mothers went into the bloodstream and passed to the child when breastfeeding. This may cause child stomach irritation causing allergic reactions.The studies on this aspect, however, do not outmatch its medicinal value and as such garlic is considered for children as well in the form of syrups and oils. Studies on paediatric uses of garlic have however not been conclusive and more needs to be done in research and development as well as medical studies dedicated to the effects of garlic in regard to children health.

The toxicity resulting from Acetaminophen, an antipyretic and analgesic drug used world wide has been noted to cause damage in the liver systems. Despite being converted into sulfates and glucouronide ,traces of Acetaminophen are left behind which eventually get metabolized by enzymes in the liver. This can, therefore, cause alyration of critical cell proteins which is toxic and fatal in the body. Garlic has been studied to be able to protect the body from hepatoxicity induced by acetaminophen (Eltalawy, 2016). Garlic also helps in the protection from hepatic toxicity resulting from gentamycin induction.

Despite the numerous positive health benefits of using garlic. It has been noted in numerous studies that prolonged use of garlic has a fair share of side effects. Chewing of garlic leads to the conversion of organosulfoxides into a complex blend of sulfur compounds. Oral intake of garlic which is omposed of S-allycysteine which can be detected in the body long after intake and to most notably an 8-hours. Experimentations in the effect of garlic have been noted in lab modules where rats were used. The prolonged dosage of garlic caused anaemia, loss of weight as well as stunted growth.

The study further points out the anti-androgenic effects of garlic consumption on the reduction of sialic acid in the testes, epididymis as well as seminal vesicles with a decrease in leydig cell functioning.

Garlicand other Allium species maintain their chemical component thus garlic's toxic elements are not altered by cooking or crushing. Dogs and cats have been studied to be the most vulnerable in contracting Allium toxicosis which is highly dependent on the amounts ingested (Eltalawy, 2016). This causes clinical, hematologic changes which whose common signs to include vomiting, abdominal pains, weakness, appetite loss, and depression. Other notable signs indicate hemoglobinuria which is manifested through red or brownish urine.

References

A, A. E. (2016). Anti-Bacterial Effects of Garlic(Allium sativum) Against Clinical Isolates of staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli from Patients Attending Hawasa Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. http://infectious-diseases-and-treatment.imedpub.com/archive.php.

Eltalawy, S. M.-S.-K. (2016). Antioxidant Potential and Toxicity of Garlic.

Garcia, J. D. (2007). Garlic: Post-harvest Operations. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

LoGiudice, P. B. (2008). Potential Health Benefits of Garlic(Allium Sativum): A Narrative Review . Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine.