Garlic: Difference between revisions
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The green, dry "folds" in the center of the garlic clove are especially [[pungency|pungent]]. The sulfur compound [[allicin]], produced by crushing or chewing fresh garlic, produces other sulfur compounds: [[ajoene]], allyl polysulfides, and [[vinyldithiin]]s. Aged garlic lacks allicin, but may have some activity due to the presence of S-allylcysteine. | The green, dry "folds" in the center of the garlic clove are especially [[pungency|pungent]]. The sulfur compound [[allicin]], produced by crushing or chewing fresh garlic, produces other sulfur compounds: [[ajoene]], allyl polysulfides, and [[vinyldithiin]]s. Aged garlic lacks allicin, but may have some activity due to the presence of S-allylcysteine. | ||
Some people suffer from [[garlic allergy|allergies]] to garlic and other species of ''Allium''. | Some people suffer from [[garlic allergy|allergies]] to garlic and other species of ''Allium''. Symptoms can include [[irritable bowel]], [[diarrhea]], mouth and throat ulcerations, [[nausea]], breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, [[anaphylaxis]]. Garlic-sensitive people show positive tests to [[diallyl disulfide]], allylpropyldisulfide, allylmercaptan, and allicin, all of which are present in garlic. People who suffer from garlic allergies are often sensitive to many other plants, including onions, [[chives]], leeks, shallots, garden lilies, [[ginger]], and [[banana]]s. | ||
[[File:Knoblauch (Allium sativum)-20200621-RM-085344.jpg|thumb|The garlic plant is starting to be [[green]]]] | [[File:Knoblauch (Allium sativum)-20200621-RM-085344.jpg|thumb|The garlic plant is starting to be [[green]]]] | ||
Several reports of serious burns resulting from garlic being applied [[topical]]ly for various purposes, including naturopathic uses and [[acne]] treatment, indicate care must be taken for these uses, usually testing a small area of skin using a low concentration of garlic. On the basis of numerous reports of such burns, including burns to children, topical use of raw garlic, as well as insertion of raw garlic into body cavities, is discouraged. In particular, topical application of raw garlic to young children is not advisable. | Several reports of serious burns resulting from garlic being applied [[topical]]ly for various purposes, including naturopathic uses and [[acne]] treatment, indicate care must be taken for these uses, usually testing a small area of skin using a low concentration of garlic. On the basis of numerous reports of such burns, including burns to children, topical use of raw garlic, as well as insertion of raw garlic into body cavities, is discouraged. In particular, topical application of raw garlic to young children is not advisable. | ||
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Some breastfeeding mothers have found, after consuming garlic, that their babies can be slow to feed, and have noted a garlic odor coming from them. | Some breastfeeding mothers have found, after consuming garlic, that their babies can be slow to feed, and have noted a garlic odor coming from them. | ||
[[File:Bulbs of Garlic Displayed For Sale At A Local Market.jpg|thumb|Bulbs of garlic displayed for sale at a local vegetable market]] | [[File:Bulbs of Garlic Displayed For Sale At A Local Market.jpg|thumb|Bulbs of garlic displayed for sale at a local vegetable market]] | ||
If higher-than-recommended doses of garlic are taken with [[anticoagulant]] medications, this can lead to a higher risk of bleeding. Garlic may interact with [[warfarin]], [[saquinavir]], [[antihypertensives]], [[calcium channel blockers]], the [[quinolone antibiotic|quinolone family of antibiotics]] such as [[ciprofloxacin]], and [[hypoglycemic]] drugs, as well as other medications. | If higher-than-recommended doses of garlic are taken with [[anticoagulant]] medications, this can lead to a higher risk of bleeding. Garlic may interact with [[warfarin]], [[saquinavir]], [[antihypertensives]], [[calcium channel blockers]], the [[quinolone antibiotic|quinolone family of antibiotics]] such as [[ciprofloxacin]], and [[hypoglycemic]] drugs, as well as other medications. The [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] considers garlic to be toxic to pets. | ||
{{Infobox nutritional value | {{Infobox nutritional value | ||
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| note=[https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1103354/nutrients Link to USDA Database entry] | | note=[https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1103354/nutrients Link to USDA Database entry] | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
Because of sulfur compounds circulating in blood, consumed garlic may act as a [[mosquito repellent]], although there is no scientific evidence of its efficacy. | Because of sulfur compounds circulating in blood, consumed garlic may act as a [[mosquito repellent]], although there is no scientific evidence of its efficacy. | ||