garlic-velutthulli

Garlic

Overview:

Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating back to when the Egyptian pyramids were built. In early 18^th -century France, gravediggers drank a concoction of crushed garlic in wine they believed would protect them from the plague that killed many people in Europe. More recently, during both World Wars I and II, soldiers were given garlic to prevent gangrene. Today garlic is used to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries that can block the flow of blood and possibly lead to heart attack or stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and to improve the immune system. Garlic may also protect against cancer.

While the science is not conclusive, research shows promise for garlic in the areas of cancer protection and heart-related risk factors for patients.

Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which help destroy free radicals -- particles that can damage cell membranes, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause over time.

There are several types of garlic preparations. Most clinical studies have been performed on aged garlic extract (AGE) or enteric coated, dried garlic tablets. The conditions for which garlic is showing the most promise include:

Cardiovascular disease

Studies report that garlic consumption may decrease the progression of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is associated with several factors, including raised serum total cholesterol, raised low density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased LDL oxidation (free radical damage), increased platelet aggregation (clumping), hypertension, and smoking. Garlic may help decrease LDL and total cholesterol levels while raising good cholesterols (high density lipoprotein, or HDL), decreasing platelet aggregation (helps the blood flow more easily), and decreasing blood pressure. Recently, garlic was also found to decrease two other markers of cardiovascular disease, homocysteine and C-reactive protein.

Garlic may also reduce blood pressure. Numerous studies have reported that oral garlic is associated with reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Common cold

A well-designed study of nearly 150 people found that garlic helps prevent and treat the common cold. In this study, people received either garlic supplements or placebo for 12 weeks during "cold season" (between the months of November and February). Those who received garlic had significantly fewer colds than those who received placebo. Plus, when faced with a cold, the symptoms dissipated more quickly among those receiving garlic compared to those receiving placebo.

Cancer

Garlic may strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight diseases such as cancer. Laboratory studies suggest that garlic may have anti-cancer activity. Studies that follow groups of people over time suggest that people who have more raw or cooked garlic in their diet are less likely to develop certain types of cancer, particularly colon and stomach cancers. In fact, a review of 7 studies researchers found a 30% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer among people who had a high intake of raw or cooked garlic. Dietary garlic may also protect against the development of breast, prostate, and laryngeal (throat) cancers.

• A large-scale study, called the Iowa Women's Health Study, looked at the garlic, fruit, and vegetable consumption in 41,000 middle-aged women. Results showed that women who regularly consumed garlic, fruits, and vegetables had a 35% lower risk of developing colon cancer.
• Garlic may help the immune system function more effectively during times of need such as in cancer. In a study of 50 patients with inoperable colorectal, liver, or pancreatic cancer, immune activity improved after they were given aged garlic extract for 6 months.
• Studies also suggest that aged garlic supplementation may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, including fatigue and anorexia (lack of appetite). Further, results found that aged garlic decreased heart and intestinal damage commonly seen with certain chemotherapy agents.

While these results are promising, more research is needed to better understand whether dietary intake of garlic and other plants in the same family (such as onions, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots) truly help protect against cancer.

Other uses

• Laboratory studies suggest that large quantities of fresh, raw garlic may have antiparasitic properties against the roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, which is the most common type of intestinal parasite. Garlic for this purpose, however, has not been tested in people.
• Fresh garlic contains allicin, which is reported to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Some studies have reported that garlic consumption may kill bacteria known to cause ulcers, but there are also studies that report no effect on this bacteria. Several studies report that topical application of garlic may help treat fungal skin conditions, such as Tinea cruris and Tinea corporis.
• Preliminary studies show that garlic may help combat fatigue. More research is needed.

Plant Description:

Garlic is a perennial that originally came from central Asia, and is now cultivated throughout the world. It can grow 2 feet high or more. The most important part of this plant for medicinal purposes is the compound bulb. Each bulb is made up of 4 - 20 cloves, and each clove weighs about 1 gram. Garlic supplements can either be made from fresh, dried, aged, or garlic oil, and each may have different effects on the body.

What's It Made Of?:

There are several important components of garlic that have been identified, and many more that have not. Alliin is an odorless sulfur-containing chemical derived from the amino acid cysteine. When garlic bulbs are crushed, alliin is converted into another compound called allicin. Allicin appears to be one of the primary active compounds that gives garlic its characteristic odor and many of its healing benefits. However, allicin is not absorbed effectively by the human body.

To combat this problem, aged garlic is fermented to break allicin down to usable compounds. These compounds are water-soluble sulfur compounds (S-allyl cysteine and others) and a small amount of oil-soluble sulfur compounds. The sulfur containing compounds in aged garlic give the supplement its reported benefits in cholesterol levels, heart disease, and cancer.

Available Forms:

Garlic supplements are made from whole fresh garlic, dried, or freeze-dried garlic, garlic oil, and aged garlic extracts.

Not all garlic contains the same amount of active ingredients. There is a wide variation in the amount of important components in both fresh garlic and commercial supplements. The amount of healthy compounds present depends on where the garlic is grown as well as how the product is prepared. Some experts believe that the wide variation in the quantity of active ingredients in garlic preparations explains why there is some variability in how well the substances lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and fight infection in different people.

Aged garlic products are made by fermenting garlic. Several clinical studies support the use of aged garlic for cardiovascular disease prevention. Aged garlic is high in sulfur compounds that are easily absorbed and have beneficial effects on heart disease and health.

It is important to read the label on all garlic products carefully. To get the most beneift, use standardized garlic products. Also, follow the directions of a qualified health care provider with knowledge and experience in herbal medicine.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

An appropriate medicinal dose for children has not been established. For this reason, use of garlic for health-related reasons in children should be directed by a qualified health care provider who has experience treating children with herbal remedies.

Adult

Whole garlic clove (as a food supplement): 2 - 4 grams per day of fresh, minced garlic clove (each clove is approximately 1 gram)

Aged garlic extract: 600 - 1,200 mg, daily in divided doses

Tablets of freeze-dried garlic: 200 mg, 2 tablets 3 times daily, standardized to 1.3% alliin or 0.6% allicin. Products may also be found standardized to contain 10 - 12 mg/Gm alliin and 4,000 mcg of total allicin potential (TAP).

Fluid extract (1:1 w/v): 4 mL, daily

Tincture (1:5 w/v): 20 mL, daily

Oil: 0.03 - 0.12 mL, 3 times daily

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Garlic is considered to have very low toxicity and is listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Side effects from garlic include upset stomach, bloating, bad breath, body odor, and a stinging sensation on the skin from handling too much fresh or dried garlic. Handling garlic may also cause skin lesions. Other, more rare side effects that have been reported by those taking garlic supplements include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, dizziness described as vertigo (dizziness), and allergies such as an asthmatic reaction or contact dermatitis (skin rash).

Garlic has blood-thinning properties. This is also important to know if you are going to have surgery or deliver a baby. Too much garlic can increase your risk for bleeding during or after those procedures.

Possible Interactions:

Garlic may alter the function of certain prescription medications. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use garlic supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Antiplatelet medications -- Garlic may exaggerate the activity of medications that inhibit the action of platelets in the body. Examples of such medications include indomethacin, dipyridamole, Plavix, and aspirin.

Blood-thinning medications -- There have been reports of a possible interaction between garlic and warfarin that could increase the risk of bleeding in people taking this blood-thinning medication. Therefore, when taking medications that may thin the blood, such as aspirin and warfarin, you should not use garlic supplements unless you are under the supervision of a doctor.

Protease inhibitors -- Garlic may reduce blood levels of protease inhibitors, a medication used to treat people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Protease inhibitors inclue indinavir, ritinavir, and saquinavir.

Alternative Names:

Allium sativum

ginseng

Asian ginseng

Overview:

The name "ginseng" is used to refer to both American (Panax quinquefolius)and Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which belong to the species Panax and have a somewhat similar chemical makeup. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), on the other hand, is an entirely different plant with different effects. It is distantly related to ginseng, but it does not contain the same active ingredients. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, substances that are thought to give ginseng its medicinal properties.

Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root that often looks like a human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. Thousands of years ago, herbalists thought that because of the way ginseng looks it could treat many different kinds of ailments, from fatigue and stress to asthma and cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng was often combined with other herbs and used often to bring longevity, strength, and wisdom to its users.

Ginseng is sometimes called an "adaptogen," an herb that helps the body deal with various kinds of stress, although there is no scientific evidence of adaptogens. But ginseng has been studied for several conditions, and it remains of the most popular herbs in the United States. Many of the studies examining Asian or Korean ginseng have used combinations of herbs, so it's not always possible to say whether ginseng alone had any benefit. Research on Asian ginseng has included the following:

Immune system health

Asian ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, possibly helping the body fight off infection and disease. Several clinical studies report that Asian ginseng can improve immune function. Studies have found that ginseng seems to increase the number of immune cells in the blood, and improve the immune system's response to a flu vaccine. In one study, 227 participants received either ginseng or placebo for 12 weeks, with a flu shot administered after 4 weeks. The number of colds and flu were two-thirds lower in the group that took ginseng.

Cardiovascular health

Asian ginseng seems to have antioxidant effects, meaning it helps rid the body of free radicals, substances which can damage DNA and are thought to contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Preliminary studies suggest Asian ginseng may improve the symptoms of heart disease in humans. It also may decrease "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and raise "good" HDL cholesterol.

Its effect on blood pressure is more complicated. Some studies have found it seems to lower blood pressure, while others find it causes blood pressure to rise. That had led some people to theorize that ginseng may increase blood pressure at usual doses but lower it when doses are higher. Until researchers know for sure, you should not take ginseng if you have high blood pressure unless your doctor tells you it's OK.

Type 2 diabetes

Although American ginseng has been studied more for diabetes, both types of Panax ginsengs may lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. However, in a few studies it appeared that Asian or Korean ginseng worsened blood sugar levels. Some people think that the ginsenosides found in American ginseng might lower blood sugar while the different ginsenosides in Asian ginseng could raise blood sugar levels. Until more is known, you should not take ginseng if you have diabetes without your doctor's strict supervision and monitoring.

Mental performance

People who take ginseng often say they feel more alert. Several studies report that Asian ginseng may slightly improve thinking or learning. Early research shows that Asian ginseng may improve performance on such things as mental arithmetic, concentration, memory, and other measures. More research in this area, although not easy to do, would be helpful. Some studies have also found a positive effect with the combination use of Asian ginseng and Ginkgo biloba.

The studies have varied in what kinds of mental function they measured, making it hard to know exactly what the effects of ginseng are. For example, one study found an increase in the ability think abstractly among those who took ginseng, but no change in their reaction time or concentration levels.

Physical endurance

There have been a number of studies using Asian ginseng for athletic performance in humans and laboratory animals. Results have been mixed, with some studies showing increased strength and endurance, others showing improved agility or reaction time, and others showing no effect at all. Nevertheless, athletes often take Asian ginseng to boost both endurance and strength. Asian ginseng was also found to reduce fatigue in a study of 332 patients.

Stress andwell-being

Asian ginseng is sometimes called an "adaptogen," something that helps the body deal with stress, whether physical or mental. While that can be difficult to study, there is some evidence that ginseng (both Asian and American types) can improve quality of life -- although quality of life can be hard to measure, too. A study of 501 men and women living in Mexico City found significant improvements in quality of life measures (energy, sleep, sex life, personal satisfaction, well-being) in those taking Asian ginseng. Another well-designed study found that people taking a nutritional supplement with ginseng reported better quality of life than those taking the same supplement without ginseng.

Fertility/erectile dysfunction

Asian ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sexual performance, but there aren't many studies to back this up. In animal studies, Asian ginseng has increased sperm production, sexual activity, and sexual performance. A study of 46 men has also shown an increase in sperm count as well as motility. Another study in 60 men found that Asian ginseng increased libido (sex drive) and decreased erection problems.

Alzheimer's disease

Individual reports and animal studies indicate that Asian ginseng may slow the progression of Alzheimer's, decrease senility, and improve memory and behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed.

Cancer

Several studies suggest that Asian ginseng may reduce the risk of some types of cancers. In one observational study, researchers followed 4,634 people for 5 years and found that those who took ginseng had lower risk of lung, liver, pancreatic, ovarian, and stomach cancer. However, the study could not rule out other factors being responsible for the lower risk of cancer (including eating habits). And it found that taking ginseng as few as 3 times a year led to a dramatic reduction in cancer risk, which is hard to believe.

A number of studies have found that Asian ginseng seems to inhibit the growth of tumors, although researchers aren't yet sure how it might work in humans. More research is needed.

Menopausal symptoms

There have been only a few studies examining ginseng for menopausal symptoms. Two well-designed studies evaluating red Korean (Asian) ginseng suggest it may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, improving mood (particularly feelings of depression) and sense of well-being. The ginseng product was used in combination with a vitamin and mineral supplement. But another double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 384 women found no effect.

Plant Description:

The ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a straight stem. Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the center and produce red berries. Ginseng has a taproot that roughly resembles the human body, with 2 "arms" and 2 "legs." Wrinkles around the neck of the root tell how old the plant is. Ginseng is not ready for medicinal use until it has grown for about 6 years. Asian or Chinese and Korean ginseng are the same plants, but grown in different areas. American ginseng is a relative in the same species, native to North America.

What's It Made Of?:

Asian ginseng supplements are made from the ginseng root, and the long, thin offshoots, called root hairs. Both Asian or Korean and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, saponins that are ginseng's active ingredients. In addition to ginsenosides, Asian ginseng also contains glycans (panaxans), polysaccharide fraction DPG-3-2, peptides, maltol, B vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.

Available Forms:

White ginseng (dried, peeled) or red ginseng (unpeeled root, steamed before drying) is available in water, water-and-alcohol, or alcohol liquid extracts, and in powders or capsules. Asian ginseng root is also available for making decoctions (boiling the root in water)

Be sure to read the label carefully so that you are purchasing the type of ginseng that you want. If you are looking for Asian ginseng, make sure you buy Korean, red, or Panax ginseng. If you are looking for American ginseng, you should buy Panax quinquefolius. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is sometimes called Siberian ginseng, may also be found in health food stores or pharmacies. It does not have the same active ingredients as Asian or American ginseng.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

Ginseng is not recommended for use in children because of its stimulant properties.

Adult

• Standardized extract: 200 mg, 1 - 3 times daily, standardized to contain 4 - 5% ginsenosides
• Fresh root: 1 - 2 g, once daily for up to 3 months
• Dried root: 1/2 - 2 g, chew and swallow once daily
• Tincture (1:5): 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 1 - 3 times daily
• Fluid extract (1:1): 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoonful, 1 - 3 times daily

In healthy people who wish to increase physical or mental performance, to prevent illness, or to improve resistance to stress, Asian ginseng should be taken in cycles. For example, take every day for 2 - 3 weeks, then stop for 2 weeks, then resume.

For help recovering from an illness, older people should take larger doses, such as 500 mg, 2 times daily for 3 months. Alternatively, they may take the same dosage (500 mg, 2 times daily) for 1 month, followed by a 2-month break. This can then be repeated if needed. Ask your health care provider for more information.

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Asian ginseng may cause nervousness or sleeplessness, particularly if taken at high doses or when combined with caffeine. Other side effects are rare but may include:

• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Euphoria
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Nosebleed
• Breast pain
• Vaginal bleeding

To avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even in people without diabetes, take Asian ginseng with food.

People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should not take Asian ginseng products without the close supervision of their doctor. At the same time, people with low blood pressure, as well as those with an acute illness, should use caution when taking Asian ginseng.

People with bipolar disorder should not take ginseng, because it may increase the risk of mania.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Asian ginseng. Asian ginseng may cause vaginal bleeding.

Women who have a history of breast cancer should not take ginseng.

Stop taking Asian ginseng at least 7 days prior to surgery. Asian ginseng may act as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding during or after a procedure.

Possible Interactions:

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use Asian ginseng without first talking to your health care provider:

ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medications) -- Asian ginseng may interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications include:

• Captopril (Capoten)
• Benazepril (Lotensin)
• Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• Fosinopril (Monopril)
• Ramipril (Altace)
• Perindopril (Aceon)
• Quinapril (Accupril)
• Moexipril (Univasc)
• Trandolapril (Mavik)

Calcium channel blockers (heart and blood pressure medications) -- Asian ginseng may alter the effects of certain heart medications, including calcium channel blockers. These medications include:

• Amlodipine (Norvasc)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem)
• Nifedipine (Procardia)

Blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) -- Asian ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of the blood-thinning medication warfarin. In addition, ginseng may inhibit platelet activity. For this reason, it should probably not be used with aspirin.

Caffeine -- Ginseng may increase the stimulant effect of caffeine, possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular heartbeat.

Diabetes medications -- Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Stimulants -- Ginseng may increase the stimulant effect and side effects of some medications take for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).

MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) -- Ginseng may increase the risk of mania when taken with MAOIs, a type of antidepressant. There have been reports of interaction between ginseng and phenelzine (Nardil) causing headaches, tremors, and mania.

• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the painkilling effects of morphine.

Alternative Names:

Asiatic ginseng; Chinese ginseng; Korean red ginseng; Oriental ginseng; Panax ginseng