Immunomodulatory Effects of Allium sativum L. and its Constituents against Viral Infections and Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

Background: Allium sativum L., or garlic, is one of the most studied plants worldwide within the field of traditional medicine. Current interests lie in the potential use of garlic as a preventive measure and adjuvant treatment for viral infections, e.g., SARS-CoV-2. Even though it cannot be presented as a single treatment, its beneficial effects are beyond doubt. The World Health Organization has deemed it an essential part of any balanced diet with immunomodulatory properties. Objective: The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of garlic compounds and preparations on immunomodulation and viral infection management, with emphasis on SARS-CoV-2. Method: Exhaustive literature search has been carried out on electronic databases. Conclusion: Garlic is a fundamental part of a well-balanced diet which helps maintain general good health. The reported information regarding garlic’s ability to beneficially modulate inflammation and the immune system is encouraging. Nonetheless, more efforts must be made to understand the actual medicinal properties and mechanisms of action of the compounds found in this plant to inhibit or diminish viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Based on our findings, we propose a series of innovative strategies to achieve such a challenge in the near future.

The regulatory mechanism of garlic skin improving the growth performance of fattening sheep through metabolism and immunity

“…2 Term: Description information of GO function. 3 Ontology: Category of GO (cellular component; biological process; molecular function). 4 Significant: Number of differentially expressed circRNA host genes annotated to the GO/Number of differentially expressed circRNA host genes annotated to the GO database.…”

“…Garlic, as an herbaceous plant, is a natural broad-spectrum plant-based antibiotic due to its unique organic sulfur compounds, which have functions such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulation ( 1 , 2 ). Additionally, garlic is rich in vitamins and amino acids, making it a good nutritional supplement ( 3 , 4 ). Garlic skin (GAS), as a by-product of garlic processing, has similar detoxification, sterilization, disease prevention, and treatment effects as garlic ( 5 ).…”

Two new and effective food-extracted immunomodulatory agents exhibit anti-inflammatory response activity in the hACE2 acute lung injury murine model of COVID-19

“…Garlic and its active organosulfur compounds alleviate several viral infections in preclinical and clinical investigations ( 16 ). The World Health Organization considers it an essential component of any balanced diet with immunomodulatory properties ( 20 ). Ajoene [(E)-(Z)-4,5,9-trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene-9-oxiade], a major bioactive compound extracted from garlic ( 21 ), is synthetically produced by the decomposition of allicin ( 22 , 23 ).…”

Antiviral potentials of garlic (Allium sativum) in poultry production: A mini review

“…Medicinal plants have immunostimulatory effects to combat viral diseases. Garlic ( Allium sativum L.) in many centuries has been used as a spice, a functional food, a seasoning agent and a vital home medicine for treating different diseases together with viral infections (Ayaz & Alpsoy, 2007; del Rayo Camacho‐Corona et al., 2022; Rehman et al., 2019). The main bioactive compounds (organic molecules) in garlic responsible for its odour smell are the organo‐sulphur compounds (OSCs) (Omar & Al‐Wabel, 2010).…”