Biomaterial Database

Garlic (Allium sativum L.): adverse effects and drug interactions in humans. 2007

Francesca Borrelli, and Raffaele Capasso, and Angelo A Izzo

Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Garlic (Alllium sativum L., Fam Liliaceae) is used medicinally mainly for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of arteriosclerosis. Clinical trials have consistently shown that "garlic breath" and body odor are the most common (and well-documented) complaints associated to garlic intake. Case reports have highlighted the possibility that garlic use may cause allergic reactions (allergic contact dermatitis, generalized urticaria, angiedema, pemphigus, anaphylaxis and photoallergy), alteration of platelet function and coagulation (with a possible risk of bleeding), and burns (when fresh garlic is applied on the skin, particularly under occlusive dressings). Consumption of garlic by nursing mothers modifies their infant's behavior during breast-feeding. Finally, garlic may enhance the pharmacological effect of anticoagulants (e. g. warfarin, fluindione) and reduce the efficacy of anti-AIDS drugs (i. e. saquinavir).

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007774	Lactation	The processes of milk secretion by the maternal MAMMARY GLANDS after PARTURITION. The proliferation of the mammary glandular tissue, milk synthesis, and milk expulsion or let down are regulated by the interactions of several hormones including ESTRADIOL; PROGESTERONE; PROLACTIN; and OXYTOCIN.	Lactation, Prolonged,Milk Secretion,Lactations, Prolonged,Milk Secretions,Prolonged Lactation,Prolonged Lactations
D008517	Phytotherapy	Use of plants or herbs to treat diseases or to alleviate pain.	Herb Therapy,Herbal Therapy
D009784	Occupational Diseases	Diseases caused by factors involved in one's employment.	Diseases, Occupational,Occupational Illnesses,Disease, Occupational,Illnesse, Occupational,Illnesses, Occupational,Occupational Disease,Occupational Illnesse
D009812	Odorants	The volatile portions of chemical substances perceptible by the sense of smell.	Odors,Aroma,Fragrance,Scents,Aromas,Fragrances,Odor,Odorant,Scent
D011247	Pregnancy	The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH.	Gestation,Pregnancies
D001778	Blood Coagulation Disorders	Hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders that occur as a consequence of abnormalities in blood coagulation due to a variety of factors such as COAGULATION PROTEIN DISORDERS; BLOOD PLATELET DISORDERS; BLOOD PROTEIN DISORDERS or nutritional conditions.	Coagulation Disorders, Blood,Disorders, Blood Coagulation,Blood Coagulation Disorder,Coagulation Disorder, Blood,Disorder, Blood Coagulation
D004347	Drug Interactions	The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug.	Drug Interaction,Interaction, Drug,Interactions, Drug
D005260	Female		Females
D005737	Garlic	A species of Allium used as a spice (SPICES) and traditional remedy. It contains alliin lyase and alliin, which is converted by alliin lyase to allicin, the pungent ingredient responsible for the aroma of fresh cut garlic.	Allium sativum
D005767	Gastrointestinal Diseases	Diseases in any segment of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT from ESOPHAGUS to RECTUM.	Cholera Infantum,Gastrointestinal Disorders,Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders,Gastrointestinal Disorders, Functional,Disease, Gastrointestinal,Diseases, Gastrointestinal,Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder,Gastrointestinal Disease,Gastrointestinal Disorder,Gastrointestinal Disorder, Functional