Assessment of potential use of garlic (Allium sativum) against growth of microbes

Garlic (Allium sativum) is cultivated worldwide for its medicinal and nutritional value. Garlic is an effective antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and antiviral agent. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds which impart antimicrobial property. Garlic is known to be highly effective in reducing growth of bacteria. Garlic bulb contains organosulfur compound, allicin, which is responsible for the efficacy of garlic against the growth of microbes. This compound can hinder the formation of bacterial acetyl-CoA, a precursor required for metabolic activities in bacteria. The present review indicates that garlic shows considerable inhibitory effect on microbial growth. Thus garlic can be used as a sustainable alternative to treat diseases and provide a solution to minimize our dependence on chemical-based drugs in future.