Garlic As an Antifungal Agent
Garlic (allium sativum) is a perennial plant grown all over the world. It has been used as a food and medicine in different cultures dating back to when the pyramids were built, according to the Univerisity of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
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Features
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Fresh, raw garlic contains a large amount of sulphur-containing compounds that show potent antifungal properties. Allicin, one of the beneficial sulphur-containing compounds, is derived from the amino acid known as cysteine, according to the UMMC.
Considerations
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Garlic can also be used as a topical application for fungal skin infections. This includes tinea corporis, and tinea cruris. Care should be taken when applying directly to the skin because garlic can cause rashes and burning for those with sensitive skin.
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Significance
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Garlic has many different compounds with antifungal properties. As a result, fungi are not likely to become resistant to garlic, according to the Environmental Illness Resource website.
Benefits
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Garlic is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration. Garlic has very low toxicity; however, it may alter the function of certain prescription medications. Accordingly, garlic should be taken under the supervision of a health care provider, according to the UMMC.
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References
- Photo Credit garlic image by Norbert Tuske from Fotolia.com
