title: Antioxidant action and therapeutic efficacy of Allium sativum L.
abstract: Allium sativum (L.) is rich in antioxidants which help destroy free  radicals particles that can damage cell membranes and DNA, and may contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause over time. The antioxidant activity of fresh  Allium sativum L. (garlic) is well known and is mainly due to unstable and irritating organosulphur compounds. Fresh garlic extracted over a prolonged period (up to  20 months) produces odourless aged garlic extract (AGE) containing stable and water soluble organosulphur compounds that prevent oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals. The aim of this review was to understand the mechanism of antioxidant action and therapeutic efficacy of garlic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Ponte don Melillo, Fisciano, Salerno 84084, Italy. annacap@unisa.it
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capasso
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D005737:Garlic / Q000737:chemistry*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013440:Sulfides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013440:Sulfides