Garlic Plant Characteristics and Medicinal Values: A Review

Dejene Tadesse Banjaw

Habtamu Gudisa Megersa

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center, P.O box 198, Shashamene, Ethiopia

Abstract: Garlic is a versatile vegetable commonly grown in subtropical and highland agroecosystems, which is utilized for its culinary, medicinal, and spice properties. The use of garlic as a medicinal aid can be traced back to ancient times. The health benefits of garlic production are attributed to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The use of garlic is prevalent in both traditional and modern healthcare systems, where it is used to treat a wide range of conditions. Numerous studies have reported the therapeutic properties of garlic, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in clinical trials. The growing global interest in health and wellness, the widespread use of garlic as a spice, and its potential economic, social, and health benefits have contributed to a surge in its demand worldwide. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature on the morphological descriptions of garlic and its nutritional and health significance.  

Keywords: allicin, allium, garlic, health, medicinal values

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