Synonym: Garlic, Allium

Biological source: This consists of bulbs of the plant known as Allium sativum Linn.

Family : Liliaceae

Geographical source: Lahsun is cultivated in Central Asia, Southern Europe, U.S.A, and India. In India, it is found in almost all the states and cultivated as a spice or a condiment crop .

Macroscopic characters:

Colour: Bulbs are white to pink in colour.

Taste: Aromatic and pungent.

Odour: Characteristic and aromatic.

Size: 1.5 to 2.5 cm

Volatile oil of the drug is the chief active constituent, and contains

• • • Allyl propyl disulphide,

    • Diallyl disulphide,

    • Alliin and allicin.

    • Allin by action of enzyme allinlyase is converted into allicin.

Garlic oil is yellow in colour and has specific gravity of 1.046. It is optically inactive.

Uses:

• Garlic is used as carminative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, stimulant, and disinfectant

• In the treatment of pulmonary conditions

• It is largely used as condiment.

• Oil of garllc is used as anthelmintic and rubefacient.

• Allicin is antibacterial.

• Garlic oil is useful ,in high bloodpressure and atherosclerosis.

• Fresh garlic is prophylactic against amoebic dysentery.

References:

1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.

2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.

3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.

4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.

5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.

6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.