Allium sativum
Garlic plant
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its potent therapeutic properties. Rich in bioactive compounds like allicin, it offers significant antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Used globally in traditional medicine, garlic supports cardiovascular health, strengthens immunity, and promotes overall physiological well-being.
- Scientific name: Allium sativum
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Allium sativum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asparagales and the family Amaryllidaceae. It is further categorized into the genus Allium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Allium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Allium sativum, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 蒜 (suàn), while in Kyrgyz, it is called Сарымсак. In Poland, the common name is czosnek pospoly, and in the Basque language, it is known as baratxuri. Additionally, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is frequently called bijeli luk.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 蒜 | Wikidata |
| ky | Сарымсак | Wikidata |
| pl | czosnek pospolity | Wikidata |
| eu | Baratxuri | Wikidata |
| bs | Bijeli luk | Wikidata |
| oc | Alh cultivat | Wikidata |
| hu | fokhagyma | Wikidata |
| sw | Kitunguu saumu | Wikidata |
| sq | hudhra | Wikidata |
| am | ነጭ ሽንኩርት | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Allium sativum, exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the center of the continent, the species is also commonly found throughout Middle Europe. Specifically, it is established within the borders of Austria and the Czechia-Slovakia region. Furthermore, the plant maintains a significant presence within Germany, completing its regional range.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Allium sativum, is a perennial herb characterized by its distinct underground structure. The most significant part used for medicinal and culinary purposes is the bulb, which is composed of several individual segments known as cloves. These bulbs serve as the primary storage organ for the plant's nutrients and active compounds. Above the ground, the plant develops long, green, hollow leaves that are essential for photosynthesis. While the plant can produce seeds for reproduction, the therapeutic potency is most concentrated within the fleshy layers of the bulbous base.- Total parts
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 34
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bulbs | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| bulb | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| leaves | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cloves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root meristem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| juices | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| garlic powder | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Allium sativum has 369 reported phytochemicals identified across 815 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include allicin, diallyl disulfide, alliin, ajoene, diallyl sulfide.
- Total chemicals
- 369
- Scientific sources
- 815
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| allicin | 69 | ★★★★★ |
| diallyl disulfide | 36 | ★★★★★ |
| alliin | 30 | ★★★★★ |
| ajoene | 28 | ★★★★★ |
| diallyl sulfide | 26 | ★★★★★ |
| diallyl trisulfide | 24 | ★★★★★ |
| garlic oil | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| S-allyl cysteine | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| S-allylcysteine | 11 | ★★★★★ |
Activities
Allium sativum has 57 reported activities identified across 297 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 57
- Scientific sources
- 297
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 46 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 21 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 20 | ★★★★★ |
| Antifungal | 19 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| Antiviral | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticarcinogenic | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Antidiabetic | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Hypolipidemic | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Allium sativum has 398 reported medicinal uses identified across 851 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, atherosclerosis, hypertension, blood pressure, platelet aggregation.
- Total uses
- 398
- Scientific sources
- 851
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 39 | ★★★★★ |
| atherosclerosis | 26 | ★★★★★ |
| hypertension | 24 | ★★★★★ |
| blood pressure | 21 | ★★★★★ |
| platelet aggregation | 21 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| breast cancer | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| COVID-19 | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| cardiovascular disease | 11 | ★★★★★ |