Candidiasis is a term describing infections caused by yeasts from the genus Candida. The intensity of infection ranges from superficial to systemic. Management of such infections often requires antifungals, such as the azoles. However, continued use of these pharmaceuticals has led to increased drug resistance. Garlic extract is a valid option in treating yeast infections, but always consult a physician before self-treating with herbal therapies.
Garlic
Allium sativum, more commonly known as garlic, is a species from the onion family. The bulb of the garlic plant has traditionally been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Garlic extracts of allium, the biologically active component of the bulb, possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity and have been investigated to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.
Yeast Infections
Candida albicans is the most common cause of yeast or fungal infections, which are termed candidiases or mycoses. Candidiasis can range from superficial infections, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases, referred to as candidemias, which are typically only found in immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from cancer or AIDS. C. albicans is known to develop resistance to antimycotic drugs, and recurring infections may be treatable with herbal alternatives.
Garlic Inhibits Reproduction of Yeast
The Canadida life cycle has two distinct phases: hyphal and yeast. The hyphal form is capable of reproduction and is essential for yeast to cause infections. An article appearing in the December 2008 issue of the "Journal of Applied Microbiology" determined whether garlic can control these changes. The authors found that garlic extracts have the capacity to suppress hyphae production and to inhibit growth and reproduction. They concluded that garlic extract can be useful to treat virulent strains that cause systemic candidiasis.
Garlic Causes Yeast Cells to Self-destruct
The December 2010 issue of the "Free Radical Biology and Medicine" included an article that explored the antimicrobial activity of allicin and its threshold inhibitory that can force yeast cells into genetically-programmed cell death, a process called apoptosis. The researchers treated yeast cells with chemically synthesized, pure allicin or with allicin in garlic juice. They found that apoptosis was activated after both allicin treatments, and concluded that allicin in garlic juice can trigger apoptosis in yeast cells thereby presenting an alternative cell-killing method.
Garlic Can Influence Drug Sensitivy of Yeast
An April 2010 article published in "Mycopathologia" studied allicin to demonstrate both its intrinsic antifungal activity and its synergistic effect with the azoles in the treatment of yeasts infections. The study included six species of yeast treated with allicin alone or with known pharmaceuticals. The researchers found that allicin used in combination with fluconazole or ketoconazole increased destruction of pathogenic yeast. Their results revealed the synergistic effect between allicin and azoles in some of the Candida species such as C. albicans. The authors cautioned, however, that human testing needs to be performed to support these findings.
References
- "Journal of Applied Microbiology"; Inhibition of hyphae formation and SIR2 expression in Candida albicans treated with fresh Allium sativum (garlic) extract; C Low et al; December 2008
- "Free Radical Biology and Medicine"; Allicin disrupts the cell's electrochemical potential and induces apoptosis in yeast; M Gruhle et al; December 2010
- "Mycopathologia"; In vitro investigation of antifungal activity of allicin alone and in combination with azoles against Candida species; A Khodavandi et al; April 2010
