The National Cancer Institute says there are more than 100 types of cancer. All cancers have a common characteristic, development of abnormal cells whose growth becomes out of control. Cancerous cells may remain in one place or they may spread into surrounding tissues. Cancer cells may also travel in the blood or lymph system to reach other parts of the body. Garlic is a traditional herbal remedy that may lower your risk for some types of cancer. Discuss its use with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.
Garlic
In addition to its familiar use as food and a seasoning, garlic is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used by many cultures for thousands of years. Practitioners recommend garlic for many disorders, including heart disease, high blood pressure, infection and cancer. Crushed garlic cloves produce a compound with medicinal qualities called allicin, which is metabolized to additional active components.
Allicin
Garlic cloves contain a natural chemical that is transformed into allicin when the cloves are crushed. Allicin has many medicinal properties. It is a natural antibiotic that destroys pathogens, it inhibits formation of blood clots and it lowers liver enzymes that produce cholesterol. It also boosts the immune system, potentially increasing your body's defenses against cancer cells. Garlic also may protect against cancer by stopping division of cancer cells, by causing these cells to die and by protecting your organs from carcinogens that may cause cancer.
Research
Both laboratory research and epidemiological studies suggest that garlic may protect against cancer. In a review of laboratory studies on garlic and cancer cells published in "Journal of Nutrition" in 2007, the authors concluded that garlic has significant potential as an anti-cancer agent. In another review published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2000, the authors concluded that high consumption of garlic may be associated with a lowered risk of stomach and colon cancer. These conclusions are very promising, although clinical trials of garlic and cancer in human subjects are still needed.
Recommendations and Precautions
Garlic supplements are available from health food stores in several forms, including aged garlic extract and tablets containing freeze-dried garlic. The usual dose of extract is 600 to 1,200 mg daily in divided doses. Tablets may be taken at a dose of 200 mg, three times daily. Choose tablets standardized for their content of allicin, which is usually 0.6 percent. Garlic as a supplement is considered safe, with possible mild side effects that include upset stomach and bad breath. Garlic may interfere with some medications, including blood thinners and HIV medications. Consult your doctor to determine if it is a good choice for you.
References
- National Cancer Institute: What Is Cancer?
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Garlic
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Garlic
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Garlic Consumption and Cancer Prevention...; A. Fleischauer et al.; October 2000
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Does Garlic Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer? A Systematic Review; S. Nqo et al.; October 2007
