While most people think of garlic as a food, garlic is also used as an alternative medicine to treat numerous health conditions, some of which are supported by science. Garlic contains substances that are thought to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. One condition for which garlic may be useful is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, infection. However, it is important that you see a licensed physician before taking dietary supplements containing garlic, especially if you suspect you may have MRSA infection.
History
Garlic has been used medicinally as an antibiotic for many generations. Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Chinese used garlic to treat infections, with its use dating back at least 5,000 years, according to microbiologist Michelle Moore. In 18th century France, gravediggers drank a mixture of crushed garlic and wine that they believed would protect them from becoming infected with the bubonic plague, a bacterial disease that killed many people across Europe. During World Wars I and II, garlic was used to prevent gangrene and other kinds of battlefield wound infections. The antimicrobial properties of garlic were first studied by Louis Pasteur in 1858, and in the 21st century, scientists continue to study the effects of garlic in the treatment of bacterial infections, including MRSA infection.
Research
As the strain of staph bacteria that causes MRSA infection is resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections, scientists have investigated the effects of alternative treatments, including herbal medicine such as garlic, to treat MRSA. While garlic is not an established effective treatment for MRSA infection as of 2011, some animal and laboratory studies show a benefit. A study published in the "Journal of Medical Microbiology" in 2007 concluded that MRSA infection in mice was inhibited by intravenous injections of diallyl sulphides derived from garlic. Research published in the "British Journal of Biomedical Science" in 2004 concluded that a topical formulation containing allicin, another substance in garlic thought to possess antibacterial properties, was effective in killing MRSA bacteria in the laboratory when administered at a concentration of 500mcg/mL in an aqueous cream base.
Considerations
Despite the promising research on the benefits of garlic-derived substances in killing MRSA, further studies are needed to determine whether garlic is a safe or effective treatment for MRSA infection. The method of preparation for medicine made with garlic may also have a significant impact on its effectiveness. Allicin, which is thought to be the main antibacterial agent in garlic, is a relatively unstable substance which degrades rather quickly. MedlinePlus notes that supplements of odorless or aged garlic contain less allicin and may therefore be less effective in treating infections such as MRSA, whereas fresh garlic and supplements prepared with crushed, fresh garlic cloves may contain more therapeutic allicin. MedlinePlus also recommends choosing a garlic supplement that has an enteric coating to protect the active ingredients against attack by stomach acids.
Safety Precautions
Garlic supplements are likely safe for most people when taken by mouth, although topical medicines with garlic are possibly unsafe, as they may cause skin damage similar to a burn, according to MedlinePlus. People with bleeding disorders, stomach problems or scheduled surgeries should not take garlic as it may increase bleeding and cause digestive upset. Garlic is also associated with dangerous interactions with certain prescription drugs including isoniazid, saquinavir and medications used for HIV/AIDS. If you have any kind of skin infection, including MRSA, it is important to seek conventional medical treatment rather than trying to self-treat with garlic. MRSA infections are notoriously difficult to treat and may require aggressive treatment to prevent it from spreading and becoming life-threatening.
References
- Staph-Infection-Resources.com; Garlic -- A Natural Treatment for MRSA Infections; Michelle Moore
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Garlic; November 2008
- MayoClinic.com; MRSA infection; May 2010
- "British Journal of Biomedical Science"; Antibacterial Activity of a New, Stable, Aqueous Extract of Allicin Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus; RR Cutler; 2004
- "Journal of Medical Microbiology"; Two Diallyl Sulphides Derived from Garlic Inhibit Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection in Diabetic Mice; SM Tsao; June 2007
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