According to the University of Maryland, garlic, also known as Allium sativum, has been used as a medicine and food for thousands of years. Garlic originally came from central Asia, but is now cultivated throughout the world. The primary active ingredient in garlic is called allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Garlic may be beneficial for yeast infections, but patients should always consult a doctor before taking any garlic supplements.
Yeast Infections
A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is the name for a common infection caused by yeast called Candida albican that lives in the body. The immune system usually keeps Candida albican under control, but under certain conditions such as illness, pregnancy or stress, the yeast can multiply and cause an infection. According to KidsHealth.org, certain medications such as steroids, some birth control pills and antibiotics can also lead to a yeast infection. Antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria that keep the growth of Candida albican in check. Patients who have diabetes are also at greater risk of yeast infections as yeast can multiply more quickly if blood sugar levels are high. Yeast infections can be found in varies parts of the body such as the mouth, skin and vagina.
Garlic Supplements
Garlic supplements can be made from dried, freeze-dried, fresh or aged garlic extracts. According to the University of Maryland, the quality of garlic supplements varies depending on where the garlic is grown and how it is prepared. For best results, the university recommends taking standardized garlic supplements. A standardized supplement contains a measurable marker substance that is extracted from the herb; often this marker is the active ingredient that has been used in scientific research. Garlic supplements are typically standardized to contain 1.3 percent or 0.6 percent allicin.
Garlic and Yeast Infections
In a study published in a 2002 issue of the "Journal of Applied Microbiology," researchers studied the effect of garlic supplements on the yeast Candida albicans. The team found that garlic was effective against Candida albicans and that fresh garlic extract has a greater efficacy than garlic powder extract.
Considerations
According to the University of Maryland, garlic is considered a safe supplement; it can, however, cause some side effects such as bloating, bad breath, body odor and upset stomach. Garlic has blood-thinning properties, so patients on blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, antiplatelet medications such as indomethacin, and protease inhibitors such as ritonavir should not talk a garlic supplement without first consulting a health-care professional. The university also warns that as garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, patients who will be undergoing surgery should consult a doctor before taking a garlic supplement.
