Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and according to U.K. health information website Netdoctor, it is the most common cause of death from cancer in both men and women. It is closely linked with smoking tobacco--you can help to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by simply giving up smoking. Some herbs, including garlic, might also help reduce the risk of lung cancer, and may play a role in lung cancer treatment. However, evidence showing garlic has anti-cancer effects is mixed as of 2011. Talk to your doctor before taking garlic supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Garlic is perhaps better known as a pungent herb used to flavor food dishes. However, it might also have medicinal properties and may play a role in the treatment of numerous conditions including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and skin infections. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that it is also sometimes used to prevent and treat common forms of cancer and may work by inducing cancer cell death and boosting immunity.
Administration
Garlic may be eaten raw or cooked and is also available as a dietary supplement in tablets and capsules. Guidance regarding a suitable dose to help prevent or treat lung cancer is lacking as of 2011. However, MedlinePlus notes that eating 3.5g to 29g of raw or cooked garlic per week has been used to prevent other forms of cancer. Check with your doctor to determine whether this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
The results of a laboratory-based study published in the September 2000 issue of "Experimental and Molecular Medicine" show that garlic compounds induce lung cancer cell death and might also shut down genes involved in lung cancer cell growth. However, an analysis of data from studies evaluating the effects of garlic on various forms of cancer, published in the January 2009 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," concludes that there is no credible evidence to show that garlic can prevent lung cancer.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus states that garlic is likely safe, but adds that it might cause side effects including stomach upset, nausea, bad breath and body odor. Taking a garlic supplement rather than eating fresh garlic is likely to reduce these effects. Keep in mind that garlic can interact with other medicines, including HIV medicines, the birth control pill, cyclosporine and anticoagulants such as warfarin. Get medical clearance before using garlic to help prevent or treat lung cancer.
References
- Netdoctor; Lung cancer; Dr. Per Grinsted; June 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Garlic; April 2011
- MedlinePlus; Garlic; December 2010
- "Experimental and Molecular Medicine"; Effects of Allyl Sulfur Compounds and Garlic Extract on the Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines; Y.S. Hong, et al.; September 2000
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Garlic Intake and Cancer Risk: An Analysis Using the Food and Drug Administration's Evidence-Based Review system for the Scientific Evaluation of Health Claims; J.Y. Kim and O. Kwon; January 2009
