Descripton
Garlic (Allium sativum), like other plants, has an exquisite defense system composed of as many different components as the human immune system. In order to protect itself from insects and fungi, garlic enzymatically produces allicin when it is injured. Thus, allicin is mother nature's insecticide. Allicin was discovered in 1944 by Cavallito et al. who first noted its potent antimicrobial activity. Allicin received a patent for its antifungal activity in test tubes. However, no clinical trials have been performed with allicin and it was never developed into a drug or commercial product due to its instability, inability to be absorbed, and offensive odor. Allicin itself is considered to be of limited value inside the body and is presently regarded by the scientific community as just a transient compound which rapidly decomposes to other compounds. It needs to be stored carefully.