Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies

The consumption of garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i>), recognized for its historical medicinal significance, is linked to diverse health benefits. In particular, red garlic stands out for its distinct anthocyanin content, contributing to its unique pink-purple clove color, yet despite extens...

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Main Authors: Michele Antonelli, Davide Donelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Biology and Life Sciences Forum
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/38/1/3
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author Michele Antonelli
Davide Donelli
author_facet Michele Antonelli
Davide Donelli
author_sort Michele Antonelli
collection DOAJ
description The consumption of garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i>), recognized for its historical medicinal significance, is linked to diverse health benefits. In particular, red garlic stands out for its distinct anthocyanin content, contributing to its unique pink-purple clove color, yet despite extensive research on the pharmacological properties of garlic extracts, there remains limited evidence specifically addressing the therapeutic potential of red garlic. A narrative search was conducted in February 2024 on PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies examining the pharmacological effects of red garlic extracts. Following the search of selected databases, 789 articles were retrieved and 10 laboratory studies were included in this literature review, exploring the impact of red garlic extracts on laboratory models of lung and digestive tract phlogosis, cancer, microbial proliferation, obesity, and responses to inflammation or oxidative stress. The studies analyzed both aged and fresh red garlic extracts, with a specific emphasis on water extracts. The outcomes highlighted significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of red garlic extracts, also suggesting potential pro-metabolic effects that could be beneficial in addressing excessive weight and dyslipidemia. Moreover, the results point to the inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation by red garlic byproducts and the superior anti-inflammatory profile of the hydroalcoholic extract. Comparative analyses between red and black garlic extracts indicate inconclusive evidence regarding antioxidant activity. The findings also suggest a high level of tolerability for the gut microbiota. This literature review aims to provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of red garlic extracts and emphasizes the need for further research to fully elucidate their benefits and mechanisms of action.
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spelling doaj-art-e7353c0821064a5383134fe89eb8aadd2025-08-20T02:11:01ZengMDPI AGBiology and Life Sciences Forum2673-99762024-12-01381310.3390/blsf2024038003Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory StudiesMichele Antonelli0Davide Donelli1Private Practice for Evidence-Based Integrative and Preventive Medicine, 42025 Cavriago, ItalyCardiology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, ItalyThe consumption of garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i>), recognized for its historical medicinal significance, is linked to diverse health benefits. In particular, red garlic stands out for its distinct anthocyanin content, contributing to its unique pink-purple clove color, yet despite extensive research on the pharmacological properties of garlic extracts, there remains limited evidence specifically addressing the therapeutic potential of red garlic. A narrative search was conducted in February 2024 on PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies examining the pharmacological effects of red garlic extracts. Following the search of selected databases, 789 articles were retrieved and 10 laboratory studies were included in this literature review, exploring the impact of red garlic extracts on laboratory models of lung and digestive tract phlogosis, cancer, microbial proliferation, obesity, and responses to inflammation or oxidative stress. The studies analyzed both aged and fresh red garlic extracts, with a specific emphasis on water extracts. The outcomes highlighted significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of red garlic extracts, also suggesting potential pro-metabolic effects that could be beneficial in addressing excessive weight and dyslipidemia. Moreover, the results point to the inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation by red garlic byproducts and the superior anti-inflammatory profile of the hydroalcoholic extract. Comparative analyses between red and black garlic extracts indicate inconclusive evidence regarding antioxidant activity. The findings also suggest a high level of tolerability for the gut microbiota. This literature review aims to provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of red garlic extracts and emphasizes the need for further research to fully elucidate their benefits and mechanisms of action.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/38/1/3red garlichealthnutraceuticalsdietlaboratory studiesreview
spellingShingle Michele Antonelli
Davide Donelli
Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies
Biology and Life Sciences Forum
red garlic
health
nutraceuticals
diet
laboratory studies
review
title Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies
title_full Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies
title_fullStr Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies
title_full_unstemmed Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies
title_short Therapeutic Benefits of Red Garlic: A Narrative Review of Laboratory Studies
title_sort therapeutic benefits of red garlic a narrative review of laboratory studies
topic red garlic
health
nutraceuticals
diet
laboratory studies
review
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/38/1/3
work_keys_str_mv AT micheleantonelli therapeuticbenefitsofredgarlicanarrativereviewoflaboratorystudies
AT davidedonelli therapeuticbenefitsofredgarlicanarrativereviewoflaboratorystudies