Title:Immunomodulatory Effects of Allium sativum L. and its Constituents
against Viral Infections and Metabolic Diseases
Volume: 22
Issue: 2
Author(s): María del Rayo Camacho-Corona*, Alberto Camacho-Morales*, Fernando Góngora-Rivera, Erandi Escamilla-García, Juan Luis Morales-Landa, Mariana Andrade-Medina, Aldo Fernando Herrera-Rodulfo, Martín García-Juárez, Patricio García-Espinosa, Tommaso Stefani, Patricia González-Barranco and Mauricio Carrillo-Tripp*
Affiliation:
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. San Nicolás de los Garza, N.L., México
- Facultad
de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., México
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud (CIDICS), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León,
Monterrey, N.L., México
- Biomolecular Diversity Laboratory, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico
Nacional Unidad Monterrey, Apodaca, N.L., México
Keywords:
Garlic, Antiviral agents, Immunomodulation agents, Chronic diseases, Coronavirus infection, Metabolic diseases.
Abstract:
Background: Allium sativum L., or garlic, is one of the most studied plants worldwide
within the field of traditional medicine. Current interests lie in the potential use of garlic as a preventive
measure and adjuvant treatment for viral infections, e.g., SARS-CoV-2. Even though it cannot
be presented as a single treatment, its beneficial effects are beyond doubt. The World Health Organization
has deemed it an essential part of any balanced diet with immunomodulatory properties.
Objective: The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of garlic compounds and
preparations on immunomodulation and viral infection management, with emphasis on SARS-CoV-
-2.
Methods: Exhaustive literature search has been carried out on electronic databases.
Conclusion: Garlic is a fundamental part of a well-balanced diet which helps maintain general
good health. The reported information regarding garlic’s ability to beneficially modulate inflammation
and the immune system is encouraging. Nonetheless, more efforts must be made to understand
the actual medicinal properties and mechanisms of action of the compounds found in this plant to
inhibit or diminish viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Based on our findings, we propose a
series of innovative strategies to achieve such a challenge in the near future.