Antimicrobial properties of Allium sativum (garlic)

Although garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, investigations into its mode of action are relatively recent. Garli c has a wide spectrum of actions; not only is it antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal, but it also has beneficial effects on the car diovascular and immune systems. Resurgence in the use of natural herbal alt ernatives has brought the use of medicinal plants to the forefront of pharm acological investigations, and many new drugs are being discovered. This re view aims to address the historical use of garlic and its sulfur chemistry, and to provide a basis for further research into its antimicrobial propert ies.