Names & Classification
- Botanical Name
- Allium sativum
- Sanskrit Name
- Lasuna / Rasona
- English Name(s)
- Garlic
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Part Used
- Bulb
About This Herb
Garlic is one of the oldest and most widely used medicinal foods in the world. Modern research has extensively validated its cardiovascular benefits — supporting healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and circulation. In Ayurveda, it is considered a powerful Rasayana despite being one of the few pungent substances classified as rejuvenative.
Where It Grows
Native to Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan). Widely cultivated globally in temperate and subtropical regions. Major producers include China, India, United States, South Korea, and many Mediterranean countries. In India, extensively cultivated in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Grows in cool-season crops requiring temperatures 10-25°C with well-drained soils. Requires moderate moisture and full sunlight.
Ayurvedic Profile
Classified as Hridya (cardiotonic), Vatahara (Vata-pacifying), and Rasayana (rejuvenative). Lasuna is unique in possessing five of six Rasas (all except Amla/Sour). The Charaka Samhita describes it as 'Mahaushadha' (great medicine). Note: Some Ayurvedic traditions consider garlic Tamasic and avoid it in sattvic diets. Rasa: Pancharasa minus Amla (five tastes except sour). Virya: Ushna (Heating). Vipaka: Katu (Pungent). Dosha: Pacifies Vata and Kapha.
Key Benefits
Cholesterol reduction, blood pressure support, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protection
Research & Studies
The following research highlights scientific validation of traditional uses:
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and cardiovascular diseases
Authors:0 Multiple authors
Journal: PubMed/NIH (2010)
Systematic review of post-2000 data showing garlic reduces cardiovascular risk including abnormal plasma lipids, oxidized LDL, platelet aggregation, and high blood pressure through organosulfur compounds.
Garlic supplementation and serum cholesterol: a meta-analysis
Authors:0 Multiple authors
Journal: PubMed/NIH (2009)
Meta-analysis of 37 randomized trials showing garlic preparations led to statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol at 1 month (range 1.2-17.3 mg/dL) and 3 months (12.4-25.4 mg/dL), though effects diminished at 6 months.
Revealing the Therapeutic Uses of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Its Potential for Drug Discovery
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: PMC/NIH (2022)
Comprehensive review documenting garlic's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic activities through allicin and derivatives.
Advances in the study of vascular related protective effect of garlic (Allium sativum) extract and compounds
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: Vascular Medicine Reviews (2023)
Recent advances in understanding garlic's cardiovascular mechanisms including endothelial function improvement, nitric oxide enhancement, and anti-thrombotic properties.
Products Containing Garlic
- Cholest Support (Capsule)
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have pre-existing health conditions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.