Allicin antibacterial activity

Allicin not only shows antibacterial activity, but also antifungal [63], antiprotozoal [87], anti-parasitic [88] and antiviral activities [89]. It has recently been shown to inhibit the ability of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites to destroy monolayers of baby hamster kidney cells [90]. Cysteine proteinases, an imporatant contributor to amebic virulence, as well as alcohol dehydrogenase, are strongly inhibited by allicin [90]. 

The antibacterial activities of the Allium species have been well documented. Historically, Louis Pasteur first noted the antibacterial activity of garlic (Block et al. 1993). By the 1900s, substances showing antibacterial action were beginning to be identified. Allicin was the first organosulfur compound to be isolated and defined as an antibacterial agent in garlic (Cavallito and Bailey 1944). The antibacterial activity... 

Alliaceous plants release characteristic volatile compounds. The most well-known compound is the allylthio-sulfinate allicin (169), which is produced from alliin (170) by alliinase and exhibits strong antibacterial and antifungal activities. For this reason, alliaceous plants are used as companion plants of tomato, cucumber,... 

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