Antifungal garlic

Researchers have identified several antifungal herbs that are effective against tinea pedis (athlete s foot), such as tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and garlic (Allium sativum). 

Garlic is used as an antifungal. A cream of 0.4% ajoene (the antifungal component of garlic) was found to relieve symptoms of athlete s foot and, tike tea tree oil, is applied twice daily. (For more information on garlic, see Herbal Alert in Chap. 44.)... 

A number of studies have focused on identifying the active antimicrobial principles in fresh garlic extract. Allicin has been identified as the active agent in garlic extracts. The antifungal activity of allicin has been shown to depend on the sulfhydryl moiety because activity is destroyed by thiols such as L-cysteine, glutathione, and mercaptoethanol. Ajoene, a compound found in oil-macerated garlic, has also been shown to have antimicrobial activity (Ali et al., 2000). 

Herbal folklore recommends garlic for its antibiotic, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. When combined with mineral oil and pure soap, it becomes an effective insecticide with fungicidal properties as well. 

Garlic has in vitro antifungal effects against Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida spp., Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Aspergillus spp., and Mucor pusillus (40). When five volunteers consumed 10-25 mL of fresh garlic extract, urine samples had antifungal activity, but susceptibility from serum samples dropped significantly (42). 

Caporaso N, Smith SM, Eng RHK. Antifungal activity in human urine and serum after ingestion of garlic (Allium sativum). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1983 23 700-702. 

Sata N, Matsunaga S, Fusetani N, Nishikawa H, Takamura S, Saito T (1998) New Antifungal and Cytotoxic Steroidal Saponins from the Bulbs of an Elephant Garlic Mutant. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 62 1904... 

Some of the most powerful traditional blends of spices are chili powder (capsicums, onion, paprika, garlic, cumin, oregano), five-spice powder (white or black pepper, cinnamon, anise, fennel, cloves), salsa (capsicums, onion, garlic, tomatoes, lime), and curry powder (tumeric [a potent antibacterial antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral herb], curry leaves [a potent antiamebic, antimalarial, and antidiarrheal herb], cumin, cardamom, ginger, mustard, coriander). 

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