The compounds found in garlic Is Garlic a Natural Antibiotic, such as Allicin and Trypsin-like protease, make it an effective medicine against bacteria and fungi. The antibiotic properties of garlic are most potent when raw, but they are retained when cooked, making it an excellent natural antibiotic. There are no known side effects of garlic. This makes garlic an ideal choice for people with sensitive digestive systems, as it is not harmful to the body.
Allicin
Allicin in garlic is a natural, effective antibiotic. It has antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of bacterial species. This powerful compound originates from the sulfur-containing amino acid alliin and is converted to allicin in the digestive system by an enzyme called alliinase. In studies, allicin and related compounds have shown significant antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacterial species, including H. pylori.
In a recent study, researchers found that allicin in garlic improved the eradication of H. pylori infection in mice. These findings were consistent with previous observations that garlic was effective against H. pylori. Researchers purified allicin by separating it from garlic extract and related thoisulfinates. Allicin also inhibited gene expression in H. pylori that causes gastric ulcers.
Trypsin-like protease
The antioxidant, trypsin-like protease, found in garlic is a useful tool against bacterial infections. The enzyme works by preventing bacteria from replicating themselves. It inhibits the inflammatory response by activating several immune system genes. It also increases glutathione concentration. Researchers found that garlic also inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an enzyme that causes oxidative stress.
In a recent study, Wang and colleagues studied the N-glycosylation of the protease domains of enteropeptidase, corin, and trypsin. The research team was able to identify a common mechanism for this glycosylation and found that it was present in all three proteases. The researchers were able to identify a phytase that can resist these proteases.
Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B
Researchers are researching the effectiveness of Streptococcal pyrogenic toxins as antibiotics. SPE B, an extracellular cysteine protease produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, has been shown to inhibit the lethality of mice. While the exact mechanism is not understood, the protein is a potent activator of TNF.
The toxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes are categorized according to their cell wall carbohydrate antigens. These antigens are recognized by human antibodies through specific rabbit antisera. Antibody formation is largely dependent upon the presence of anticapsular antibodies. Another type of antigen is the Forssman antigen, which is linked to the lipid membrane.
Biofilm
Garlic is a popular choice among natural health practitioners for its powerful antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Its compounds, including ajoene, are excellent against resistant bacterial infections. When crushed garlic is released into the body, the compound weakens biofilm formation, a characteristic of many common bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics and the immune system. It inhibits biofilm formation by preventing the bacteria from adhering to the skin surface.
This combination inhibits bacterial growth by interfering with the quorum-sensing signaling system and preventing the bacteria from secreting a toxin called rhamnolipid. This toxin protects the bacteria from the normally antimicrobial white blood cells, which are the body’s natural antibiotic. Biofilms are formed by bacteria which surround themselves with tough organic materials. Most “Staph” infections are caused by this bacteria.
Mechanisms of action
Garlic as an antibiotic has multiple mechanisms. These include inhibition of host immune molecules, bacteriostatic activity, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial effects. Bacterial biofilm formation inhibits antibiotics, disinfectants, and host immune molecules. Biofilm formation is controlled by QS molecules, which regulate the population of bacteria and intercellular communication. Many scientists have studied biofilm formation, and many natural products are effective inhibitors of this process. The toluene extract of garlic inhibited biofilm formation and was an effective QS inhibitor.
In addition to its broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, garlic is also capable of enhancing antibiotic activity. Research suggests that garlic can alter the bio membrane of bacterial cells, facilitating uptake and achievement of the target. Furthermore, garlic may inhibit the activity of similar sites in bacterial cells, leading to improved antimicrobial effect. This is a promising avenue for future studies. It is not clear whether garlic will ever be recognized as a useful antibiotic, but it is certainly worth exploring further.