Garlic: An Immunity Booster Spice during Pandemic Situation

HOME / ARCHIVES / Vol. 2 No. 9 : September (2020) / Popular Article

Garlic: An Immunity Booster Spice during Pandemic Situation

Y. D. Pawar*

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, S. D. Agricultural University, Deesa, Banaskantha, Gujarat (385 535), India

Akshay Patil

Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

DOI: NIL

Keywords: Garlic, Immunity, Pandemic, Spices

Abstract

India has been bestowed with a wide range of climates and physio-geographical conditions and as such is most suitable for growing various kinds of horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, spices and plantation crops. Among the spice crops, Garlic (Allium sativum) is a functional food well-known for its immune-modulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antitumor properties. Its antiviral efficiency was also demonstrated. Some constituents of this plant were found to be active against protozoan parasites. The relations among immune system parameters, leptin, leptin receptor, adenosin mono phosphate-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma have also been interpreted. In conclusion, garlic Allium sativum may be an acceptable preventive measure against pandemic situations to boost immune system cells and to repress the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as an adipose tissue derived hormone leptin having the pro-inflammatory nature.