Garlic burn trauma of the oral mucosa in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia: A case report.

Garlic is one of the most common medicinal plants used since ancient times to treat diverse diseases within several cultures worldwide. Nevertheless, this plant has the potential to cause chemical burns of the skin and mucosa. This report presents a case of a garlic burn in the palate of a 57-year-old woman who applied garlic to the palate to relieve the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. This case demonstrates the potential of garlic to cause chemical burns to the oral mucosa and raises an alert to oral health professionals regarding inappropriate self-treatment methods.

Garlic burn injuries- a systematic review of reported cases.

Medicinal plants have many beneficial effects on human health. Garlic (Allium sativum, Alliaceae) is one of the most famous herbal species, used for various diseases and conditions. Unfortunately, garlic is also associated with adverse effects, including cutaneous manifestations. In this review, burn injuries caused by application of raw garlic are reported. Searching through PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate, a total of 32 articles with 39 patients were found. Demographics of patients, reasons for garlic use, details on garlic application, as well as description of burns and its treatment are thoroughly described and discussed. In most of the cases, garlic caused second-degree burns, although some circumstances can cause formation of necrotic tissue. Various body parts were affected, legs being most common. The chemistry of garlic is also presented, with focus on volatile organic sulfur compounds, which also seem to be responsible for burns formation. Treatment of garlic burns was mainly symptomatic, and various types of drugs were used. Although not commonly expected, garlic should be taken into consideration as causative agents of burns by treating doctors, and patients should be advised against application of fresh garlic onto skin and mucosa.

Assessment of routine diet (garlic consumption) as a pre- and postoperative protocol in oral and maxillofacial surgical interventions: An evidence-based literature review.

BACKGROUND: It was hypothesized that pathological bleeding (PB) during and/or after oral surgical procedures is higher in systemically healthy patients who have a history of garlic intake compared to controls (patients without a history of garlic consumption). AIM: The aim of the present review article was to identify studies in which garlic consumption was included as a patient management protocol before and after oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). METHODS: A review of pertinent indexed literature was performed. The focused question that was addressed was "Has diet (garlic consumption) been considered as a patient management protocol before and after OMFS?" The inclusion criteria were: (a) studies published in indexed databases, (b) original studies, (c) studies on OMFS, and (d) studies that considered diet (garlic consumption) as a patient management protocol before and after OMFS. Literature review, commentaries, letters to the editor, and studies published in non-indexed resources were excluded. The pattern of the present review was customized to summarize the pertinent information. RESULTS: The initial search using the terms "oral," maxillofacial," "protocol," and "surgery" yielded 1478 studies. The addition of the term "diet" to this search strategy reduced the number of studies to five. Further filtration of these studies using the terms "garlic" and/or "Allium sativum" showed no studies. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic intake predisposes patients to PB. However, there are no studies in the indexed literature that have considered the inclusion of garlic consumption in patient management protocols before and after OMFS.

Burns Due to Application of Raw Garlic to the Feet as a Home Remedy for Fever.

We present an illustrative case of unintentional burns to the feet of a 15-month-old child following the application of raw garlic as a home remedy for fever. We provide an overview of the historical medicinal uses of garlic as well as its unintended adverse effects. This case underscores the importance of clinicians' ability to recognize unusual presentations of injury due to culturally based practices that require care in emergency settings. This is particularly important in patient populations for whom abusive etiology would be considered.

Garlic intake and gastric cancer risk: Results from two large prospective US cohort studies.

Although many case-control studies suggested that garlic intake may reduce gastric cancer risk, evidence from prospective cohort studies has been lacking. We examined the association between garlic intake and subsequent risk of gastric cancer among 77,086 women in the Nurses' Health Study (1984-2014) and 46,398 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2014). Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. We additionally examined garlic intake in relation to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among 613 participants using logistic regression. During up to 30 years of follow-up, 292 participants were diagnosed with gastric cancer. The pooled multivariable RR of gastric cancer among participants who ate garlic, as compared to those who did not, were 1.11 (95% CI = 0.81-1.51) for the intake of garlic less than once per week, 0.98 (95% CI = 0.71-1.36) for one to four times per week and 1.39 (95% CI = 0.89-2.17) for five or more times per week (p for trend = 0.23). Similarly, no statistically significant association was observed cross-sectionally between garlic intake and H. pylori infection (comparing five or more times per week to never, pooled multivariable odds ratio = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.89-3.09; p for trend = 0.11). The findings from this large prospective study do not support the hypothesis that high garlic intake reduces risk of gastric cancer.

Good for the lung but bad for the liver? Garlic-induced hepatotoxicity following liver transplantation.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Limited data exist surrounding the metabolism and safety of garlic supplements. CASE DESCRIPTION: A patient with a history of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and orthotopic liver transplantation was admitted to our surgery transplant service with severe hypoxaemia. The patient was started on high-dose Garlicin Cardio® (Allium sativum) for HPS and soon after had elevated liver function tests. Garlicin Cardio® was discontinued and liver enzymes normalized. A liver biopsy revealed mild periportal cholestatic reaction suggesting potential drug-induced aetiology. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is the first description of liver injury secondary to garlic supplementation. Therefore, this garlic supplement should be listed as a potential cause of acute drug-induced liver injury.

Garlic Dermatitis on the Neck of an Infant Treated for Nasal Congestion.

The health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum) as a naturopathic remedy have been well documented, but topical application of garlic has been linked to allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We present a case of severe irritant contact dermatitis due to application of a fresh garlic necklace to the neck of infant for treatment of nasal congestion.

Alliaceous migraines.

OBJECTIVE: To report a migraineur with osmophobia and trigger to garlic and onion aroma. BACKGROUND: While odors serve as a trigger in 70% of migraineurs, alliaceous aromas have been described only rarely. Furthermore, nor has more than one type of alliaceous odor acted as a trigger in the same individual. Neither has migraine with aura been described as precipitated by such aromas. A patient experiencing migraines with aura, triggered almost exclusively by alliaceous aromas, is described. CASE STUDY: 32-year-old woman; 5 years previously felt nasal pruritis upon eating a red onion dip. Shortly thereafter, the mere aroma of raw onions caused a sensation of her throat closing along with an associated panic attack. Over the intervening years, upon exposure to onions and garlic aroma she experienced a fortification spectra and visual entopia, followed by a bipareital, crushing level 10/10 headache, burning eyes and nose, lacrimation, perioral paresthesias, generalized pruritis, nausea, fatigue, sore throat, dysarthria, confusion, dyspnea, palpitations, presyncopal sensations, hand spasms, tongue soreness, neck pain, phonophobia, and photophobia. These would persist for 1 hour after leaving the aroma. She was unresponsive to medication and would wear a surgical mask when out. The patient also experienced chemosensory complaints: dysosmias every few months; phantosmias of food or cleaning products every month for a minute of level 5/10 intensity; pallinosmia of onion or garlic odor for 30 minutes after exposure; and metallic pallinugeusia after eating with metal utensils. RESULTS: Neurological exam normal except for bilateral positive Hoffman reflexes. CHEMOSENSORY TESTING: Quick Smell Identification Test 3/3 and Brief Smell Identification Test 12/12 were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography with and without contrast normal. Allergy skin test was positive for garlic and onion. Nose plug and counter stimulation with peppermint prevented the onset of headaches and associated symptoms. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of migraines with aura triggered by more than one alliaceous compound in the same individual. Possible mechanisms include odor induced, emotional change, vasomotor instability, trigeminal-induced neurogenic inflammation, and allergic response. In alliaceous and odor-induced migraines, a trial of counter stimulation and nose plugs is warranted.

Garlic for the common cold.

Background Garlic is alleged to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that relieve the common cold, among other beneficial effects. There is widespread usage of garlic supplements. The common cold is associated with significant morbidity and economic consequences. On average, children have six to eight colds per year and adults have two to four.Objectives To determine whether garlic (Allium sativum) is effective for the prevention or treatment of the common cold, when compared to placebo, no treatment or other treatments.Search methods We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 7),OLDMEDLINE (1950 to 1965),MEDLINE (January 1966 to July week 5, 2014), EMBASE(1974 to August 2014) and AMED (1985 to August 2014).Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials of common cold prevention and treatment comparing garlic with placebo, no treatment or standard treatment.Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently reviewed and selected trials from searches, assessed and rated study quality and extracted relevant data.Main results In this updated review, we identified eight trials as potentially relevant from our searches. Again, only one trial met the inclusion criteria.This trial randomly assigned 146 participants to either a garlic supplement (with 180 mg of allicin content) or a placebo (once daily)for 12 weeks. The trial reported 24 occurrences of the common cold in the garlic intervention group compared with 65 in the placebo group (P value < 0.001), resulting in fewer days of illness in the garlic group compared with the placebo group (111 versus 366). The number of days to recovery from an occurrence of the common cold was similar in both groups (4.63 versus 5.63). Only one trial met the inclusion criteria, therefore limited conclusions can be drawn. The trial relied on self reported episodes of the common cold but was of reasonable quality in terms of randomisation and allocation concealment. Adverse effects included rash and odour. Authors' conclusions There is insufficient clinical trial evidence regarding the effects of garlic in preventing or treating the common cold. A single trial suggested that garlic may prevent occurrences of the common cold but more studies are needed to validate this finding. Claims of effectiveness appear to rely largely on poor-quality evidence.

Chemical burn caused by topical application of garlic under occlusion.

Allium sativum (garlic) can cause an irritant contact dermatitis, secondary to naturopathic practices. We report an unusually severe case of chemical burn following garlic applied under occlusion.

Garlic for the common cold.

BACKGROUND: Garlic is alleged to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that relieve the common cold, among other beneficial effects. There is widespread usage of garlic supplements. The common cold is associated with significant morbidity and economic consequences. On average, children have six to eight colds per year and adults have two to four. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether garlic (allium sativum) is effective for either the prevention or treatment of the common cold, when compared to placebo, no treatment or other treatments. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2011, Issue 4), which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group Specialised Register, OLDMEDLINE (1950 to 1965), MEDLINE (January 1966 to November week 3, 2011), EMBASE (1974 to December 2011) and AMED (1985 to December 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of common cold prevention and treatment comparing garlic with placebo, no treatment or standard treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently reviewed and selected trials from searches, assessed and rated study quality and extracted relevant data. MAIN RESULTS: Of the six trials identified as potentially relevant from our searches, only one trial met the inclusion criteria. This trial randomly assigned 146 participants to either a garlic supplement (with 180 mg of allicin content) or a placebo (once daily) for 12 weeks. The trial reported 24 occurrences of the common cold in the garlic intervention group compared with 65 in the placebo group (P < 0.001), resulting in fewer days of illness in the garlic group compared with the placebo group (111 versus 366). The number of days to recovery from an occurrence of the common cold was similar in both groups (4.63 versus 5.63). Only one trial met the inclusion criteria, therefore limited conclusions can be drawn. The trial relied on self reported episodes of the common cold but was of reasonable quality in terms of randomisation and allocation concealment. Adverse effects included rash and odour. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient clinical trial evidence regarding the effects of garlic in preventing or treating the common cold. A single trial suggested that garlic may prevent occurrences of the common cold but more studies are needed to validate this finding. Claims of effectiveness appear to rely largely on poor-quality evidence.

Anaphylaxis induced by ingestion of raw garlic.

Patients allergic to garlic often present dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, and urticaria after ingestion of garlic, contact with garlic, or exposure to garlic dust. Garlic-related anaphylaxis is rare, and the impact of heating on garlic allergens is not very clear. We report a case of anaphylaxis induced by ingestion of raw rather than cooked garlic with manifestations different from previous reports, and we hypothesized that heating could reduce the allergenicity of garlic. Serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE were tested using the Phadia CAP System FEIA (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). Protein extracts from raw and cooked garlic were analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. Serum-specific IgE for garlic was 8.16 kUA/L. IgE banding proteins could only be detected in raw garlic extract, because allergens in garlic were mostly degraded into small fragments after heating, as shown in SDS-PAGE profile. In conclusion, raw garlic could induce life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, most of its allergens are heat labile, and patients allergic to garlic might tolerate the cooked one well.

Interactions between drugs and four common medicinal herbs.

Herbal remedies are popular in the UK, but there is evidence that some of the most commonly used herbs can interact with conventional drugs, sometimes with potentially serious consequences. This article looks at four common herbal remedies and examines the scientific evidence for their interactions with drugs.

The Influence of Plants from the Alliaceae Family on Morphological Parameters of the Intestine in Atherogenic Rats.

Bulbs from the Alliaceae family have been well-known and valued spices for thousands of years, not only for their unique flavor and aroma features, but also for their high nutritional and health-promoting values. Long-term or excessive consumption of these vegetables, especially raw garlic, can have side effects in the body (including in the digestive tract), causing a number of pathological changes in the intestinal wall; these changes lead, in turn, to its damage, dysfunction, and disorder development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of freeze-dried vegetables from the Alliaceae family, i.e., garlic (Allium sativum L.), white onion, and red onion (Allium cepa L.) on the morphometric parameters (intestinal villi length, crypt depth, thickness of tunica mucosa, and the thickness of tunica muscle) of the jejunum of rats fed a semi-synthetic atherogenic diet (1% dietary cholesterol). In freeze-dried vegetables administered to rats, the contents of selected bioactive ingredients and their antioxidant potentials were determined. The effect of the onion vegetable supplements on growth parameters, serum lipid profile, plasma antioxidant potential, and the intestinal morphological parameters of rats loaded with cholesterol was determined. In an animal experiment, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 diet groups, diet consumption and FER were studied. Supplementation of the atherogenic diet with vegetables improved the blood plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices, in a manner that was dependent on the type of supplementation used, with the best hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects found in garlic use. The atherogenic diet, as well as the supplementation of this diet with the tested vegetables from the Alliaceae family, influenced the histological changes in the epithelium of the jejunum of rats. The damage to the intestinal mucosa was the greatest in animals fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with garlic. Bearing in mind that the desired beneficial therapeutic or prophylactic effects of onion vegetables (in particular garlic) in the course of various metabolic ailments (including atherosclerosis) are achieved during long-term supplementation, it is important to remember their possible cytotoxic effects (e.g., on the digestive tract) in order to achieve real benefits related to the supplementation with vegetables from the Alliaceae family.

Garlic-induced face burn.

There is inadequate research and study into the use of garlic and other herbal medicine in clinical practice; accordingly, the general population should be cautious when using such complementary and herbal treatments. We report a case which highlights the potential complications following the application of garlic-related naturopathic remedies mostly on skin burns.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and garlic consumption: a lesson to learn.

The first case of a kidney haematoma after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) in a patient with nephrolithiasis who was taking aged garlic extraction is reported. Patient was treated conservatively without the need of any intervention. Urologists should be aware that herbal products including garlic, ginkgo, and ginseng have been associated with potential increased bleeding. The present case emphasises the need to specifically seek out a history of herbal use in presurgical patients. It is suggested that herbal medications should be discontinued up to 15 days prior to urologic surgery or SWL to minimise the risk of complications.