# Lasuna > Lasuna (Allium sativum L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Amaryllidaceae (formerly Liliaceae/Alliaceae) family. WHO monograph on Allium sativum exists covering quality, safety, and efficacy; recognized in multiple national pharmacopoeias worldwide; WHO Essential Medicines Library references garlic preparations. ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Allium sativum L. - **Family:** Amaryllidaceae (formerly Liliaceae/Alliaceae) - **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO monograph on Allium sativum exists covering quality, safety, and efficacy; recognized in multiple national pharmacopoeias worldwide; WHO Essential Medicines Library references garlic preparations ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Lasuna | | Latin/Botanical | *Allium sativum L.* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - [Allicin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#allicin) (diallyl thiosulfinate) - Diallyl disulfide (DADS) - Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) - [Ajoene](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#ajoene) (E- and Z- forms) - S-allyl cysteine (SAC) - [Alliin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alliin) (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) - [Selenium](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#selenium) (micronutrient) - [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) ## How does it work? - Cardiovascular protective: Allicin and ajoene inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce LDL oxidation, and enhance NO-mediated vasodilation; DADS activates Nrf2-dependent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) pathways - [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/): Allicin disrupts bacterial membranes and inhibits thiol-dependent [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes); effective against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and H. pylori - [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/): DATS and ajoene induce G2/M cell cycle arrest, activate intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and inhibit angiogenesis through VEGF suppression ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Cardiovascular protection (Hridya, Raktachapa-hara) extensively validated through clinical trials showing reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, and platelet aggregation - Antimicrobial use (Krimighna) confirmed against broad spectrum of pathogens including antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA) - [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) use supported by clinical evidence of improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) in type 2 diabetes patients ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Jain M, Patil N, Mohammed A and others 2025. [Valorization of garlic (Allium sativum L.) byproducts: Bioactive compounds, biological properties, and applications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40135462/). *Journal of food science*. PMID [40135462](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40135462/) · [doi:10.1111/1750-3841.70152](https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.70152) Identified bioactive compounds in garlic byproducts (skin, stem); documented novel applications in food preservation and pharmaceutical formulations. - Tudu CK, Dutta T, Ghorai M and others 2022. [Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of garlic (Allium sativum), a storehouse of diverse phytochemicals: A review of research from the last decade focusing on health and nutritional implications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36386956/). *Frontiers in nutrition*. PMID [36386956](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36386956/) · [doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929554](https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.929554) Decade-long review confirming garlic's multi-target pharmacological activities including antihyperlipidemic, [antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive), anti-obesity, antimicrobial, and anti-Alzheimer activities. *1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.* ## Recent safety updates - Generally safe at culinary doses; concentrated supplements may increase bleeding risk due to antiplatelet effects; caution with anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelet drugs, and pre-surgery - May cause GI irritation, heartburn, body odor, and halitosis; allergic contact dermatitis possible; WHO has established safety profile but notes drug interaction potential ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsules (enteric-coated), Softgel capsules (oil-based), Tablets, Svarasa (fresh juice), Ksheerapaka (milk decoction), Aged garlic extract capsules, Paste **Standard Dosage:** 2-5 g fresh bulb per day; 500-1500 mg standardized extract daily; 2-5 mL garlic oil; 300-600 mg aged garlic extract twice daily **Bioavailability:** Allicin has poor bioavailability due to rapid degradation in GI tract; converted to diallyl sulfides which are well absorbed. Enteric coating preserves alliinase activity and improves allicin release in small intestine. Aged garlic extract (S-allylcysteine) shows near-complete oral bioavailability (~98%). Oil-macerated preparations deliver diallyl sulfides with good absorption. **Optimal Timing:** With meals to reduce GI irritation; evening dosing may be preferred for cardiovascular effects due to nocturnal blood pressure dipping **Standardized Extract:** Enteric-coated powder standardized to minimum 1.3% alliin (yielding 0.6% allicin potential). Aged garlic extract standardized to 1.0-1.5 mg S-allylcysteine per dose. Garlic oil macerate standardized to 2-5 mg diallyl thiosulfinates per capsule. **Shelf Life:** 36 months for enteric-coated tablets; 24 months for softgels and aged garlic extract; 12 months for fresh juice/paste **Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Protect from moisture. Enteric-coated products should be kept in blister packaging with desiccant. Garlic oil capsules require nitrogen flushing to prevent oxidation. Fresh preparations require refrigeration at 2-8 deg C. **Marker Compounds:** Alliin, Allicin, S-allylcysteine (SAC), Diallyl disulfide (DADS), Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), Ajoene, Allyl methyl sulfide ### Extraction Methods - Steam distillation for volatile oil - Cold pressing/maceration in oil - Aqueous extraction for aged garlic - Freeze-drying to preserve alliinase - Hydroalcoholic extraction (40% ethanol) - Supercritical CO2 extraction ### Synergistic Combinations - [Haridra](/herb/haridra/)/[Turmeric](/herb/turmeric/) (cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory synergy) - [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) (lipid-lowering potentiation) - [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) (GI and cardiovascular support) - [Arjuna](/herb/arjuna/) ([cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) combination) - [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (bioenhancer for allicin absorption) --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/lasuna/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.