Lasuna

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Lasuna
Latin/Botanical	Allium sativum L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate)
• Diallyl disulfide (DADS)
• Diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
• Ajoene (E- and Z- forms)
• S-allyl cysteine (SAC)
• Alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide)
• Selenium (micronutrient)
• Quercetin

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 pathways
• Antimicrobial: Allicin disrupts bacterial membranes and inhibits thiol-dependent enzymes; effective against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and H. pylori
• 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 use supported by clinical evidence of improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood 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. Journal of food science. PMID 40135462 · doi: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. Frontiers in nutrition. PMID 36386956 · doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929554
  Decade-long review confirming garlic’s multi-target pharmacological activities including antihyperlipidemic, 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/Turmeric (cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory synergy)
• Guggulu (lipid-lowering potentiation)
• Triphala (GI and cardiovascular support)
• Arjuna (cardioprotective combination)
• Pippali (bioenhancer for allicin absorption)