THE ROLE OF GARLIC IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF CANCER

The cancer-controlling properties of garlic have become well known today. An increasing number of patients all around the world have started using this herb for the management of cancer along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy for improving their chances of recovery and survival. The different ways by which garlic works to control the growth and multiplication of the cancer cells are described below:

WORKS AS AN ANTIOXIDANT
Alliin and Alliinase are the two enzymes that are released when the garlic cloves are cut or crushed. Of these, Alliin works as a powerful antioxidant, which improves the potential of garlic as an anti-cancer medication. An antioxidant is termed as a substance that can destroy the free radicals in the body.

It should be noted that the damage caused to the normal tissues due to the free radical is a common cause of cancer. These free radicals can damage the DNA structure, which can result in some cells mutating into cancerous cells. It is possible to get rid of the damage caused by these free radicals by using antioxidants like garlic. Garlic acts directly on the free radicals and destroys them completely thereby minimizing the harm to the healthy tissues. It also prevents the change in the structure of the DNA due to the free radicals and inhibits the ensuing abnormal multiplication of the cells that can lead to cancer.

DESTROYS THE TUMOR CELLS
The natural toxic chemical reaction between the two compound of garlic, Alliinase, and Alliin, at the tumor site can help in causing the destruction of the cancer cells. This action can be brought about artificially by using an antibody that is programmed to identify the tumor cells.

The antibody is bound to Alliinase and then injected into the bloodstream to find the cancer cells. This is followed by an Alliin injection, which then reacts with Alliinase to form Allicin that penetrates the tumor cells and kills them. [2] Garlic can also cause the cancer cells to die off by reducing the rate at which they proliferate, thereby slowing down the progression of cancer. It has been shown to kill the cancer cells in the lungs, esophagus, breasts, stomach and colon.

PREVENTS ANGIOGENESIS
The anti-cancer benefits of garlic can be attributed to its action in preventing angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a process by which new blood vessels are formed at the cancer site so that the affected tissues receive an increased supply of blood that can aid in the faster growth of cancer. This process hastens the spread of cancer by feeding the abnormal cells with a higher amount of nutrients. Garlic can help prevent this by inhibiting angiogenesis.

It prevents the formation of new blood vessels within the tumor. As a result, the cells could not get enough nutrients to survive or continue their growth and multiplication and eventually die. This helps in limiting the growth of cancer.

OFFERS PROTECTION FROM HARMFUL TOXINS
Garlic is known to protect the body cells from the harmful effect of environmental toxins. Environmental toxins like some metals and cigarette smoke can cause serious damage to the healthy tissues of the lungs, in particular, and the body, in general, is thereby stimulating the occurrence or progress of cancer. Use of garlic in its natural or supplemental form can help in preventing this by boosting the resistance of the body tissues to the damage caused by them.

SUPPLIES MELATONIN
Garlic contains high levels of tryptophan, a precursor to the naturally secreted hormone in the body called serotonin. Serotonin is essential for the production of a substance called Melatonin that is an anti-cancer agent produced naturally in the brain by the pineal gland. The high production of Melatonin is associated with lower risk of cancer. Melatonin also helps in preventing the spread of cancer with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. However, the production of Melatonin slows down as the age advances making the people in the older age group prone to develop cancer. The use of garlic can help restore the levels of body’s anti-cancer agent, Melatonin, by supplying its precursor, tryptophan. 

ANTI-BACTERIAL ACTION
Researchers have found that Allicin, a compound present in garlic from which it derives its flavor, can help in fighting cancer with its antibacterial action. Allicin can fight infections caused by a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Repeated infection in the lungs is a common cause of lung cancer. Patients with low immunity often develop recurrent attacks of pneumonia or bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi) due to which the normal architecture of the lungs is affected triggering the development of cancer.

However, it is to be kept in mind that Allicin from which garlic derives this benefit is not present in the unbroken garlic cloves but is released only when the cloves are crushed or broken. Hence, patients are advised to crush or cut the garlic cloves before consuming it or use the supplements that contain the compound.

Garlic produces an anti-cancer action that is protective in several cancers including those affecting the stomach and colon. The anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenesis
actions of this herb are just some of the few that help in the cancer prevention and treatment. Patients suffering from cancer are advised to start consuming garlic in its raw form or include it in their cooking to prevent cancer from spreading. It can also help them in improving the results achieved through radiation and chemotherapy. People prone to develop cancer can also use this herb for preventing the illness. Garlic is available in the form of supplements. Patients who do not like the strong, pungent taste of the herb can use the supplements to avail the benefits. They are advised to consult a cancer specialist to learn more about the uses and the recommended dose of garlic supplements for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Source Of Information : Garlic: A Great Anti-Cancer Agent