Garlic has long been regarded for its anti-infective properties, many of which have been demonstrated by modern methods.

In one placebo controlled study in the U.K., patients recieving garlic had only 1/3 the number of days with cold symptoms (111 vs. 366). The researchers concluded that garlic consumption reduced the risk of viral colds, and led to faster recovery if a cold was contracted. PMID:11697022 (cache).

A test-tube study found that the various components of garlic are virucidal or virustatic to herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, parainfluenza virus type 3, vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human rhinovirus type 2. PMID:1470664 (cache)

While there is little direct research on how garlic might inhibit influenza, there is evidence that garlic can play a beneficial role in reducing the cytokine storm.

Garlic and Cytokines

Three of the odorous sulfur compounds in garlic were tested to determine how they affected cytokine levels in blood cells exposed to LPS (a bacterial compound that stimulates cytokines). Diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) all reduced the TNF response, although AMS did so only slightly. DAS also inhibited the inflammatory IL-1 beta, IL-6 and the anti-inflammatory IL-10. DADS reduced production of IL-10 and IL-6. AMS increased IL-10 levels. PMID:15796590 (cache)
In sum, all 3 compounds blunted the TNF component of the cytokine storm, while 2 compounds lessened the IL-1 and IL-6 components of the storm. Individually, some compounds stimulated IL-10 while some inhibited it, making it difficult to assess what (if any) net effect garlic has on IL-10.

Allicin (another compound in garlic) has been proven to reduce a component of the cytokine storm. In a 4-way in vitro experiment, cells were either pretreated with allicin (or not) and then exposed to TNF (or not). The levels of several inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-8, IP-10 and MIG) were then measured. Cytokines levels were elevated in cells exposed to TNF, but much less so if the cells were pre-treated with allicin. In the 2 groups of cells that were not exposed to TNF, those pretreated with allicin also had lower cytokine levels compared to those which were not garlicized. PMID:15380914 (cache)

In a study where mice were administered the TNF stimulant concanavalin A, allicin was shown to prevent liver damage. Pretreatment with allicin reduced TNF levels, nitric oxide, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. It appears that the effects of concanavalin were reduced by blocking NF-kappaB activation. PMID:15910499 (cache)

In rats given a large dose of adriamycin, a large increase in TNF was seen in the heart tissues, and there was significant damage associated with that. Fresh garlic preparations blocked both the increase in TNF and damage to the heart. The researchers suggested that garlic might be protective by maintaining levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), two anti-oxidants that protect against inflammation. 14687418 (cache)

Fresh garlic can be added liberally to the diet. Garlic tablets offer an 'odorless' alternative that is only partially odorless. When garlic is consumed, some of the objectionable breath may come from garlic in the mouth, but much of the smell comes from the lungs. This is one indication that garlic is bioavailable and reaches the lungs in significant amounts. I personally believe that a touch of garlic breath is a small price to pay for the many benefits of this herb, but those who find themselves in a position where garlic is socially unacceptable might consider taking garlic with parsley (like Nature's Way Garlic & Parsley) ... the parsley is reportedly a natural breath deodorizer.

Because garlic contains many unstable molecules and its properties are highly dependent on the method of preparation, I tend to use two different products at a time - (one in the morning, one in the evening).

Bacterial Side Notes

Garlic has been dubbed the "Russian Penicillin" due to its potent anti-bacterial activity. Although secondary bacterial infections are not a major cause of death in H5N1 infection, it probably doesn't hurt to have an antibiotic like garlic in the blood should one become infected with avian flu.

During the bubonic plagues, convicts were often in charge of collecting and burying the victims of that disease. A number of convicts displayed an amazing resistance to the deadly bacteria, which was later attributed to their daily consumption of spoiled wine with garlic (known as "4 Thieves Vinegar).

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