Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, including as a remedy for skin ailments like acne. Historical records, particularly in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, describe garlic’s topical and dietary use for promoting skin health, reducing inflammation, and fighting infections. The rationale behind its use rests on garlic’s well-documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, most notably allicin, which has demonstrated some ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), a key player in acne development.

Despite its longstanding traditional use, scientific evidence for garlic’s efficacy in treating acne specifically is limited and largely preclinical. While laboratory studies confirm that garlic extracts can inhibit acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammatory responses in vitro, there are few high-quality clinical trials evaluating garlic (either topically or orally) for acne in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from garlic’s general antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Potential risks, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions with topical use, also need consideration.

In summary, garlic’s use for acne is primarily supported by tradition and plausible biological mechanisms rather than robust clinical evidence. It remains a popular folk remedy, but more rigorous studies are needed before it can be recommended as an evidence-based treatment for acne.

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Ajoene
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alpha-pinene
berberine
bisabolol
black cumin
burdock
bасора
Cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
garlic bulb
green tea
hemp oil
honeysuckle
L-cystine
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
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Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Monolaurin
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic compounds
scrophularia root
Sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
tomato
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
Zinc
shen-chu
Neem tree
paederia foetida
Tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
chrysanthemum
Morinda
oriental arborvitae
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
fulvic acid
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
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apple cider vinegar
alpha-terpineol
azelaic acid
Allicin
Abrus
andrographolide
Alpha hydroxy acids
Allantoin
Asteraceae
argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
bee propolis
black seed
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
banyan
bee products
Bassia scoparia
coconut
caryophyllene
Calendula
chlorophyllin
carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese raisintree
curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
chinatree
castile soap
copaiba oil
Clerodendrum indicum
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Dianthus
Eclipta
essential oil blend
evening primrose oil
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
estrogen
fatty acids
gallic acid
Glycolic acid
glyceryl monolaurate
Glabridin
honey
heal-all
Hydrocolloid
henna
Himalaya berry
hemp
Isatis
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
Lactobacillus plantarum
Litsea
lactic acid
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Labdanum
Melia
Monoterpenes
mangostin
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Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Nigella seed
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phlorotannins
probiotics
Pansit-pansitan
Peptides
Sophora
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