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

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Synopsis

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

Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including conditions related to abnormal tissue growth such as polyps. In traditional systems, particularly within folk and herbal medicine, garlic has been valued for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-modulating properties. Some cultures have used garlic preparations topically or orally to address growths or lesions, based on the belief that its bioactive compounds—primarily organosulfur compounds like allicin—can help inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.

Scientifically, limited in vitro (test tube) and animal studies suggest that garlic extracts may exert anti-tumor effects, possibly through mechanisms involving the modulation of cell signaling pathways and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Some small studies and case reports have explored garlic’s potential role in reducing the risk of certain cancers or pre-cancerous lesions, such as colorectal adenomas (a common type of polyp), but the evidence is inconclusive and not robust enough to recommend garlic as a primary treatment or preventive agent for polyps. There are no large, high-quality clinical trials specifically demonstrating that garlic effectively treats or prevents polyps in humans.

In summary, garlic’s use for polyps is primarily justified by traditional practices, with only weak and preliminary scientific support. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals for evidence-based treatments if diagnosed with polyps.

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