Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in the airways with a multifactorial origin but with inflammation and oxidative stress as related pathogenic mechanisms. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a nutraceutical with different biological properties due to sulfur-containing natural compounds. Studies have shown that several compounds in garlic may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, including those related to the lungs. Therefore, it is possible to take advantage of the compounds from garlic as nutraceuticals for treating lung diseases. The objective of this article is to review the biological properties of the sulfur compounds present in garlic for the treatment of asthma, as well as the cellular mechanisms involved. Here, we discuss the potential therapeutic effects of garlic compounds in the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as its antibiotic and antiviral activities for identifying and testing potential treatment options for asthma management.
Keywords: asthma; garlic; inflammation; oxidative stress; sulfur compounds.