Molecular mechanisms of the beneficial effects of allicin on cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include a group of diseases whose common denominator is the affection of the blood vessels, heart, and heart rate. The treatment of CVD represents high costs to the health systems and is focused on the control of risk factors. Despite the existence of a great variety of treatments of the CVD, these continue as the main cause of mortality mainly due to the multifactorial origin, and therefore more than one drug is required. In this context, allicin, a compound derived from garlic, has shown regulate the expression of signaling pathways and risk factors associated with the progression of CVD. Therefore, the objective of this work is to review the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which allicin exert its therapeutic effects and to describe the scientific evidences why allicin represents a potential candidate to assist in the treatment of CVD.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) affect blood vessels, heart, and heart rate, with high treatment costs. Multiple treatments have not addressed the fact that CVD remains a leading cause of death, necessitating combination drug therapy. Allicin has shown potential in treating CVD by regulating signaling pathways and risk factors.