Garlic and Liver Diseases

Abstract

Oxidative stress is involved in all kinds of liver diseases, from acute liver injury to malignancy, orchestrated by other important pathological events, such as inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Consumption of garlic is considered as a convenient and effective route for health promotion for thousands of years ago. Recently, emerging evidence suggests the strong antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties of garlic and its derivatives. In this chapter, we summarize the pivotal role of oxidative stress in a variety of liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, liver infection, autoimmune liver disease, fibrogenic liver disorders, and liver cancer. Most importantly, applications of garlic-related products in these diseases, with oxidative stress-related mechanisms and perspectives, are presented. In conclusion, although there are several problems need to be further investigated in depth, consumption of garlic is definitely a practical way for promoting health and well-being, particularly for liver diseases.