by Kelley Herring
Garlic has been used as medicine since the time of Hippocrates. And a compound called ajoene may be to credit.
Ajoene is derived from “ajo", the Spanish word for garlic. When garlic is chopped or crushed, a compound called allicin is formed. When three molecules of allicin bond, they form ajoene. This is the most stable and abundant healthful compound in macerate of garlic (chopped garlic in edible oil).
Ajoene is an antioxidant which repairs free radicals in the body. It also has anti-clotting properties which potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also a broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent.