Allicin and its Therapeutic Potential in Diabetes Management: A Comprehensive Review

It has been known since ancient times that garlic (Allium sativum), a member of the Alliaceae family, is an indispensable component of human food. This compound contains abundant nutrients, minerals, sulphur-containing compounds, essential oils, phenols, and free amino acids. Sugar levels in the blood that are abnormally high are a symptom of diabetes mellitus, in which the body has difficulty appropriately regulating glucose metabolism. Elevated levels of glucose in blood plasma are considered DM. It has been suggested that two primary mechanisms are responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. One of the main causes of the persistent hyperglycemia linked to diabetes mellitus is the immune system's devastation of pancreatic β-cells, which results in a lack of insulin synthesis. Additionally, endogenous resistance of the body cells to the action of insulin is also a contributing factor. Children who have type 1 diabetes frequently experience symptoms such as polyuria, weight loss, and polydipsia of varying degrees. A comprehensive literature search on the potential benefits of allicin in diabetes mellitus (DM) was conducted using reputable databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and other recognized scientific sources. Furthermore, information on the clinical application of allicin was reviewed and compiled from ClinicalTrials.gov to provide insights into ongoing and completed clinical studies. Allicin is a compound that has the potential to have effects on pancreatic cells, wound healing, promoting insulin secretion, diabetic macroangiopathy, maintaining glucose homeostasis, and diabetic nephropathy. In addition, studies on cell lines that were carried out with different concentrations of allicin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on diabetes mellitus. The promising treatment strategy, therapeutic benefits, and inhibitory actions that allicin exhibits on diabetes make it an appealing candidate for additional research and the possibility of its application in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.