The folk medicine of many different cultures has extolled the use of garlic both to prevent and to cure many diseases. Modern medical research is absorbing some of these beliefs. Recent studies indicate that many of the more than 50 sulphur compounds that can be produced from garlic (depending upon whether it is boiled, fried in oil, or dried) have medicinal utility. Some of these compounds lower blood cholesterol, others reduce platelet clumping, while still others shrink some kinds of tumors. Other plants and herbs recommended by traditional medicine may also prove valuable for medicine generally.
The belief that garlic is an effective way to prevent or cure some diseases is not limited to a small number of closely related cultures is not supported by the information above.