Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is a plant species in the onion genus, Allium. It is native to Asia, and it's well-known for its strong smell and distinctive flavor, which can be attributed to the sulphur compound it contains called allicin. Garlic has been used for thousands of years not only as a culinary ingredient, but also for its potential health benefits. It's often consumed raw or as a powder, but it can also be found as a supplement in the form of capsules, extracts, and oils. These supplements are typically made from whole fresh garlic, dried, or freeze-dried garlic, and sometimes aged garlic.

Garlic is rich in compounds with potent medicinal properties which can contribute to overall wellness in several ways. It is high in a sulfur compound called allicin, which is believed to bring most of the health benefits.

One of the key benefits of garlic is its nutrient richness. It is packed with vitamins like C, B6, and minerals like selenium, fiber, and manganese, while being low in calories. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients, making it a very nutrient-dense food.

Garlic is also known for its potential to support cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that it may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels. These benefits, however, are more likely to be realized when consuming garlic as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Please note, while garlic is generally considered safe for most people, it's important to understand that its benefits can vary from person to person. It's always recommended to consider individual health circumstances and goals when incorporating new supplements into a wellness routine.

Garlic works in the body through its active compounds, the most significant of which is allicin. When a garlic clove is crushed, chopped or chewed, an enzyme known as alliinase gets activated and converts alliin, a kind of sulfur-containing compound present in garlic, to allicin. This compound then breaks down to form a variety of sulfur-containing compounds which are believed to give garlic its therapeutic effects.

These compounds can travel all over the body where they exert their potent biological effects. For instance, they may help support cardiovascular health by interacting with the body's production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and dilate blood vessels, potentially supporting healthy blood pressure levels.

Moreover, the sulfur compounds in garlic also play a role in providing its antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. By helping to neutralize these free radicals, garlic's antioxidant properties may contribute to maintaining overall wellness.

The recommended dosage of garlic can vary depending on the form in which it's consumed and the reason for use. If consuming raw garlic, one to two cloves per day with food is often suggested. If you're using garlic for its potential health benefits, keep in mind that the active ingredients in garlic can vary, depending on how it's prepared and processed.

When it comes to garlic supplements, manufacturers typically recommend doses in the range of 600 to 1,200 mg per day divided into multiple doses. These doses are often based on the amount of allicin they provide. It's important to note that not all supplements may carry the same amount of this active ingredient.

Remember, while garlic is generally considered safe for consumption in food amounts, it's always a good idea to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to monitor your body's response. As with any supplement, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

While garlic is generally well-tolerated, it can cause certain side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts or in supplement form. Some of the most common side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea. These are typically mild and often decrease over time as your body adjusts to the supplement.

In some cases, people may experience more significant side effects like skin irritation, especially when handling raw garlic, or allergic reactions, though these are less common. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rash, asthma symptoms, or other breathing problems.

Moreover, due to its potential blood-thinning properties, high doses of garlic could potentially interfere with blood clotting. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals who have bleeding disorders or those who are about to undergo surgery.

It's essential to listen to your body and to stop use and seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions. As with any supplement, it's important to understand that reactions can vary from person to person, depending on individual health circumstances and how the body metabolizes the supplement.

Garlic comes in a variety of forms, each with their own characteristics and uses. Here are the most common forms:

1. Fresh Garlic: This form is the most common, typically used in cooking for its flavor. It can also be consumed raw for its potential health benefits.
2. Garlic Powder: This is a dried, ground form of garlic that's often used as a seasoning in food.
3. Garlic Oil: This can be used for culinary purposes and in some cases, for topical use. It's derived from crushed garlic cloves and is often used in cooking for its intense flavor.
4. Garlic Extract: This is a concentrated form of garlic that is typically used in supplements. It allows for a higher intake of the beneficial compounds found in garlic without the strong flavor.
5. Aged Garlic Extract (AGE): This is a specific form of garlic extract that's been aged for up to 20 months. This process is believed to increase antioxidant potential and decrease some of the side effects like odor and digestive upset.
6. Garlic Capsules and Tablets: These are typically made from garlic powder or a garlic extract. They offer a convenient way to consume garlic, particularly for those who do not like the taste or smell of fresh garlic.

Each form of garlic may offer different levels of beneficial compounds, so the choice between them often depends on individual preferences, needs, and tolerability.

Garlic, or Allium sativum, is known by various other names and abbreviations. In the herbal and supplement realm, it may be referred to as Garlic Clove, Garlic Oil, or Aged Garlic Extract (AGE).

Chemically, the key active compound in garlic is allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), which is often mentioned in relation to garlic's potential health benefits. Other sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic include diallyl disulfide and s-allyl cysteine.

As for misspellings, "garlic" is sometimes incorrectly spelled as "garlik", "garlick", or "garllic". Other common names for garlic in different languages include "ajo" in Spanish, "ail" in French, "aglio" in Italian, and "knoblauch" in German. It's important to note that the scientific name Allium sativum is universally recognized and used in scientific literature to refer to garlic.