Exploring the wonders of Himalayan Pearl Garlic
A Blog by Stuti Singh – Research Department (Ghepan Foods)
Ghepan foods is committed to bring the best from the heart of the Himalayas. In the majestic Himalayan region, nestled amidst pristine valleys and snow-capped peaks, lies a medicinal treasure awaiting discovery: Himalayan Pearl Garlic. Ghepan Foods proudly presents this premium product, meticulously cultivated and curated to bring a unique herb with numerous health benefits. According to Ayurveda, garlic is a medicine, which should not be consumed in day-to-day life or in form of a dietary supplement.
Himalayan pearl garlic also called as snow mountain garlic or Kashmiri garlic, found at an altitude of 6000 feet above the sea level usually in the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas. In ancient times, this garlic was used by mountaineers to raise their energy levels and detoxify their bodies in extreme cold weather conditions. Local people generally consume it as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and other promising medicinal properties. Snow Mountain Garlic has promising medicinal properties as it has shown some degree of remedial effects against hypertension, arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and cancer.
Himalayan pearl garlic contains various active compounds with significant health benefits. The key bioactive phytochemical constituents include allicin, organosulfur compounds, thiosulfinates, polysulfanes, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, fructans, fructo-oligosaccharides, essential oils, amino acids, vitamins, pigments, and a higher percentage of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These compounds contribute to a range of health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Allicin, for instance, is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, while Quercetin (flavonoid) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Diallyl trisulfide has been linked to potential anticancer benefits. These compounds collectively enhance the immune system, promote cardiovascular health, and aid in disease prevention.
Anti-cancerous properties of the Himalayan pearl garlic due to the presence of organo-sulphur compound:
Himalayas pearl Garlic contains special organo-sulphur compounds (OSCs) and allicin can help fight colorectal cancer. These compounds work by stopping the growth of cancer cells and encouraging them to die off.
They also block enzymes that help cancer grow. Studies show they can even slow down the movement of cancer cells in the body. These properties of OSCs are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of various pathological states, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes; they have antibacterial, antiviral, and other activities like anti-coagulant. As per research, these active compounds are functional when aged Himalayan pearl garlic extracts are consumed.
Anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties of saponins present in Himalayan pearl garlic:
The saponin present in the Himalayan Pearl Garlic shows haemolytic effects due to which it has anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties. Imagine your stomach lining as a fortress, protected by a thick, sticky barrier called mucus. This mucus layer, made of water and special proteins, shields your stomach from harm. But sometimes, this fortress needs reinforcements. Steroidal saponins present in Himalayan pearl garlic, found in certain plants, act like knights, strengthening the mucus barrier and boosting its defences. They help produce more mucus, making it harder for harmful agents to break through and cause damage. So, when researchers investigate saponins present in Himalayan pearl garlic, they find it has similar protective abilities. It could be a future hero in treating stomach issues and fighting inflammation. This discovery not only supports the traditional use of these plants in food and medicine but also opens doors to potential new treatments.
Antibiotic, Cardio-protective and anti-oxidant activity of allicin present in Himalayan pearl garlic:
Research has shown that the clinical trials of the allicin rich dried garlic can reduce the gut infections such as H. pylori. The raw garlic can manage atherosclerosis and cholesterol levels in the body.
Immunomodulatory functions of quercetin present in Himalayan pearl garlic:
Quercetin, found in Himalayan garlic, boosts immunity through various mechanisms. It acts as an antioxidant, scavenging radicals, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulates immune responses, making it effective against allergic reactions and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, quercetin improves antioxidant enzyme activity, reduces reactive oxygen species production, and suppresses inflammatory factors, thus alleviating oxidative stress in inflammatory cells. Additionally, quercetin’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties make it beneficial for immune function, potentially aiding in autoimmune diseases’ prevention and treatment.
IMPORTANT – Adverse effects of overdose:
It is known that excessive garlic consumption, as a condiment or in traditional medicine, can cause adverse effects in humans, including a burning sensation in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract and nausea, among others, where pH may be playing a significant role (6.3 ph).
At Ghepan foods, Himalayan pearl garlic is ethically harvested and sourced from the greater Himalayas above 8,000ft. The soil of the region is rich in organic carbon, nitrogen, magnesium and potassium. The weather pattern also favours the soil for nutrient fixation which also enables the Himalayan pearl garlic species to exist naturally in the forests. It is a rare species of garlic therefore; we are extremely careful during cultivation and harvest of the Himalayan pearl garlic.