What are the health benefits of allicin in garlic?

According to this PubMed study, it is anti-cancer growth.

Also, it has anti-bacteria properties: “Allicin has antibacterial properties against a wide range of bacteria, according to laboratory research published in the February 1999 issue of Microbes and Infection.”

Source

They have done studies on it. it reduces atherosclerosis and fat deposition, helps normalize lipoprotein balance, decrease blood pressure, anti thrombotic and anti inflammatory activities.

@Summum Do you have references for those “facts”?

There is a lot more information at this site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allicin

according to http://www.allicinfacts.com/allicin02a.htm, it:
-reduces risk of heart attack,
-Restore suppressed antibody responses
-Broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities.
Preventing the common cold
Prevention and treatment of cancer.

It can also be used for treating acne, animal bites, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, etc. There’s an enormous list on the site.

I had a sinus infection two days ago. I started taking a clove of raw garlic with every meal for a few days, and now my sinuses are clear again. I know, personal experience, but hey, that’s all I’ve got. I will say that raw garlic is more effective than the best garlic processed and made into a pill.