Garlic as a functional food: a dual therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases and cancer via shared molecular pathways

Garlic, a widely consumed culinary and medicinal plant, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its broad-spectrum health benefits, particularly in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer. The anticancer and cardiovascular protective effects of garlic are closely linked through its capacity to modulate common physiological and pathological pathways, particularly those related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This review compiles evidence on garlic's dual cardioprotective and anticancer effects, which stem from its ability to simultaneously reduce cholesterol, improve vascular stiffness, and disrupt oncogenic processes such as tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Additionally, the review examines garlic's safety profile, the stability of its various processed forms (raw and aged), as well as its efficacy and regulatory status as a functional food. Finally, to fully elucidate garlic's therapeutic potential within the framework of precision medicine, biomarker-driven clinical trials are essential for the development of standardized formulations. Moreover, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with garlic-based nanomedicine presents a promising frontier and advancing personalized treatment strategies. • Garlic is recognized for both culinary and therapeutic benefits. • Its protective effects against cardiovascular diseases and cancer are highlighted. • A comprehensive exploration of the intricate mechanisms through which garlic's bioactive compounds exert their beneficial effects is provided.