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Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been subject of fascination and research for centuries, owing to its diverse culinary and medicinal properties which further afftects its agronomic significance. This review paper delves into the multifaceted aspects of the garlic crop, aiming to unveil the various dimensions that make it truly remarkable botanical wonder. Among the plethora of compounds found in garlic, allicin an organosulfur compound (OSC), has emerged as a focal point of interest for researchers and health enthusiasts alike. Allicin is known for its powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cardiovascular benefits, rendering garlic a potent natural remedy and a valuable addition to realm of alternative medicine. Allicin's synthesis, bioavailability, and mechanism behind its medicinal effects has also been discussed. Furthermore, the impact of various drying techniques on the allicin content of garlic has been examined. As the understanding of allicin's health benefits continues to evolve, this comprehensive review contributes valuable insights into optimizing garlic's drying methods to preserve and enhance the allicin content, thus maximizing its therapeutic potential. By synthesizing existing knowledge, we provide a platform for future research to address gaps in the field of garlic drying technology and its profound impact on allicin retention for various health applications. [Display omitted] • Bioprotective properties of garlic. • Allicin: a potent bioactive compound with diverse health benefits. • Encapsulation improves bioavailability of allicin. • Novel drying techniques reduces loss of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent female endocrine condition that significantly affects women of all age groups and is characterized by metabolic dysfunction. The efficacy of existing pharmaceutical interventions for the treatment of PCOS remains inadequate. With a rich history and cultural significance spanning thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is extensively employed for treating a variety of ailments and can serve as a supplementary therapy for managing PCOS. Multiple clinical observations and laboratory tests have unequivocally demonstrated the substantial effectiveness and safety of TCM formulae in treating PCOS, and further investigations are currently in progress. To summarize the TCM formulae commonly employed in the clinical management of PCOS, examine their therapeutic benefits, investigate their mechanism of action, active constituents, and establish the correlation between efficacy, mechanism of action, and active constituents. We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Web of Science, and China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) using the following keywords: "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome", "Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions", "Traditional Chinese Medicine formulae", "Traditional Chinese Medicine", "Clinical Observation", "Mechanism", "Treatment", "Pharmacology", and various combinations of these terms. From January 1, 2006 until October 7, 2023, (inclusive). This paper summarized the clinical effectiveness, mechanism of action, and active components of 8 TCM formulae for the treatment of PCOS. Our research indicates that TCM formulae can potentially treat PCOS by enhancing the levels of hyperandrogenism and other endocrine hormones, decreasing insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, and controlling chronic low-grade inflammation, among other modes of action. In addition, we found an association between epigenetics and TCM formulae for the treatment of PCOS. TCM formulae have specific advantages in the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). They achieve therapeutic benefits by targeting several pathways and connections, attracting considerable interest and playing a vital role in the treatment of PCOS. TCM formulae can be used as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of PCOS. [Display omitted] • This article was based on a comprehensive search of literatures on PCOS in commonly used Chinese and English databases. • The clinical observed effects of various TCM formulae in the treatment of PCOS are systematically described. • Studies of TCM formulae to reduce the incidence of adverse effects in PCOS based on existing clinical outcomes were reviewed. • The mechanism of action and active ingredients of TCM formulae for treating PCOS were systematically described. • The relationship between TCM, epigenetics and PCOS was expounded based on the existing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]