Antifungal activity in human urine and serum after ingestion of garlic (Allium sativum).

A fresh extract of garlic (Allium sativum) was administered orally to human volunteers. At intervals, serum and urine were collected and assayed for antifungal activity. The maximum tolerable dose was determined to be 25 ml of garlic extract. Larger amounts caused severe burning sensations in the esophagus and the stomach and vomiting. After oral ingestion of 25 ml of the extract, anticandidal and anticryptococcal activities were detected in undiluted serum 0.5 and 1 h after ingestion. No detectable antifungal activity was found in the excreted urine at any time after oral ingestion. Oral garlic is of limited value in the therapy of human fungal infections.