Health Guide

Ajoene

Ajoene is a unique, sulfur-rich compound found almost exclusively in garlic. While you won't find it in a produce aisle under that name, it is the active 'powerhouse' created when garlic is crushed or chopped. Think of it as the chemical result of allicin breaking down. It is responsible for many of garlic's legendary health benefits, particularly its ability to keep blood flowing smoothly and protect the heart. It acts as a natural regulator in your body, helping to prevent unnecessary blood clotting and reducing inflammation. Because it is a potent chemical compound, it is often extracted and used in supplements for a more concentrated effect than eating raw garlic alone.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Ajoene Bio-Activity (Anti-Platelet Aggregation)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Inhibition Activity (%)

Compound Form →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Promotes Healthy Blood Flow: It helps prevent platelets (sticky cells in your blood) from clumping together too much.
Supports Heart Health: It may help relax blood vessels, supporting healthy blood pressure levels.
Antioxidant Protection: It fights oxidative stress, which damages cells and contributes to aging.

Deep Dive

Ajoene works primarily as an anti-platelet agent. Imagine your blood vessels as highways; sometimes, debris (platelets) can build up and cause a traffic jam (a clot). Ajoene acts like a traffic controller, ensuring the flow remains smooth and steady. Additionally, it has shown promise in metabolic health. Studies suggest it may improve how your body uses insulin, making it a compound of interest for those watching their blood sugar levels. However, because it is chemically active, it is considered a supplement rather than a simple food nutrient.

Natural Food Sources

Ajoene is not a food you buy; it is a compound created inside garlic. To maximize Ajoene production, crush or chop fresh garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking or eating. Heating it too quickly destroys the enzymes needed to create it.

Food	Amount	% DV
Raw Garlic	Variable	N/A
Garlic Supplements	Concentrated	N/A
Aged Garlic Extract	Low	N/A

Supplementation

Since Ajoene is unstable in the stomach, supplements often use a stabilized form (usually in oil or powder capsules).

Dosage: There is no official RDA for Ajoene. Most studies on garlic extract equivalent range from 600mg to 1,200mg daily.
Who should take it: Individuals looking for natural cardiovascular support or blood flow maintenance.
Timing: Take with a meal to reduce stomach irritation.

Top Food Sources

Fresh Raw Garlic

Crush and wait 10 mins

Garlic Oil

Variable content

Garlic Powder

Raw form only

Garlic Extract Capsules

Standardized for stability

Aged Garlic Extract

Contains different compounds (S-allyl)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but they are related. Allicin is the unstable compound created when you cut garlic. Ajoene is one of the stable breakdown products of Allicin. Ajoene is often considered the more potent compound for blood-thinning effects.

To get the medicinal doses used in studies, you would need to eat an impractical amount of raw garlic (5+ cloves daily). Supplements are used to reach therapeutic levels safely.

Yes. High heat destroys the enzyme (allinase) required to convert raw garlic compounds into Ajoene. To get Ajoene from food, garlic must be eaten raw or added at the very end of cooking.

Culinary amounts (in food) are generally safe. However, high-dose garlic supplements (containing Ajoene) are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Interactions

WARNING: Ajoene is a potent blood thinner.

Do NOT take if you are on anticoagulant medications (Warfarin/Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix, etc.) without strict doctor supervision. The combined effect can lead to dangerous bleeding.
Surgery: Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Side Effects: Bad breath, body odor, heartburn, gas, and upset stomach are common.
Allergies: Avoid if you have a known garlic or onion allergy.

Scientific References

[1]Banerjee, S. K., & Maulik, S. K. (2002). Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review. *Nutrition Journal*.
[2]Rahman, M. S. (2007). Allicin and other functional active components in garlic: health benefits and potential side effects. *Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition*.
[3]Ide, N., et al. (2006). Aged garlic extract and its constituents inhibit Cu2+-induced oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein. *Journal of Nutrition*.