Garlic (Allium sativum) is an aromatic herbaceous plant belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae [1]. Garlic, originating from Central Asia, is well-suited for cultivation in temperate climates across the globe. The bulb of garlic typically comprises 8 to 14 cloves, which vary in number, and is enveloped by a white or light purple outer membrane. Primarily utilized in culinary practices or for medicinal benefits, garlic serves various purposes [2]. The bulbous part of garlic is rich in organic sulfur compounds, which give it a distinctive pungent smell [3]. Garlic has been utilized for over five thousand years. It is widely employed globally for seasoning, cooking, and medicinal applications. Commercial cultivation of garlic occurs worldwide, yielding an annual production of approximately 28 million tons to meet global demand [2,4].

Extensive research has been conducted on the medicinal properties of garlic, leading to its widespread application in medical practice. Garlic had a long history of common utilization for treating various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, constipation, and asthma, spanning across the medical histories of China, Egypt, Greece, India, and other civilizations [4]. In Pakistan, garlic and its extracts are used for treating gastrointestinal disorders. In Nepal, garlic is also utilized for treating liver diseases, diabetes, and other ailments [5,6]. In the field of contemporary medicine, continuous efforts are being made to discover and isolate the active compounds present in garlic, such as allicin. Garlic extracts have shown effective utilization in diverse medical applications, such as their antibacterial effects [7], capacity to reduce blood lipid levels [8], anti-inflammatory properties [9], potential in combating atherosclerosis (AS) [10], neuronal protection [11], as well as their beneficial influence on heart health [12].

Blood vessels form a complex network in the human body, comprising arteries, veins, and capillary beds, with the vital function of supplying nutrients to body tissues. Additionally, the vascular system supplies oxygen and nutrients for bodily growth and development, serves in metabolic processes, and maintains blood clotting homeostasis. Hence, the occurrence of vascular injury-related diseases including myocardial infarction and obesity is commonly attributed to abnormalities in both vascular structure and function [13], [14], [15]. With the progression of an aging population, cardiovascular diseases pose a significant threat to global health and the development of healthcare systems. Among these diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, cerebral ischemia, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease are particularly prevalent [16], [17], [18], [19]. (As shown in Fig. 1). Garlic and its extracts have found extensive application in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) within modern medicine, specifically in the treatment of conditions including coronary heart disease [20], hypertension [21], and metabolic syndrome (METS) [22] The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of garlic and its extracts on vascular health, while also offering an overview of the current advancements regarding their potential mechanisms of action and clinical research.