Garlic and Hypertension: Efficacy, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Implications.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Garlic has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various conditions, including hypertension. This narrative review examined the scientific evidence on the efficacy of garlic in lowering blood pressure. It explores the historical uses of garlic in different cultures for medicinal purposes and delves into the phytochemical composition of garlic, highlighting key components, like allicin and ajoene, that are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits. Clinical studies that investigated the effects of garlic and garlic-based supplements on blood pressure are presented, with the findings suggesting that garlic consumption may modestly reduce blood pressure, particularly in individuals with mild hypertension. Potential mechanisms of action include increased nitric oxide production, improved endothelial function, and antioxidant properties. While garlic may offer some benefits for blood pressure management, it should not be considered a substitute for conventional antihypertensive medications. Further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of garlic in managing hypertension, including the optimal dosage and formulation.

The Protective Effects of an Aged Black Garlic Water Extract on the Prostate.

Chronic inflammation is a recognized risk factor for various cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). We aim to explore the potential protective effects of aged black garlic extract (ABGE) against inflammation-induced prostate damage and its impact on prostate cancer cell lines. We used an ex vivo model of inflammation induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on C57BL/6 male mouse prostate specimens to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of ABGE. The gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (COX-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α, IL-6) were measured. Additionally, we evaluated ABGE's therapeutic effects on the prostate cancer cell lines through in vitro functional assays, including colony formation, tumorsphere formation, migration assays, and phosphorylation arrays to assess the signaling pathways (MAPK, AKT, JAK/STAT, and TGF-ß). ABGE demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in preclinical models, partly attributed to its polyphenolic content, notably catechin and gallic acid. In the ex vivo model, ABGE reduced the gene expression levels of COX-2, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6. The in vitro studies showed that ABGE inhibited cell proliferation, colony and tumorsphere formation, and cell migration in the prostate cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent. ABGE exhibits promising anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, supporting further investigation into ABGE as a potential agent for managing inflammation and prostate cancer.

Structure-anti-inflammatory activity relationship of garlic fructans in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis: Impact of chain length.

The present study identified the protective effects of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides of different chain lengths against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and elucidated the structure-function relationships. The results showed that oral intake of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides decreased disease activity index, reduced colon shortening and spleen enlargement, and ameliorated pathological damage in the mouse colon. The dysregulation of colonic pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines was significantly alleviated, accompanied by up-regulated antioxidant enzymes, blocked TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway, enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, and restored SCFA production. Garlic oligo/poly-saccharides also reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis in colitic mice by expanding beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria. High-molecular-weight polysaccharides exhibited stronger alleviating effects on DSS-induced colitic symptoms in mice than low-molecular-weight oligo/poly-saccharides did, probably due to their greater ability to be fermented in the colon. Taken together, this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides and revealed that high-molecular-weight polysaccharide fractions were more effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis.

A fructan-type garlic polysaccharide upregulates immune responses in macrophage cells and in immunosuppressive mice.

The anti-inflammatory effects of plant polysaccharides are well known. However, the stimulatory effects of polysaccharides under immunosuppressive conditions and their link with the polysaccharide structure is underexplored. In this work, the immune modulatory effects of a garlic polysaccharide (GP) are investigated via in vitro and vivo methods. It is observed that GP enhance the immune response of macrophages (RAW264.7) as indicated by the elevated levels of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-6. The observation that GP are able to stimulate the immune response in vitro was then explored with the use of an immunosuppressed mouse model. Surprisingly, GP exhibited dose-dependent up-regulatory impacts on the cyclophosphamide (CTX) suppressed levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-6 and immunoglobulins (e.g. IgA and IgG). The GP intervention reversed histopathological damage to the small intestine and spleen and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Moreover, GP modulates the gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of immunogenic bacteria such as g__norank_f__Erysipelotrichaceae, while inhibiting the over-abundance of g_Bacteroides. Functional predictions indicated that gut biomarkers of GP possessed the functions of glycoside hydrolase family 32 (GH32) and ß-fructofuranosidase. It is concluded that GP is a promising immunostimulant for immune-compromised individuals.

Genome-wide association analysis identifies candidates of three bulb traits in garlic.

Garlic bulbs generally possess several swelling cloves, and the swelling degree of the bulbs determines its yield and appearance quality. However, the genetic basis underlying bulb traits remains poorly known. To address this issue, we performed a genome-wide association analysis for three bulb traits: bulb weight, diameter, and height. It resulted in the identification of 51 significant associated signals from 38 genomic regions. Twelve genes from the associated regions, whose transcript abundances in the developmental bulb showed significant correlations with the investigated traits in 81 garlic accessions, were considered the candidates of the corresponding locus. We focused on five of these candidates and their variations and revealed that the promoter variations of fructose-bisphosphate aldolase-encoding Asa8G05696.1 and beta-fructofuranosidase-encoding Asa6G01167.1 are responsible for the functional diversity of these two genes in garlic population. Interestingly, our results revealed that all candidates we focused on experienced a degree of selection during garlic evolutionary history, and different genotypes of them were retained in two China-cultivated garlic groups. Taken together, these results suggest a potential involvement of those candidates in the parallel evolution of garlic bulb organs in two China-cultivated garlic groups. This study provides important insights into the genetic basis of garlic bulb traits and their evolution.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder: Investigation of performance, meat quality, serum profile lipid, and intestinal morphology in broilers.

BACKGROUND: With the ban on the use of antibiotics in poultry nutrition, the opinion of nutritionists turned to their alternatives. Garlic and mushroom are the two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was done to investigate the effect of garlic powder (GP) and mushroom powder (MP) on the growth performance, meat quality, serum lipid profile, and intestinal morphology of broilers. METHODS: Five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to eight treatments with six replications based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4*2 with four levels of GP (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00, 1.00%). RESULTS: No significant effects of GP and MP on the performance were observed. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the lightness and redness of breast meat decreased and increased, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect of increasing the amount of GP on the reduction of total cholesterol level was similar in the absence or presence of MP. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio (VH: CD) increased. The use of MP in the diets significantly increased VH and VH: CD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of GP and MP to the broilers' diets did not have any negative effect on the performance. These pharmaceutic herbs improved intestinal morphology. In addition, increasing the level of GP amended the meat color and reduced the level of serum cholesterol.

Effect of black garlic (Allium sativum) on gonadosomatic index, follicle-stimulating hormone level and spermatozoa quality: A study in monosodium glutamate-exposed rat model.

Infertility rates have risen significantly, one of which is due to monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids in black garlic (Allium sativum) act as antioxidants. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of black garlic extract (BGE) on gonadosomatic index, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and spermatozoa quality in rats exposed to MSG. Twenty-five healthy rats, aged ten to twelve weeks, were divided equally into five experimental groups: (1) negative control (NC), no intervention; (2) positive control (PC), fed with MSG 8 mg/kg; and (3) fed with MSG + BGE 200 mg/kg; (4) fed with MSG + BGE 400 mg/kg; and (5) fed with MSG + BGE 600 mg/kg. Oral MSG was administered once a day for two weeks before BGE administration was started for two weeks. The measured endpoints were gonadosomatic index, FSH levels, and spermatozoa concentration and quality (spermatozoa motility and abnormality). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's post hoc analysis was used to assess the measurement differences. The result suggested that the administration of BGE did not significantly affect the gonadosomatic index (p=0.513). Significant decreases in FSH levels (p=0.005) and spermatozoa concentration were observed in the PC group compared to other groups (p<0.001). Additionally, spermatozoa motility was significantly lower in the PC group compared to NC, BGE200, BGE400, and BGE600 (p<0.001), with higher motility noted in BGE200, BGE400, and BGE600 compared to PC (p<0.001). Furthermore, PC had significantly higher spermatozoa abnormalities compared to NC, BGE200, BGE400, and BGE600 (p<0.001). In conclusion, administration of BGE had a significant effect on the improvement of FSH levels and the quality of spermatozoa in rats exposed to MSG.

Black garlic exhibited hepatoprotective effect against monosodium glutamate-induced hepatotoxicity in animal model.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor-enhancing agent in foods, and studies have demonstrated its toxic effects in animal models. Black garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, there is a lack of studies on the potential hepatoprotective effect of black garlic ethanol extract (BGE) against MSG-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of black garlic against MSG-induced liver damage in animal model. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=5): negative control, MSG only, and MSG with three different doses of BGE. The MSG only and MSG with BGE groups were orally administered with 8 mg/kg MSG daily. After MSG treatment, the MSG with BGE groups received BGE orally at daily doses of 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg body weight for 16 consecutive days. Subsequently, the levels of serum liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were measured. Our data indicated that the group treated with 200 mg/kg BGE had significant lower levels of AST and ALT significantly compared to the MSG-only group. The MSG-treated group had higher levels of the inflammatory markers COX-2 and IFN-γ, which were lowered by administration of 200 mg/kg BGE. In contrast, higher doses of BGE led to greater levels of COX-2 and IFN-γ compared to those in the MSG-only group. This study suggested that BGE might have hepatoprotective effects at low dose, potentially mitigating MSG-induced liver damage. However, the higher dose of black garlic extract did not alleviate inflammation, as shown by the higher levels of COX-2 and IFN-γ.

Biophysical evidence that frostbite is triggered on nanocrystals of biogenic magnetite in garlic cloves (Allium sativum).

Trace levels of biologically precipitated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanocrystals are present in the tissues of many living organisms, including those of plants. Recent work has also shown that magnetite nanoparticles are powerful ice nucleation particles (INPs) that can initiate heterogeneous freezing in supercooled water just below the normal melting temperature. Hence there is a strong possibility that magnetite in plant tissues might be an agent responsible for triggering frost damage, even though the biological role of magnetite in plants is not understood. To test this hypothesis, we investigated supercooling and freezing mortality in cloves of garlic (Allium sativum), a species which is known to have moderate frost resistance. Using superconducting magnetometry, we detected large numbers of magnetite INPs within individual cloves. Oscillating magnetic fields designed to torque magnetite crystals in situ and disturb the ice nucleating process produced significant effects on the temperature distribution of supercooling, thereby confirming magnetite's role as an INP in vivo. However, weak oscillating fields increased the probability of freezing, whereas stronger fields decreased it, a result that predicts the presence of magnetite binding agents that are loosely attached to the ice nucleating sites on the magnetite crystals.

Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm study to evaluate the efficacy of coadministration of garlic as a hydrogen sulfide donor and tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction not responding to tadalafil alone - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of coadministration of garlic (as a hydrogen sulfide [H2S] donor) and tadalafil for patients with ED using a placebo-controlled, prospective, randomized, two-arm pilot study in patients responding poorly to tadalafil alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients with complaints of ED (with normal penile Doppler) who failed to maintain sustained improvement in erectile function with tadalafil were recruited after excluding those with comorbidities. The study sample was randomized into two groups. Group A received garlic 5 g twice a day orally and Group B received a placebo twice daily orally for 4 weeks. Both groups continued tadalafil 5 mg in the night for 4 weeks. Their erectile function was assessed at the beginning and at the end of 4 weeks using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), erectile function domain and compared. A value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Nineteen patients in Group A (mean age 37.5 ± 10.6 years) and 16 patients in Group B (mean age 39.6 ± 9.6 years) participated in the pilot study conducted from May 2022 to August 2022. The participants treated with garlic (as an H2S donor) as a coadministrant had statistically significant improvement in IIEF-EF score (P ≤ 0.0001) at the end of 4 weeks compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic (as an H2S donor) as adjunctive therapy was beneficial in our study participants responding poorly to tadalafil alone.

Water-soluble garlic polysaccharide (WSGP) improves ulcerative volitis by modulating the intestinal barrier and intestinal flora metabolites.

WSGP has demonstrated significant potential for various bioactive effects. However, limited research has explored their anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) effects and mechanism on the colonic system and gut microbial metabolites. We evaluated the ameliorative effects of WSGP on the UC mice model. Using H&E to assess histological injury of colon morphology, AB-PAS staining to detect mucin secretion from goblet cells and the mucous layer, IF to evaluate the expression of intercellular tight junction proteins, ELISA to measure inflammatory factors, WB analysis to measure protein expression of inflammatory signaling pathways, RT-qPCR to quantify gene transcription of inflammatory factors, and LC-MS to analyze metabolites in mouse cecum contents. WSGP supplementation increased food intake, body weight, and colon length while reducing disease activity and histological scores in colitis-afflicted mice. WSGP mitigated colonic tissue damage and restored intestinal barrier integrity by suppressing NF-κB/STAT3 signaling, thereby decreasing gene transcription, protein expression of proinflammatory factors, and nitric oxide production. Additionally, WSGP improved UC by altering the variety of intestinal microbial metabolites. This study demonstrates that WSGP supplementation attenuates UC mice by suppressing the NF-κB/STAT3 signaling pathway, enhancing mucosal barrier function, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulating gut microbial metabolites.

Structure-Based Discovery of Symmetric Disulfides from Garlic Extract as Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Inhibitors.

Microorganisms are the most common cause of food spoilage. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common foodborne pathogen that causes food spoilage and poses a serious threat to food safety. As a crucial target in antitoxicity strategies, the quorum sensing (QS) system shows promising potential for further development. The garlic extract diallyl disulfide exhibits inhibitory activity against the QS system of P. aeruginosa, with disulfide bonds serving as the active component. However, the biological activity of other symmetric disulfides has not been investigated in this capacity. The study synthesized 39 disulfide bond-containing analogs and evaluated their activity as quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). The results showed that p-hydroxyphenyl substitution can replace the allyl groups while maintaining strong biological activity. The virulence factors production was reduced by compound 2i, with the strongest inhibitory effect being observed on elastase production. Synergistic inhibition was observed in the presence of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and tobramycin. 2i successfully inhibited P. aeruginosa infection in the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Primary mechanism studies using transcriptome, surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking suggested that 2i inhibits the QS system by targeting the LasR protein. Thus, compound 2i could be used in developing QSIs for the control of P. aeruginosa infections.

Improving Biological Performance of 3D-Printed Scaffolds with Garlic-Extract Nanoemulsions.

Complex bone diseases such as osteomyelitis, osteosarcoma, and osteoporosis often cause critical-size bone defects that the body cannot self-repair and require an advanced bone graft material to repair. We have fabricated 3D-printed tricalcium phosphate bone scaffolds functionalized with garlic extract (GE). GE was encapsulated in a nanoemulsion (GE-NE) to enhance bioavailability and stability. GE-NE showed ∼73% drug encapsulation efficiency, with an average particle size of 158 nm and a zeta potential of -14.2 mV. Release of GE-NEs from the scaffold displayed a controlled and biphasic release profile at both acidic and physiological mediums. Results from the osteosarcoma study show that GE-NE demonstrated ∼88% reduction in cancer cell growth while exhibiting no cytotoxicity toward bone-forming cells. Interaction for the functionalized scaffold with Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a substantial reduction in bacteria growth by more than 90% compared to the unfunctionalized scaffold. These findings demonstrate the potential of GE-NEs-treated porous scaffolds to treat bone-related diseases, particularly for non-load bearing applications.

Which Constituents Determine the Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Garlic? Role of Organosulfur Compounds and Phenolics.

Garlic is a vegetable with numerous pro-health properties, showing high antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxicity for various malignant cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation by garlic is mainly attributed to the organosulfur compounds (OSCs), but it is far from obvious which constituents of garlic indeed participate in the antioxidant and cytotoxic action of garlic extracts. This study aimed to obtain insight into this question by examining the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of six OSCs and five phenolics present in garlic. Three common assays of antioxidant activity were employed (ABTS● decolorization, DPPH● decolorization, and FRAP). Cytotoxicity of both classes of compounds to PEO1 and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells, and MRC-5 fibroblasts was compared. Negligible antioxidant activities of the studied OSCs (alliin, allicin, S-allyl-D-cysteine, allyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide) were observed, excluding the possibility of any significant contribution of these compounds to the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of garlic extracts estimated by the commonly used reductive assays. Comparable cytotoxic activities of OSCs and phenolics (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic acids, and quercetin) indicate that both classes of compounds may contribute to the cytotoxic action of garlic.

LDL-Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of a Dietary Supplement Containing Onion and Garlic Extract Used in Healthy Volunteers.

Hypercholesterolemia plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, and its prevention seems to be a crucial healthcare strategy to ameliorate these conditions. Subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia are frequently advised against using cholesterol-lowering drugs due to potential side effects, with an emphasis instead on prioritizing dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications as the primary strategy. In this context, the use of dietary supplements based on medicinal plants may be recommended as a complementary approach to managing elevated cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and potential therapeutic effectiveness of a standardized formulation containing extracts from garlic and onions in addressing the health concerns of individuals with slightly elevated cholesterol levels. A controlled, randomized, double-blind, two parallel-group study was conducted over 8 weeks, with clinical visits scheduled at baseline, weeks 2 and 4, as well as at the end of the study. The results revealed significant reductions in both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels among participants who received the extract. Additionally, improvements in blood pressure, as well as in oxidative and inflammatory markers were observed, thus suggesting its potential as a valuable therapeutic intervention for managing mild hypercholesterolemia.

Oral aged garlic (Allium sativum) alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice by improving gut homeostasis.

Aged garlic, obtained by heating raw garlic (Allium sativum) under high temperature and controlled humidity for a period, possesses a wide range of bioactivities, but its role in ulcerative colitis and its mechanism are not fully elucidated. We investigated the bioactive constituents in aged garlic (AG) and explored the effect of oral AG delivery on DSS-induced murine colitis. The results revealed that the aging process up-regulated anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial compounds such as dihydrocaffeic acid, 5-acetylsalicylic acid, verticine, S-allyl-L-cysteine and D-fucose. Oral AG obviously alleviated colitis, reducing colon damage and enhancing anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus equinus dramatically were enriched in the colon of mice with colitis that were strongly associated with Parkinson's disease, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, aerobactin biosynthesis, and heme biosynthesis, but a distinct AG-mediated alteration in the colon due to increasing abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus sp. L-YJ, Bifidobacterium breve, Blautia wexlerae, Desulfomicrobium sp. P100A, and Lentilactobacillus hilgardii was observed. Next, we demonstrated that colonic microbiome reconstruction by oral AG significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid. This study provides the first data indicating that oral AG ameliorates colonic inflammation in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Our findings provide novel insights into the AG-mediated remission of colitis and AG as a functional food for modulating the gut microbiota to prevent and treat colitis.

Garlic consumption can reduce the risk of dyslipidemia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Garlic is used as an important medicinal food for treatment of many diseases, however, the association between garlic consumption and dyslipidemia have yielded inconsistent results. So we carried this meta-analysis to explore the blood lipid-lowering effects of garlic. METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library were systematically searched until June 2024. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using Q and I2 statistics. Also subgroup analysis were conducted to explore the potential heterogeneity. Combined weighted mean differences (WMD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence in the meta-analyses. RESULTS: A total of 21 RCTs studies involved association between garlic consumption and blood lipids level of dyslipidemia patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that garlic consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC)(WMD = -0.64mmol/L, 95%CI = -0.75 --0.54, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG)(WMD = -0.17mmol/L, 95%CI = -0.26 --0.09, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C)(WMD = -0.44mmol/L, 95%CI = -0.57 --0.31, P < 0.001) while slightly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C)(WMD = 0.04mmol/L, 95%CI = -0.00 - 0.08, P < 0.001). And subgroup analyses showed that TC, TG and LDL-C significantly decreased in patients aged > 50 years compared to those aged ≤ 50 years. And garlic oil greatly reduced TC and LDL-C compared with garlic power. Finally, sensitivity analysis and publication bias showed that the results were reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that garlic consumption could be effective in reducing the risk of dyslipidemia and preventing CVDs. Particularly the older people were more susceptible to the protective effects of garlic.

Dual protection of aqueous garlic extract biomolecules against hemolysis and its oxidation products in preventing inflammation.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is recognized as functional food, rich in bioactive compounds that can combat diseases associated with oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the protective potential of aqueous garlic extract against hemolysis and oxidation. Despite being caused by membrane fragility, hemolysis can lead to inflammation through the oxidation of its products, and in some cases, even exacerbate it in certain pathological contexts. Supplementation with antioxidant molecules can improves oxidative status, in this study, we selected garlic, an excellent functional food, and targeted its effects using aqueous extract and pure molecules. The aqueous garlic extract was prepared under safe conditions and subjected to toxicity on human neutrophils and red blood cells before experimentation. The results indicate that aqueous garlic extract significantly reduces hemolysis with a maximum protection of  98. 74 ± 1. 08 % at a concentration of 5µg/ml. Additionally, experiments were conducted with pure compounds found in garlic such as quercetin, gallic acid, and caffeic acid. The outcomes show that quercetin reduces hemolysis of RBC with a maximum protection of  88. 8 ± 2. 89 % at 20 µM followed by caffeic acid and gallic acid. The action mechanism of the extract was tested on human neutrophil cells, the extract significantly reduced luminol-amplified chemiluminescence of PMA-stimulated neutrophils up to 50 % at 10 µg/ml in addition to its ability to directly scavenge hydrogen peroxide. Our results suggest that aqueous garlic extract exerts promising anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Through its dual protection against hemolysis and Ros production, garlic may indirectly prevent inflammation reducing the oxidation of hemolysis products. These abilities make garlic aqueous extract promising candidate for improving cardiovascular health, reducing oxidative stress and modulating immunity.

Enhanced repellent and anti-nutritional activities of polymeric nanoparticles containing essential oils against red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

Encapsulation of essential oils (EOs) is an important strategy that can be applied to intensify the stability and efficiency of these compounds in integrated pest management. The present study aimed to investigate the sub-lethal activity of polymer-based EOs nanoparticles against red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum adults as an important critical pest of stored products. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) containing garlic and cinnamon essential oils (GEO and CEO) prepared using the ionic cross-link technique. Stability of nano-formulations evaluated over temperature and storage time. The fumigant effect (LC10, LC20, LC30) and contact toxicity (LC10, LC15, LC25) determined. In addition, the contact toxicities of EOs and their nanoparticles on nutritional indices evaluated. An olfactometer used to assess the repellent activity of EOs and EOs loaded in CSNPs (EOs@CSNPs) in sub-lethal fumigant concentrations. Characterization results showed GEO loaded in CSNPs has particle size of 231.14 ± 7.55 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.15 ± 0.02, encapsulation efficiency (EE) percentage of 76.77 ± 0.20 and zeta potential of - 18.82 ± 0.90 mV, in which these values for the CEO loaded in CSNPs (CEO@CSNPs) changed to 303.46 ± 0.00 nm, 0.20 ± 0.05, 86.81 ± 0.00% and - 20.16 ± 0.35 mV, respectively. A lower PDI value for both CSNPs showed an appropriate NPs size distribution. Furthermore, NPs size and encapsulation efficiency did not change in various temperatures and during four months which confirm good stability of the EOs@CSNPs. In LC30 of GEO@CSNPs, the maximum repellency was determined as 66.66 ± 3.33. Among nutritional indices, in LC25 of GEO@CSNPs, the relative growth rate (RGR) (0.011 ± 0.003 mg.mg-1.day-1), relative consumption rate (RCR) (0.075 ± 0.004 mg.mg-1.day-1) and feeding deterrence index (FDI) (54.662 ± 1.616%) were more affected, so GEO@CSNPs was more effective than CEO@CSNPs. The results of repellent and anti-dietary activities of EOs and EOs@CSNPs confirmed the higher repellency and adverse effectivity on nutritional indices of Tribolium castaneum pest treated with EOs@CSNPs compared to free EOs. In conclusion, the NPs form of GEO and CEO can be a novel and efficient carrier for improving the repellent and anti-nutritional activities of EOs.

Exploring the antimicrobial potential of crude peptide extracts from Allium sativum and Allium oschaninii against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

CONTEXT: Plant peptides garner attention for their potential antimicrobial properties amid the rising concern over antibiotic-resistant bacteria. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the antibacterial potential of crude peptide extracts from 27 Thai plants collected locally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peptide extracts from 34 plant parts, derived from 27 Thai plants, were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against four highly resistant bacterial strains: Streptococcus aureus MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli. The stability of these peptide extracts was examined at different temperatures, and the synergistic effects of two selected plant peptide extracts were investigated. Additionally, the time-kill kinetics of the individual extracts and their combination were determined against the tested pathogens. RESULTS: Peptides from Allium sativum L. and Allium oschaninii O. Fedtsch (Amaryllidaceae) were particularly potent, inhibiting bacterial growth with MICs ranging from 1.43 to 86.50 µg/mL. The consistent MICs and MBCs of these extracts across various extraction time points highlight their reliability. Stability tests reveal that these peptides maintain their antimicrobial activity at -20 °C for over a month, emphasizing their durability for future exploration and potential applications in addressing antibiotic resistance. Time-kill assays elucidate the time and concentration-dependent nature of these antimicrobial effects, underscoring their potent initial activity and sustained efficacy over time. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the antimicrobial potential of Allium-derived peptides, endorsing them for combating antibiotic resistance and prompting further investigation into their mechanisms.