Diallyl disulfide, the bioactive component of Allium species, ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis by mediating the crosstalk of farnesoid X receptor and yes-associated protein 1 signaling pathway.

Environmental pollution, virus infection, allergens, and other factors may cause respiratory disease, which could be improved by dietary therapy. Allium species are common daily food seasoning and have high nutritional and medical value. Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is the major volatile oil compound of Allium species. The present study aims to explore the preventive effect and potential mechanism of DADS on pulmonary fibrosis. C57BL/6J mice were intratracheally injected with bleomycin (BLM) to establish pulmonary fibrosis and then administrated with DADS. Primary lung fibroblasts or A549 were stimulated with BLM, followed by DADS, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist (GW4064), yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) inhibitor (verteporfin), or silencing of FXR and YAP1. In BLM-stimulated mice, DADS significantly ameliorated histopathological changes and interleukin-1ß levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. DADS decreased fibrosis markers, HIF-1α, inflammatory cytokines, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary mice and activated fibroblasts. DADS significantly enhanced FXR expression and inhibited YAP1 activation, which functions as GW4064 and verteporfin. A deficiency of FXR or YAP1 could result in the increase of these two protein expressions, respectively. DADS ameliorated extracellular matrix deposition, hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and inflammation in FXR or YAP1 knockdown A549. Taken together, targeting the crosstalk of FXR and YAP1 might be the potential mechanism for DADS against pulmonary fibrosis. DADS can serve as a potential candidate or dietary nutraceutical supplement for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

In Vivo and in Silico Based Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of an Isolated Flavonoid from Allium hookeri in Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model.

Allium hookeri (F: Liliaceae), an indigenous plant of Manipur, India, is traditionally used to treat various diseases and disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and stomach ache. In our previous study, the methanol extract of the plant showed significant antidiabetic potential in rats. In the present study, we evaluated the antidiabetic potential of a flavonoid compound named MEA isolated from the methanolic leaf extract of A. Hookeri in rats. Additionally, we assessed the compound's mode of action through the molecular docking study. The MEA reduced the blood glucose level from 317±12.8 to 99.4±6.67 mg/dl after 21 days of treatment. Besides, MEA also restored the body weights and other biochemical parameters including lipid profile significantly compared to the diabetic group (p<0.001). The histoarchitecture of the pancreatic tissues of the MEA treated group was also improved compared to the diabetic group. In the docking study, the compound showed good binding affinity in the active binding site of the two structures of pancreatic beta-cell SUR1 (Sulfonylurea Receptor 1) subunit with CDocker energy -31.556 kcal/mol and -39.703 kcal/mol, respectively. The compound MEA was found to be drug-like with non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic and non-irritant properties. These findings indicate the antidiabetic potential of MEA, which might act by modulating the pancreatic beta-cell SUR1 subunit present in the KATP channel. Hence, the MEA would be a promising lead molecule to develop new antidiabetic drug candidates of the future.

Alliums as Potential Antioxidants and Anticancer Agents.

The genus Allium plants, including onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots, have long been recognized for their potential health benefits, particularly in oxidative and cancer prevention. Among them, onions and garlic have been extensively studied, unveiling promising biological activities that are indicative of their potential as potent antioxidant and anticancer agents. Research has revealed a rich repository of bioactive compounds in Allium species, highlighting their antioxidative properties and diverse mechanisms that target cancer cells. Compounds such as allicin, flavonoids, and organosulfur compounds (OSCs) exhibit notable antioxidant and anticancer properties, affecting apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and the inhibition of tumor proliferation. Moreover, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes enhance their potential in cancer therapy. Studies exploring other Allium species beyond onions and garlic have revealed similar biological activities, suggesting a broad spectrum of natural products that could serve as promising candidates for developing novel anticancer treatments. Understanding the multifaceted potential of Allium plants will pave the way for innovative strategies in oxidative and cancer treatment and prevention, offering new avenues for pharmaceutical research and dietary interventions. Therefore, in this review, we compile an extensive analysis of the diversity of various Allium species, emphasizing their remarkable potential as effective agents.

Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat) aqueous extract loaded on selenium nanoparticles protects against testis and brain injury induced by mercuric chloride in rats.

BACKGROUND: Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is poisonous to humans and animals and typically damages the nervous system and other organs. Mercuric chloride exposition disclosed to initiation of oxidative stress pathway can result in a defect in male fertility and testis tissue. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were characterized with a diameter range minimal than 100 nm, having the effective sets of the biological matter. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biosynthesized SeNPs, prepared by leek extract on Wistar rats' testicles and brain. METHODS: Thirty-five Wistar male rats (120-150 g) were randomly split into five groups (n = 7), orally ingested with leek aqueous extract loaded on SeNPs, and then the animals were administered with mercury II chloride (HgCl2) to induce testis injury and damage the nervous system. RESULTS: The used dose of mercuric chloride led to oxidative stress damage in the testis of the rats which was evidenced by a decrease in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and an increase in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and caspase-3. Also, HgCl2 decreased the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brains of rats. In addition, A decrease was observed in the levels of antioxidant markers, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), as well as an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and Bax in both testes and brains. Pre-treatment with leek extract loaded on SeNPs significantly ameliorated testosterone, LH, FSH, PCNA and caspase-3 levels in the testis and DA, 5-HT, NE and BDNF in brains. Although the contents of MDA, NO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, NF-κB and Bax decreased significantly in both. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and Bcl-2 levels were significantly improved in both organs. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that treatment with aqueous leek extract loaded on SeNPs may offer promising prospects for the advancement of anti-inflammation activity against testis injury and also have a very key role in neurobehavioral alterations as a result of mercury toxicity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of dietary supplementation of wild leek (Allium tricoccum) and garlic (Allium sativum) leaves on production, egg quality, serum lipid profile, intestinal morphology and nutrient digestibility of laying quails.

In this study, the effects of adding dried wild leek and garlic leaves to the diet of laying quails on egg quality, production performance, intestinal histomorphology, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical traits were evaluated. 168- 30 weeks aged- laying quails were randomly arranged into 7 treatments (control group and three different levels (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) of wild leek or garlic leaves), 6 replicates, and 4 quails per pen. According to the study, the highest hen-day production was achieved by adding 0.5% garlic leaves, and the egg weight was higher with 1% garlic leaves and 0.5% wild leek compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, adding garlic leaves decreased the average daily feed intake and increased high-density lipoprotein concentration. However, adding both herbs did not influence yolk height, albumin height, shell thickness, and Haugh unit (P > 0.05). All supplemented treatments significantly increased the formerly Roche Yolk Color Fan (DSM) index compared to the control. Quails fed with 1% garlic leaves declined serum cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid. Moreover, three levels of garlic leaves decreased triglyceride concentration. Adding 0.5% and 1% garlic leaves to the diet could increase the jejunal, and ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, 1% and 1.5% garlic leaves supplementation elevated organic matter, ash, and crude protein digestibility. In conclusion, supplementing 1% garlic leaves to the quail's diet could improve egg weight, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility, improving lipid profiles and reducing uric acid concentration in the serum. However, both plants were rich pigment sources, increasing the DSM index.

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.

Isotope-Guided Metabolomics Reveals Divergent Incorporation of Valine into Different Flavor Precursor Classes in Chives.

Plants of the genus Allium such as chives, onions or garlic produce S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides as flavor precursors. Two major representatives are S-propenyl cysteine sulfoxide (isoalliin) and S-propyl cysteine sulfoxide (propiin), which only differ by a double bond in the C3 side chain. The propenyl group of isoalliin is derived from the amino acid valine, but the source of the propyl group of propiin remains unclear. Here, we present an untargeted metabolomics approach in seedlings of chives (Allium schoenoprasum) to track mass features containing sulfur and/or 13 C from labeling experiments with valine-13 C5 guided by their isotope signatures. Our data show that propiin and related propyl-bearing metabolites incorporate carbon derived from valine-13 C5 , but to a much lesser extent than isoalliin and related propenyl compounds. Our findings provide new insights into the biosynthetic pathways of flavor precursors in Allium species and open new avenues for future untargeted labeling experiments.

Recent advances in research on Allium plants: functional ingredients, physiological activities, and applications in agricultural and food sciences.

Fruits and vegetables (FVs) have long been a major source of nutrients and dietary phytochemicals with outstanding physiological properties that are essential for protecting humans from chronic diseases. Moreover, the growing demand of consumers for nutritious and healthy foods is greatly promoting the increased intake of FVs. Allium (Alliaceae) is a perennial bulb plant genus of the Liliaceae family. They are customarily utilized as vegetable, medicinal, and ornamental plants and have an important role in agriculture, aquaculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. Allium plants produce abundant secondary metabolites, such as organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Accordingly, Allium plants possess a variety of nutritional, biological, and health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, immunoregulatory, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to highlight the advances in the research on the bioactive components, physiological activities and clinical trials, toxicological assessment for safety, and applications of different Allium plants. It also aims to cover the direction of future research on the Allium genus. This review is expected to provide theoretical reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of Allium plants in the fields of functional foods, medicine, and cosmetics.

Identification of in vitro metabolites of an Allium organosulfur compound and environmental toxicity prediction as part of its risk assessment.

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is an organosulfur compound found inAllium spp. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, PTSO has been proposed for applications in the agri-food sector, such as feed additive. However, its use with commercial purposes depends on its toxicity evaluation. The present work aimed to perform a pilot-study of toxicokinetic profile of PTSO combining in silico and in vitro techniques, important steps in the risk assessment process. In silico ecotoxicity studies were also performed considering the importance of the environmental impact of the compound before its commercial use. First, an analytical method has been developed and validated to determine the original compound and its metabolites by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The phase I and II metabolism of PTSO was predicted using Meta-Pred Web Server. For the phase I metabolism, rat (male and female) and human liver microsomes were incubated with PTSO and NADPH regeneration system. Furthermore, in the phase II, microsomes were incubated with PTSO and glutathione or uridine 5'- diphosphoglucuronic acid. The analysis revealed the presence of propylpropane thiosulfinate (PTS) originated by redox reaction in phase I, and two conjugates from the phase II: S-propylmercaptoglutathione (GSSP) and S-propylmercaptocysteine (CSSP). Additionally, considering the environmental fate of PTSO and its metabolites, the ADME parameters and the potential ecotoxicity were also predicted using in silico softwares. The results of the ecotoxicity in silico study evidenced that the metabolism induced the formation of detoxified metabolites from the parent compound, except for dimercaprol and 3-mercaptopropane1,2-diol. Further in vivo assays are needed to confirm this prediction.

Contributions of Chemical Content and Biological Activity to Plant Taxonomy Based on the Four Allium L. Taxa (Sect. Cupanioscordum - Amaryllidaceae).

Garlic and onions are used as food and for medicinal purposes worldwide. Allium L. species are rich in bioactive organosulphur compounds that exhibit many biological activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic activities. In this study, macro- and micromorphological characteristics of four Allium taxa were examined and the results suggested that A. callimischon subsp. haemostictum was the outgroup to sect. Cupanioscordum. Also, for the genus Allium, which is a taxonomically difficult genus, the hypothesis that chemical content and bioactivity can also be used taxonomically in addition to micro and macromorphological characters has been questioned. The bulb extract was analyzed to determine their volatile compositions and anticancer activities against human breast cancer, human cervical cancer, and rat glioma cells for the first time in the literature. To detect the volatiles, the Head Space-Solid Phase Micro Extraction method was used followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The main compounds were found as dimethyl disulfide that (36.9 %, 63.8 %, 81.9 %, 12.2 %) and methyl (methylthio)-methyl disulfide (10.8 %, 6.9 %, 14.9 %, 60.0 %) for A. peroninianum, A. hirtovaginatum and A. callidyction, respectively. Additionally, methyl-trans-propenyl disulfide is detected for A. peroniniaum (36 %). As a result, all extracts have shown significant efficacy against MCF-7 cells depending on applied concentrations. The treatment of MCF-7 cells for 24 h with 10, 50, 200, or 400 µg/mL ethanolic bulb extract of four Allium species resulted in DNA synthesis inhibition. Survival rates for A. peroninianum was 51.3 %, 49.7 %, 42.2 %, 42.0 %, for A. callimischon subsp. haemostictum 62.5 %, 63.0 %, 23.2 %, 22 %, for A. hirtovaginatum 52.9 %, 42.2 %, 42.4 %, 39.9 %, for A. callidyction 51.8 %, 43.2 %, 39.1 %, 31.3 %, for cisplatin 59.6 %, 59.9 %, 50,9 %, 48.2 %, respectively. Moreover, taxonomic evaluation according to biochemical compounds and bioactivities is almost in agreement with that made according to micro and macromorphological characters.

One new furostane saponin from Allium ramosum and lipid accumulation inhibitory activity.

A new furostane saponin, ramosaponin (1), and four known furostane saponins, protodioscin (2), dehydrotomatoside (3), (25 R)-26-O-(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)-furost-5-ene-3ß,22α,26-triol 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-galactopyranoside (4), and anguivioside A (5) were isolated from the methanol extract of Allium ramosum seeds. Their structures were identified based on spectroscopic evidence and comparison with those reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for reduction of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cell line. As a result, compound 1 showed significant lipid accumulation inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 64.32 ± 3.87 µM.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Several Allium Extracts.

Microbial infections affect both the human population and animals. The appearance of more and more microbial strains resistant to classical treatments led to the need to develop new treatments. Allium plants are known for their antimicrobial properties due to their high content of thiosulfinates, especially allicin, polyphenols or flavonoids. The hydroalcoholic extracts of six Allium species obtained by cold percolation were analyzed regarding their phytochemical compounds and antimicrobial activity. Among the six extracts, Allium sativum L. and Allium ursinum L. have similar contents of thiosulfinates (approx. 300 µg allicin equivalents/g), and the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were different between the tested species. The HPLC-DAD method was used to detail the phytochemical composition of species rich in thiosulfinates. A. sativum is richer in allicin (280 µg/g) than A. ursinum (130 µg/g). The antimicrobial activity of A. sativum and A. ursinum extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis can be correlated with the presence of large amounts of thiosulfinates. Both extracts have shown results against Candida species (inhibition zones of 20-35 mm) and against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zones of 15-25 mm). These results demonstrate the antimicrobial effect of the extracts and suggest their use as an adjuvant treatment for microbial infections.

Mooseer (Allium hirtifolium) boosts growth, general health status, and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Streptococcus iniae infection.

In large-scale aquaculture, the fast growth rate of fish is positively influenced by feed additives such as medicinal plants. This is however; infectious disease may reduce fish growth and cause devastating economic loss. The present study investigated in vitro antibacterial efficacy of Mooseer (Allium hirtifolium) extract against Streptococcus iniae and its in vivo effects on growth, biochemical parameters, innate immunity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Therefore, six experimental diets were designed to include different levels of Mooseer from zero (as control), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g per kg diet respectively referred to as M1 to M5. Results from the antibacterial evaluation showed that Mooseer extract inhibits S. iniae growth with MIC and MBC values of 128 and 256 µg ml-1. Appreciable results were obtained in the groups supplemented with Mooseer. Mooseer enhanced growth performance, and modulated serum biochemical and immunological parameters (total protein, albumin, triglyceride, glucose, cortisol, cholesterol, lysozyme, Ig, ACH50, ALP, and protease activity), and liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP). The greatest effects were found for higher doses of Mooseer supplementation (M4 and M5). Meanwhile, results from the survival rate of fish challenged with S. iniae showed higher survival in M2 and M4 treatments. The present findings suggest the beneficial use of Mooseer in rainbow trout diet, with 20 g kg-1 inclusion as the recommended dose.

Furostane Saponins from the Seeds of Allium ramosum and Their Lipid Accumulation Inhibitory Activity.

Three new furostane saponins, ramofurosides A-C (1-3), and two known saponins, fistulosaponin B (4) and (25R)-26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-1ß,3ß,26-trihydroxyfurosta-5,20(22)-diene-1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (5) were isolated from the methanol extract of Allium ramosum seeds. Their structures were identified based on spectroscopic evidence and comparison with those reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for reduction of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cell lines. As a result, compounds 1 and 3 showed a significant reduction in total lipid content by 27.93±3.05 and 27.54±1.68 %, respectively, at a concentration of 100 µM.

Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Bulb and Leek (Allium ampeloprasum L. var. Porrum) Leaf Oil Extracts.

Allium species including garlic and leek exhibits a broad range of medicinal and nutritional properties. Therefore, this study investigates the physicochemical and biological activities of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and leek (A. ampeloprasum L. var. Porrum) oil extracts. The result indicated that physicochemical properties indicated that significantly higher oil yield (21.25%), ACV (2.66 mg/g), FFA (1.34%), and PV (4.10 meq/kg) and also antioxidant activities with respect to 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH (27.60 ± 1.55%), hydrogen peroxide (12.35 ± 0.92%) free radical scavenging activities, and ascorbic acid content (25.30 ± 3.25%) were obtained for leek leaf oil extract. Stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (16.00 mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.20 µg/ml), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (0.40 µg/ml) was recorded for leek oil extract against S. pyogenes. However, garlic oil has presented stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (13.50 mm), MIC (0.40 µg/ml), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) (0.75 µg/ml) against Candida albicans. It is concluded from the results of this investigation that oils extracts of garlic bulb and leek leaves demonstrated significant biological activities that can be used as sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Garlic Odor Compounds in Cultivated Chinese Chives (Allium tuberosum) and Wild Chinese Chives (Allium hookeri).

Chinese chives is a popular herb vegetable and medicine in Asian countries. Southwest China is one of the centers of origin, and the mountainous areas in this region are rich in wild germplasm. In this study, we collected four samples of germplasm from different altitudes: a land race of cultivated Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum), wide-leaf chives and extra-wide-leaf chives (Allium hookeri), and ovoid-leaf chives (Allium funckiaefolium). Leaf metabolites were detected and compared between A. tuberosum and A. hookeri. A total of 158 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), among which there was a wide range of garlic odor compounds, free amino acids, and sugars. A. hookeri contains a higher content of fructose, garlic odor compounds, and amino acids than A. tuberosum, which is supported by the higher expression level of biosynthetic genes revealed by transcriptome analysis. A. hookeri accumulates the same garlic odor compound precursors that A. tuberosum does (mainly methiin and alliin). We isolated full-length gene sequences of phytochelatin synthase (PCS), γ-glutamyltranspeptidases (GGT), flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), and alliinase (ALN). These sequences showed closer relations in phylogenetic analysis between A. hookeri and A. tuberosum (with sequence identities ranging from 86% to 90%) than with Allium cepa or Allium sativum (which had a lower sequence identity ranging from 76% to 88%). Among these assayed genes, ALN, the critical gene controlling the conversion of odorless precursors into odor compounds, was undetected in leaves, bulbs, and roots of A. tuberosum, which could account for its weaker garlic smell. Moreover, we identified a distinct FMO1 gene in extra-wide-leaf A. hookeri that is due to a CDS-deletion and frameshift mutation. These results above reveal the molecular and metabolomic basis of impressive strong odor in wild Chinese chives.

Non-volatile cysteine sulphoxides and volatile organosulphur compounds in cloves of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) local accessions from northern and central Italy.

BACKGROUND: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and other species of genus Allium are popular vegetables and food seasonings, owing to their spicy flavour and richness in health-promoting compounds. Several local garlic types are still grown on a small scale in different Italian regions, not being however yet properly characterized for their chemical composition. RESULTS: In the present investigation ten garlic and four elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) populations cultivated in northern and central Italy were evaluated for their alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxide (ACSO) and volatile compound profiles. Three non-volatile ACSOs (methiin, alliin, and isoalliin) and 27 volatile compounds were identified and quantified. A high and significant within-type variability was detected, with total ACSOs in the range 2759-5756, 4533-15 520, and 6565-10 643 mg kg-1 of fresh weight (f.w.). in elephant, white and red garlic, respectively. Elephant garlic showed a total sulphoxide content and a relative alliin amount significantly lower than white and red garlic. Remarkable within-type differences were also assessed for volatile compound content, ranging 260-599, 333-981, and 618-845 mg kg-1 f.w. in elephant, white, and red garlic, respectively. Diallyl trisulphide was the major individual compound, accounting for more than 0.30 mg mg-1 of volatiles in all the analysed samples. The three garlic types were clearly separated by discriminant analysis of analytical traits. CONCLUSION: This study investigated for the first time different Italian garlic and elephant garlic populations with respect to non-volatile and volatile organosulphur compound content, allowing the possibility of selecting garlic accessions according to the bioactive content. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Beneficial effect of the methanolic leaf extract of Allium hookeri on stimulating glutathione biosynthesis and preventing impaired glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes.

Oxidative stress resulting from the depletion of glutathione (GSH) level plays a vital role in generating various degenerative diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). We tested the hypothesis that depleted glutathione levels can be enhanced and the impaired glucose metabolism can be prevented by supplementing Allium hookeri, a herb rich in organosulfur compounds, in a High Fat (HF) diet-induced T2D Male Sprague Dawley rat model. The experimental rats were divided into three groups (n = 6), namely normal diet, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet treated with A.hookeri methanolic leaf extract (250 mg/kg). Consumption of HF diet along with the plant extract resulted in significant reduction of the body weight (7.08%-14.89%) and blood glucose level (6.5%-16.4%) from the 13th week onward. There was a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, and an increase in GSH level in skeletal muscle tissues supplemented with the plant extract. The protein expressions of the signaling molecules such as GCLC and GR involved in GSH synthesis and of GLUT4 in glucose transport were also upregulated in the skeletal muscle tissues of the plant extract-treated group. Results of in vitro studies with muscle cell line (L6) further demonstrated the beneficial effect of the plant extract in increasing glucose uptake and maintaining the GSH/GSSH equilibrium via regulation of protein expression of GCLC/GR/GLUT4 signaling molecules in sodium palmitate (0.75 mM) treated cells. Overall this study suggests that dietary supplementation with Allium hookeri, can restore the glutathione level and regulate the blood glucose level in T2D.

Chemical constituents and medicinal properties of Allium species.

Allium species, belonging to Alliaceae family, are among the oldest cultivated vegetables used as food. Garlic, onions, leeks and chives, which belong to this family, have been reported to have medicinal properties. The Allium species constituents have been shown to have antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and, in addition, other biological properties. These activities are related to their rich organosulfur compounds. These organosulfur compounds are believed to prevent the development of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, diabetes, liver diseases as well as allergy and arthritis. There have also been reports on toxicities of these compounds. The major active compounds of Allium species includes, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, diallyl sulfide, dipropyl disulfide, dipropyl trisulfide, 1-propenylpropyl disulfide, allyl methyl disulfide and dimethyl disulfide. The aim of this review is to focus on a variety of experimental and clinical reports on the effectiveness, toxicities and possible mechanisms of actions of the active compounds of garlic, onions, leek and chives.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Allium ursinum: Impact of Temperature and Pressure on the Extracts Chemical Profile.

The aim of this study was to extract Allium ursinum L. for the first time by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2 ) as green sustainable method. The impact of temperature in the range from 40 to 60 °C and pressure between 150 and 400 bar on the quality of the obtained extracts and efficiency of the extraction was investigated. The highest extraction yield (3.43 %) was achieved by applying the extraction conditions of 400 bar and 60 °C. The analysis of the extracts was performed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The most dominant sulfur-containing constituent of the extracts was allyl methyl trisulfide with the highest abundance at 350 bar and 50 °C. In addition, the presence of other pharmacologically potent sulfur compounds was recorded including S-methyl methanethiosulfinate, diallyl trisulfide, S-methyl methylthiosulfonate, and dimethyl trisulfide. Multivariate data analysis tool was utilized to investigate distributions of the identified compounds among the extracts obtained under various extraction conditions and yields. It was determined that the SC-CO2 extraction can by efficiently used for A. ursinum.