The protective effect of Macrostemonoside T from Allium macrostemon Bunge against Isoproterenol-Induced myocardial injury via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Myocardial injury (MI) signifies a pathological aspect of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. Macrostemonoside T (MST) has been isolated from Allium macrostemon Bunge (AMB), a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for treating chest stuffiness and pains. Although MST has demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity in vitro, its protective effect against MI remains unexplored. To investigate MST's effects in both in vivo and in vitro models of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. This study established an ISO-induced MI model in rats and assessed H9c2 cytotoxicity to examine MST's impact on MI. Various assays, including histopathological staining, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining, DCFH-DA staining, JC-1 staining, ELISA technique, and Western blot (WB), were utilized to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of MI protection. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ISO caused myocardial fiber disorders, elevated cardiac enzyme levels, and apoptosis. However, pretreatment with MST significantly mitigated these detrimental changes. In vitro experiments revealed that MST boosted antioxidant enzyme levels and suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) production in H9c2 cells. Concurrently, MST inhibited ISO-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitigated the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. Moreover, pretreatment with MST elevated the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR, indicating activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and consequent protection against MI. MST attenuated ISO-induced MI in rats by impeding apoptosis through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study presents potential avenues for the development of precursor drugs for CVDs.

Traceability and authentication in agri-food production: A multivariate approach to the characterization ofthe Italian food excellence elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a vasoactive nutraceutical.

A research platform for food authentication was set up by combining stable isotope ratio analysis, metabolomics by gas and liquid mass-spectrometry and NMR investigations, chemometric analyses for food excellences. This multi-analytical approach was tested on samples of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a species belonging to the same genus of common garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), mainly produced in southern Tuscany-(Allium ampeloprasum). The isotopic composition allowed the product to be geographically characterized. Flavonoids, like (+)-catechin, cinnamic acids, quercetin glycosides were identified. The samples showed also a significant amount of dipeptides, sulphur-containing metabolites and glutathione, the latter of which could be considered a molecular marker of the analyzed elephant garlic. For nutraceutical profiling to reach quality labels, extracts were investigated in specific biological assays, displaying interesting vasorelaxant properties in rat aorta by mediating nitric oxide release from the endothelium and exhibited positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects in rat perfused heart.

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.

Enhancing Healthcare Outcomes and Modulating Apoptosis- and Antioxidant-Related Genes through the Nano-Phytosomal Delivery of Phenolics Extracted from Allium ampeloprasum.

The application of nano drug delivery systems, particularly those utilizing natural bioactive compounds with anticancer properties, has gained significant attention. In this study, a novel nano-phytosome-loaded phenolic rich fraction (PRF) derived from Allium ampeloprasum L. was developed. The antitumor activity of the formulation was evaluated in BALB/c mice with TUBO colon carcinoma. The PRF-loaded nano-phytosome (PRF-NPs) exhibited a sphere-shaped structure (226 nm) and contained a diverse range of phenolic compounds. Animal trials conducted on TUBO tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that treatment with PRF-NPs at a dosage of 50 mg TPC/Kg/BW resulted in significant improvements in body weight and food intake, while reducing liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as Bax and caspase-3, was upregulated, whereas Bcl2 was significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of GPx and SOD genes in the liver was notably increased compared to the control group. The findings suggest that the phytosomal encapsulation of the phenolic rich fraction derived from Allium ampeloprasum L. can enhance the bioavailability of natural phytochemicals and improve their antitumor properties. The development of PRF-NPs as a nano drug delivery system holds promise for effective breast cancer treatment.

Untargeted phytochemical profiling and biological activity of small yellow onion (Allium flavum L.) from different regions of Romania.

This study examined the phytochemical profiles (mainly phenolics, carotenoids, and organosulfur compounds) and biological effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Allium flavum (AF), a species of the Allium genus commonly known as small yellow onion. Unsupervised and supervised statistical approaches revealed clear differences between extracts prepared with samples collected from different areas of Romania. Overall, the AFFF (AF flowers collected from Faget) extract was the best source of polyphenols, also showing the highest antioxidant capacity evaluated through both in vitro DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC anti-radical scavenging assays and cell-based OxHLIA and TBARS assays. All the tested extracts exhibited α-glucosidase inhibition potential, while only the AFFF extract exhibited anti-lipase inhibitory activity. The phenolic subclasses annotated were positively correlated with the assessed antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Our findings suggested that A. flavum has bioactive properties worth exploring further, being a potential edible flower with health-promoting implications.

Aged black garlic (Allium sativum L.) and aged black elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) alleviate obesity and attenuate obesity-induced muscle atrophy in diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a primary dietary component worldwide because of its health benefits and use as a traditional medicine. Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a related species in the same genus, is less intense and sweeter than A. sativum. The object of this study was to investigate the alleviative effects of aged black garlic (ABG) and aged black elephant garlic (ABEG) on obesity and muscle atrophy induced by obesity in high fat diet-induced obese mice. We demonstrated that ABG and ABEG alleviated obesity and muscle atrophy and enhanced myogenic differentiation and myotube hypertrophy, and this effect was mediated by the upregulation of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling. Furthermore, a candidate bioactive compound of ABG and ABEG was suggested in this study through analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. In conclusion, ABG and ABEG may alleviate obesity and treat obesity-induced muscle atrophy.

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.

Organosulfur Compounds of Allium Subgenus Nectaroscordum Species.

Organosulfur compounds formed upon comminuting the bulbs of two Allium subgenus Nectaroscordum species (Allium siculum and Allium tripedale) were analyzed by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. The major organosulfur components were isolated and structurally characterized (MS, NMR), including several previously unknown compounds. It was found that the organosulfur chemistry occurring when these plants are cut is very similar to that observed in onion (Allium cepa). In all cases, however, the organosulfur compounds found in Nectaroscordum species were higher homologues of those observed in onion, being formed by various combinations of C1 and C4 building blocks derived from methiin and homoisoalliin/butiin, respectively. Thiosulfinates, bis-sulfine, cepaenes, and several cepaene-like compounds were identified among the major organosulfur components present in the homogenized bulbs. Several groups of 3,4-diethylthiolane-based compounds, structurally homologous with onionin A, cepathiolane A, allithiolanes A-H, and cepadithiolactone A, found in onion, were also detected.

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.

Screening of Anti-carcinogenic Properties of Phytocompounds from Allium ascalonicum for Treating Breast Cancer Through In Silico and In Vitro Approaches.

Plants, rich in phytocompounds, have been in usage since time immemorial for treating various diseases, namely, cancer. One such plant species, Allium ascalonicum (Shallot) belonging to Amaryllidaceae family is being studied here for its anti-carcinogenic properties against breast cancer. GC-MS characterization of A. ascalonicum exhibited 48 phytocompounds containing five peak phytocompounds and 13 phytocompounds with anti-carcinogenic properties. These 13 anti-carcinogenic phytocompounds were docked with three hormonal receptors involved in breast cancer malignancy, namely, ERα, PR, and human EGFR with tamoxifen as standard for in silico analysis. The results exhibited three phytocompounds that had better binding scores compared to that of the standard drug, tamoxifen. Lyophilized powder of aqueous A. ascalonicum extract, also referred as ASE, was used for in vitro approaches. Antioxidant study using DPPH assay revealed that the highest percentage of FRSA in ASE, nearly 51%, was observed at 50 µg/ml concentration. Cytotoxicity study on MCF-7 cell line using MTT assay demonstrated IC50 value at 1400 µg/ml and anti-proliferative study using Trypan blue assay for the determination of percentage viability of MCF-7 cells at IC50 concentration was observed to be 49%. Anti-mitotic activity using Vigna radiata seed germination assay revealed clear morphological differences in a dose-dependent manner between the seeds grown at various concentrations of ASE with nearly 56.5% growth inhibition observed at 1500 µg/ml concentration. Hence, this research work proves that Allium ascalonicum has very good anti-carcinogenic properties and this can be confirmed further through in vivo animal model studies and it can also be formulated as a promising drug to treat breast cancer. GC-MS characterization of Allium ascalonicum demonstrated the presence of five peak compounds and thirteen anti-carcinogenic compounds. The thirteen anti-carcinogenic compounds were docked with three target proteins (in silico analysis) involved in breast cancer malignancy and identified the presence of three potential phytocompounds that can be used for treating breast cancer. In vitro approaches also confirmed the presence of anti-carcinogenic properties such as antioxidative potential, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-mitotic effects. Hence, Allium ascalonicum can be taken further to in vivo studies so that it can be formulated to treat breast cancer.

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.

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.

Seeing the smell of garlic: Detection of gas phase volatiles from crushed garlic (Allium sativum), onion (Allium cepa), ramsons (Allium ursinum) and human garlic breath using SESI-Orbitrap MS.

Allicin is the main flavour component of crushed raw garlic. This plant defence molecule has strong antibiotic properties. While measurements in the liquid phase using LC-MS are established, accessing reactive organosulfur compounds in the gas phase is still a challenge due to heat-degradation in the gas chromatograph. Using a gentle secondary electrospray ionisation coupled Orbitrap mass spectrometry procedure (SESI-Orbitrap MS), we measured gas phase concentrations of allicin evaporating from a pure solution. Despite the mild conditions, two quantitatively major allicin-derived breakdown products were found. The SESI-Orbitrap MS technique was used to follow the known chemistry of alliin, isoallin and methiin conversion in garlic, onion and ramsons. Allicin and its metabolites were also measured over two hours in human breath after garlic consumption. These results demonstrate the utility of SESI-Orbitrap MS for analysis of sulfur-containing volatiles from plants in the genus Allium and potentially for capturing volatilomes of foodstuffs in general.

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.

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.

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.

Acute and subchronic 90-days toxicity assessment of propyl-propane-thiosulfinate (PTS) in rats.

The organosulfur compounds (OSC) extracted from Allium spp. exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. The agri-food industry is taking advantage of these properties by using them as natural feed and food additives. In the present work, an acute and a subchronic 90-days toxicity studies have been conducted for the first time to assess the safety of the OSC propyl-propane-thiosulfinate (PTS). Both studies were carried out following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development test guidelines (425 and 408, respectively). The acute study provided a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 175 mg/kg and the subchronic study established the Non Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) ≥ 55 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day in both sexes. In addition, the subchronic study performed on rats exposed to 14, 28 and 55 mg/kg b.w./day PTS, revealed no changes in any of the hematological parameters measured as well as no differences in body weight and water/food consumption. However, biochemical parameters were altered in some groups, although they were not biologically significant (Ca2+ in female rats, and the thyroids hormones T3 and T4 in rat males). Furthermore, the histopathological assessment evidenced no abnormality on the gastrointestinal, respiratory, lymphoid, urinary, circulatory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems.

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.

Antioxidant Properties and Structure-Antioxidant Activity Relationship of Allium Species Leaves.

Allium is a genus that is widely consumed and used as traditional medicine in several countries. This genus has two major species, namely cultivated species and wild species. Cultivated species consist of A. cepa L., A. sativum L., A. fistulosum L. and A. schoenoprasum L. and wild species consist of A. ursinum L., A. flavum L., A. scorodoprasum L., A. vineale L. and A. atroviolaceum Boiss. Several studies report that the Allium species contain secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins and have bioactivity such as antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, pancreatic α-amylase, glucoamylase enzyme inhibitors and antiplatelets. This review summarizes some information regarding the types of Allium species (ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology), the content of compounds of Allium species leaves with various isolation methods, bioactivities, antioxidant properties and the structure-antioxidant activity relationship (SAR) of Allium compounds.

Spirostanol Saponins from Flowers of Allium Porrum and Related Compounds Indicating Cytotoxic Activity and Affecting Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Effect in Peritoneal Macrophages.

Saponins, a diverse group of natural compounds, offer an interesting pool of derivatives with biomedical application. In this study, three structurally related spirostanol saponins were isolated and identified from the leek flowers of Allium porrum L. (garden leek). Two of them were identical with the already known leek plant constituents: aginoside (1) and 6-deoxyaginoside (2). The third one was identified as new component of A. porrum; however, it was found identical with yayoisaponin A (3) obtained earlier from a mutant of elephant garlic Allium ampeloprasun L. It is a derivative of the aginoside (1) with additional glucose in its glycosidic chain, identified by MS and NMR analysis as (2α, 3ß, 6ß, 25R)-2,6-dihydroxyspirostan-3-yl ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-glucopranosyl-(1 → 2)-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-(1 → 4)-ß-D-galactopyranoside, previously reported also under the name alliporin. The leek native saponins were tested together with other known and structurally related saponins (tomatonin and digitonin) and with their related aglycones (agigenin and diosgenin) for in vitro cytotoxicity and for effects on NO production in mouse peritoneal cells. The highest inhibitory effects were exhibited by 6-deoxyaginoside. The obtained toxicity data, however, closely correlated with the suppression of NO production. Therefore, an unambiguous linking of obtained bioactivities of saponins with their expected immunobiological properties remained uncertain.