Evaluation of dietary supplementation of garlic powder (Allium sativum) on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Dietary supplementation with plant-based products may arise as part of an alternative strategy to using antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry. Garlic powder (GP) possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of GP on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of the Japanese quail. A total of 240, day-old mixed gender Japanese quail were assigned to 4 treatment groups, each group being replicated 4 times and containing 15 birds in each replication. Birds were provided with either a basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1% and 2% GP for 5 wk. At slaughter age, birds fed 1% GP had higher (P < 0.05) live weight and body weight gain when compared to the control. Supplementation with different levels of GP had no influence (P > 0.05) on feed intake, feed conversion ratio except 3rd wk, carcass traits and abdominal fat. Thiobarbituric acid, peroxide and pH values in breast meat of birds receiving GP (1% or 2%) after storage (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d) were lower (P < 0.05) than the birds in control. Furthermore, total psychrophilic bacteria count was lower in breast meat of birds supplemented with GP at any dose compared to the birds of control. Sensory characteristics such as color, aroma, juiciness and tenderness were observed significantly better (P < 0.05) in GP supplemented groups especially when fed 1% GP. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with 1% to 2% GP demonstrated growth-promoting effects and positively impacted meat quality, including sensory characteristics.

Investigating the Efficacy of Various Natural Products in Raw Form against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

BACKGROUND: The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance urges alternative and efficacious antimicrobial solutions. Historically, medicinal plants have been used for therapeutic purposes, such as relieving pain and healing wounds. However, the evaluation of the natural therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in a manner that resembles how humans typically consume them is lacking. Therefore, in this study, many medicinal plants known to have some antimicrobial effects, including Frankincense, Garlic, Myrrh, and Ginger, were evaluated for their direct antibacterial activity in raw form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The direct antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants was evaluated against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus), Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae using agar well diffusion method and turbidity measurements in suspension culture. RESULTS: Out of all the tested medicinal plants, only raw garlic (Allium sativum) powder, when dissolved in water or vinegar, offered a straightforward antibacterial activity. A combination of garlic extract and vinegar increased antibacterial activity. Aqueous garlic extracts displayed robust antimicrobial activity against many resistant bacteria. Other medicinal plants used in this study had absent or minimal antibacterial effects. CONCLUSION: Only garlic in its raw form was effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The increase in the antibacterial activity of garlic when combined with vinegar suggests the synergistic activity of garlic. The straightforward antibacterial action of raw garlic may be strategically harnessed to combat the continuous challenge of increasing antibiotic resistance. This work promotes additional testing of more natural products (in raw form) and assesses their therapeutic effects clinically.

Brown garlic: A nutritionally improved garlic with therapeutic value in asthma treatment via modulation of S-nitrosothiols.

Nitric Oxide (NO) regulates important physiological functions. Garlic (Allium sativum) is an important food component consumed fresh and processed for thousands of years. It has high L-arginine, which contributes to the NO system in the body. Both garlic and NO impact important physiological processes. Here we produced brown garlic, with significantly higher nutritional and therapeutic value compared to fresh and black garlic. Lower exhaled NO was recorded in asthmatic mice fed with brown garlic but with higher blood SNOs and no change in eNOS and iNOS expression. Lung biopsy showed reduced eosinophil accumulation in asthmatic mice fed with brown garlic. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses indicated high expression of antioxidant genes but reduced interleukin genes, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL1ß, and TNF-α brown garlic-fed asthmatic mice as compared to that in fresh and black garlic-fed asthmatic mice. This study provides the first comprehensive and conclusive insight into the nutritional benefits of brown garlic and its therapeutic value for the treatment of asthma in animals.

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.

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.

Exploring the health benefits of raw white garlic consumption in humans: a mini review.

Introduction: Raw white garlic, a fundamental food in both culinary and medicinal practices globally, has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Despite widespread use, clinical research has predominantly focused on aged black garlic or garlic extracts, leaving raw white garlic consumption in humans underexplored. This mini review aims to summarize the evidence from clinical and observational studies on the health effects of raw white garlic consumption. Methods: A search in PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify clinical and observational studies on raw white garlic consumption. Twelve clinical trials and 10 observational studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria were selected for review. Results: Results from clinical trials revealed diverse health effects of raw garlic consumption, including improved lipid profiles, blood pressure regulation, fibrinolytic activity, antioxidant status, and glucose metabolism. Observational studies reported the association of raw garlic consumption with improvements of important health outcomes, including cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, insulin homeostasis, and liver function. However, both clinical and observational studies were heterogenous in design, participant characteristics, durations, and outcome measures. Observational studies were limited to Asian populations. Conclusion: While human studies indicate that raw garlic may exert various health benefits, larger randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up and cohort studies are needed to explore the full potential of raw garlic consumption in human health promotion. Our mini-review aims to summarize the currently available evidence on raw garlic consumption in humans.

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.

First report of garlic common latent virus in elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) in single and mixed infection in South Korea.

In South Korea, the cultivation area of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) is increasing as elephant garlic is milder and sweeter than garlic (A. sativum) (Kim et al., 2019; Lu et al., 2011). Viral diseases can decrease garlic productivity by up to 50% in South Korea (Nam et al., 2002). In 2022-2023, virus-like symptoms such as mosaic and yellow stripes were observed on leaves of elephant garlic in a 432㎡farm with disease incidence of approximately 40% in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Seventy-two leaf samples were randomly collected from symptomatic plants in 2022 (n=46) and 2023 (n=26). Total RNAs were isolated from individual samples using the Total RNA Prep Kit (BioFact, Daejeon, Korea), and then two-steps RT-PCR was performed using the First Strand cDNA Synthesis kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and the TaKaRa TaqTM (TaKaRa Bio Inc.). These samples were tested for 13 viruses with virus-specific coat protein primers including garlic common latent virus (GarCLV) (supplementary Table 1). In 2022, GarCLV, garlic virus (GarV)-B, GarV-C, and GarV-D were detected with the expected amplicon sizes of their CP genes (960, 735, 780, and 753 bp, respectively) in four different plants. In 2023, the CP gene of GarCLV was detected in 26 samples and 4 of 26 samples were positive for GarV-B. The leaves infected with GarCLV and GarV-B in mixed infection showed synergistic effect with extended mosaic and yellow stripes than the leaves with single infection (supplementary Fig. 1). All amplicons were cloned into a pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega Co., USA), and sequenced at Bionics Co. Ltd., South Korea. The resulting nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) sequences were analyzed using DNAMAN software version 5.1. Since all isolates were collected from a farm in Yangpyeong-gun, name of these isolates started with "YPG." The nt and aa sequences of the isolates were compared with those of other strains/isolates. All 27 GarCLV-YPG isolates sequences were deposited (Accessions: OP981636, and PP533185-PP533210). The GarCLV-YPG sequences shared 78.90%-94.40% nt and 92.10%-99.40% aa identities with other GarCLV strains and isolates, and they showed higher similarity (99.40% aa) to isolates produced from A. sativum in China and India (supplementary Table 2). GarV-C-YPG showed the highest similarity (99.20% aa) to isolate G81(GenBank MN059141) from A. sativum in China. GarV-D-YPG showed the highest similarity (99.20% aa) to isolates (G82, GenBank MN059388; BR, MT279193) from A. sativum in China and Brazil. Twenty-two quinoa plants (Chenopodium quinoa, local lesion host) were individually inoculated using the sap from 22 GarCLV infected plants. Chlorotic and necrotic spots appeared on inoculated leaves 12 days post-inoculation; no chlorotic and necrotic spots symptoms were observed on any other leaves except for the inoculated leaves. RT-PCR was performed and the targeted amplicon size for GarCLV was detected. In transmission electron microscope, filamentous particles of approximately 620-730 nm length and 12 nm diameter, similar to the particle description for members of the family Betaflexiviridae, were observed in the saps of symptomatic leaves of elephant garlic and quinoa plants infected with only GarCLV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on GarCLV detection in elephant garlic in South Korea. We hypothesized that the presence of GarCLV in mixed infection with GarV-B might have increase the symptom severity in the elephant garlic. Further study is needed to proof the synergistic effect in mixed virus infection.

A Comparative Study of LC-MS and FIA-(ESI)MS for Quantitation of S-Allyl-L-Cysteine in Aged Garlic Supplements.

The increasing consumption of food supplements demands the development of improved analytical methodologies to ensure their quality and authenticity. In this paper, two new approaches, liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and flow injection analysis-(electrospray ionization) mass spectrometry (FIA-(ESI)MS), were optimized and validated for their application in the quantitative analysis of bioactive S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) in commercial aged garlic supplements (AGS). Although both methodologies were found to be useful for the sensitive and precise quantitation of SAC, the LC-MS approach allowed the differential determination of SAC and its bioactive diastereoisomer, S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine (S1PC), together with the identification of a number of organosulfur compounds typical of garlic. Mass fingerprints by FIA-(ESI)MS were proposed as an advantageous alternative to LC-MS analysis when the fast (4 min/sample) screening of AGS for their SAC content is intended, as in applications aimed at high-throughput quality control or standardization. Finally, the results gathered by the application of these two methodologies evidenced the highly variable composition of commercial AGS, as well as the identification of a number of potential composition frauds affecting their genuineness and benefits on health.

Alliaceae-Derived Supplementation Improves the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms among Elderly Nursing Home Residents.

This study investigates the effect of daily consumption of a concentrated garlic and onion extract on COVID-19 symptoms among elderly nursing home residents. Volunteers consumed a daily capsule of the concentrated powder rich in organosulfur compounds over 36 weeks during lunch. The incidence and severity of COVID-19 symptoms between the treatment and control groups were compared, along with monitoring the safety of consumption, incidence of other diseases, and medicine usage. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in both the number and severity of COVID-19 symptoms compared to the control group, with no significant adverse effects observed. No significant reduction in symptom duration was detected. This study provides preliminary evidence that concentrated garlic and onion extract may aid in the treatment of COVID-19 among older adults. These findings suggest potential public health benefits, emphasizing the need for further research to explore the immunomodulatory properties of these natural compounds.

Garlic Extract Increased Acrylamide Formation in French Fries Obtained by Different Cooking Methods.

Fried potato products are the largest dietary source of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen formed at high temperatures. Previous studies suggested that garlic powder could decrease the development of acrylamide; however, there has not been much focus on the effect of garlic extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of garlic extract exposure on the development of acrylamide in French fries in popular home cooking techniques such as pan-frying, air-frying, and oven-frying. Initially, the antioxidative profile, total phenolic content, and chlorogenic acid content of garlic were analyzed. Subsequently, potatoes were treated with garlic extract and fried using pan-frying, air-frying, and oven-frying techniques. Acrylamide levels were then quantified through HPLC and compared to control groups. The findings showed that garlic exposure increased the acrylamide formation in French fries obtained with air-frying (311.95 ± 0.5 µg/kg) and with oven-frying (270.32 ± 23.4 µg/kg) (p < 0.005 *). This study offers new insights into varying acrylamide formation levels in domestic practices. Unlike previous studies, this study is the first to question the effect of aqueous garlic extract exposure. Further research is required to comprehend the interaction between garlic exposure and acrylamide formation in household settings.

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.

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.

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.

Penicillium species associated with postharvest blue mold rots of garlic in Serbia.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important plant because of its medicinal and gastronomical benefits. The host can be affected by different plant pathogens, among which Penicillium species are one of the most important rot agents, of stored garlic and other stored food products. This research resolves the etiology of blue mold rots associated with garlic in Serbia. Penicillium-like isolates were collected (2016-2022) from diseased stored garlic bulbs in Serbia and identified using a polyphasic approach. Detailed characterization of the obtained cultures was performed using three solid media, three incubation temperatures, molecular and phylogenetic analyses of four molecular loci [internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2)] and the pathogenicity assay. Five Penicillium species, i.e. P. allii, P. glabrum, P. italicum, P. polonicum, and P. psychrotrophicum were identified and confirmed as postharvest pathogens of garlic. Herein, we report for the first time the pathogenicity of P. psychrotrophicum and P. italicum on garlic. Findings from this study provide insights into the previously unknown diversity of Penicillium fungi responsible for garlic bulb decay in Serbia, and will help in the assessment of the phytosanitary status of this crop, as well as the creation and application of effective disease management strategies.

Antimicrobial Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Allium Species on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Several Other Microorganisms.

This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs), varying in size, against clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, and C. albicans, as well as the antimicrobial effects of aqueous extracts and lyophilized powders of Allium (garlic) species. CNPs were synthesized through ionotropic gelation and characterized by Z potential, hydrodynamic diameter (dynamic light scattering, DLS), and SEM. Aqueous garlic extracts were prepared via decoction. We assessed antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods; in addition, a modified agar proportion method in blood agar was used for antimicrobial activity against MTB. CNPs inhibited MTB growth at 300 µg for 116.6 nm particles and 400 µg for 364.4 nm particles. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against E. faecalis with nanoparticles between 200 and 280 nm. Allium sativum extract produced inhibition for C. albicans at 100 µg. The results indicate that CNPs possess significant antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, including MTB, at high concentrations. On the other hand, aqueous Allium sativum extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, due to their instability in solution, the use of lyophilized Allium sativum powder is preferable.

Garlic Extract Promotes Pancreatic Islet Neogenesis Through α-to-ß-Cell Transdifferentiation and Normalizes Glucose Homeostasis in Diabetic Rats.

SCOPE: Garlic extract (GE) has been shown to ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetic rats (DRs) by increasing insulin production. However, the mechanism through which it exerts its effects remains unclear. Here, it investigates the molecular process and the origin of regenerating ß-cell in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in response to GE. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis are carried out after pancreas isolation. These findings show that 1 week of GE treatment increases the expression of the endocrine progenitor cell markers Neurogenin3 (Neurog3), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (Neurod1), paired box proteins (Pax)4, V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (Mafb), and NK homeobox factors (Nkx)6-1 in STZ-induced DRs. Continuation with GE treatment for 8 weeks causes the expression of the mature ß-cell markers insulin(Ins)2, urocortin3 (Ucn3), and glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) to peak. Comprehensive examination of the islet through immunohistochemical analysis reveals the presence of a heterogeneous cell population including INS+/GLUT2- and INS+/GLUT2+ ß-cell subpopulations with few bihormonal INS+/GCG+ cells after 4 weeks. By week 8, islet architecture is reestablished, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was restored through the upregulation of Ucn3. CONCLUSION: GE induces ß-cell neogenesis in DRs and restores islet architecture. The newly formed mature ß-like cells could have originated through the differentiation of endocrine progenitor cells as well as α- to ß-cell transdifferentiation.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Allium sativum (Garlic Extract) against Human Dental Pulp Fibroblasts.

Background: Vital pulp therapy procedures in primary dentition focuses on preservation and maintenance of pulp tissue that has been compromised due to caries, trauma, etc. Several pulp dressing materials have been used in primary teeth and some natural materials from the field of traditional medicine have also been introduced as medicaments in vital pulp therapy. The understanding of biologic and cytotoxic properties of newer materials is important for safe clinical usage. The biologic compatibility of these newer materials is imperative to limit or avoid tissue irritation or degeneration. Aim: To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Allium sativum on cultured human primary dental pulp fibroblasts. Materials and methods: Primary pulp fibroblasts were cultured from the pulp tissue obtained from extracted deciduous primary canines and central incisor teeth. The freshly prepared concentrations of 1000, 500, 250, 125, and 62.5 µg/mL A. sativum extract were added to the 96-well plate in triplicates to which culture medium containing fourth passage cell suspension was added previously. Cells without treatment served as control, while cells treated with 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) served as toxic control. After the addition of experimental and control agents, cells were incubated for 24 and 48 hours at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere. After the incubation period, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to determine the number of viable cells. Absorbance was read with a microplate reader at 570 nm wavelength and the relative viability of dental pulp fibroblasts at various concentrations was expressed as color intensity of the experimental wells relative to that of control. The percentage of cell viability was also calculated accordingly. Results: The MTT assay results revealed that A. sativum extract, in all the concentrations tested at both the time intervals maintained a cell viability of greater than 90%. At 24 hours, the mean absorbance value of untreated control wells was recorded as 0.84400 ± 0.00916 with 100% cell viability. Among all the concentrations of garlic extract tested, highest mean absorbance value of 0.83933 ± 0.00550 with 99.44% cell viability was recorded for 62.5 µg/mL concentration. At 48 hours, the mean absorbance value of untreated control wells was recorded as 1.22767 ± 0.01106 with 100% cell viability, and the highest mean absorbance value of 1.22567 ± 0.01006 with 99.83% cell viability was recorded for 62.5 µg/mL concentration. The cell viability did not seem to be affected by the concentration of A. sativum extract at 24 hours. However, at 48 hours, the sensitivity of the cells was observed to be dependent on the concentration of A. sativum with a decrease in the viability of cells noted with the increase in concentration. Conclusion: A. sativum extract is noncytotoxic in nature and preserves the vitality of cultured human primary dental pulp fibroblasts making it a suitable material for use in vital pulp therapy procedures of primary teeth. How to cite this article: Devaraju R, Reddy D, Paul ST, et al. Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Allium sativum (Garlic Extract) against Human Dental Pulp Fibroblasts. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):143-148.

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.

Unraveling genetic, compositional, and organoleptic traits of elephant garlic of different geographical origins.

The ancient native variety of elephant garlic, known as "Aglione della Valdichiana" and cultivated in the Valdichiana area of Tuscany, Italy, has gained recent recognition in the National Catalog of Local Varieties. The renewed interest in traditional products has led to a focus on identifying local varieties of elephant garlic, driven by their distinctive organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. However, other types of elephant garlic nowadays available on the market appear similar, but challenges exist in discerning their origin and composition. This study focused on characterizing elephant garlic from Lazio, Italy, and the Val di Chiana region through genetic, chemical, and aromatic analyses to understand genetic and geographic influences. ISSR markers differentiated elephant garlic from common varieties and highlighted regional genetic diversity. Chemical analysis revealed higher polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in elephant garlic compared to common garlic. Moreover, analysis highlights the variability in the concentrations of sulfur-containing compounds between common and elephant garlic. Aromatic and sensory assessments underscored distinctions between garlic types and regions, emphasizing the significant impact of geographic origin and genetic background on metabolite profiles in Allium genotypes.