Garlic (Allicin)

CONTEXT: Current treatments for leishmaniasis and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) are constrained by toxicity, high costs, and the growing threat of parasite resistance. In this context, natural products have emerged as promising alternatives, offering the potential for safer and more cost‑effective therapeutic interventions. OBJECTIVE: This review assesses the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of medicinal plants, underscoring their significance in addressing parasitic diseases and identifying promising candidates for future drug discovery and development. METHODS: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted for literature published between 2003 and 2023. Studies were considered eligible if they reported in vitro activities of extracts or compounds against Leishmania spp. or Trypanosoma brucei with IC50 < 10 µg/mL. Data included plant species, extraction methods, parasite strains, active compound(s), cytotoxicity profiles, and traditional uses. The quality of each study was evaluated based on the reproducibility of experimental procedures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A total of fifty eligible articles were included. 217 plants demonstrated potent activity (IC₅。 < 10 µg/mL) against Leishmania spp. and/or T. brucei. Among these, 41 species had documented traditional use in the treatment of leishmaniasis or HAT, whereas 76 were traditionally employed for unrelated ailments yet exhibited scientific evidence of antiparasitic efficacy. Notably, 67 species were active against both parasites, 120 displayed selective antitrypanosomal, and 30 showed selective antileishmanial activities. Exemplary candidates include Achillea ptarmica L. (pellitorine), Allium sativum L. (allicin, ajoene), Strychnos spinosa Lam. (triterpenoids), Tridax procumbens L. (oxylipin), and Marrubium incanum Desr. (salvigenin). More studies should define mechanisms and in vivo efficacy.Systematic review registration: Not registered.

BACKGROUND: The bioactive components of plant foods and medicinal plants have attracted interest due to their potential impact on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a critical and quantitative systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the potential effects of selected phytochemicals from plant-based foods and medicinal plants in CKD and dialysis patients. METHODS: The review included studies that related plant-based bioactive compounds (curcumin, propolis, sulforaphane, betalain, catechins, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, flavonoids, and triptolide) and medicinal plants (green tea, rhubarb, Astragalus membranaceus, and Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) in CKD and dialysis patients. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus, and WOS between December 2022 and October 2024. This review was performed according to the PRISMA flowchart and was registered in PROSPERO (595162). RESULTS: In the eight RCTs conducted with curcumin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microbiota-modulating properties were reported. As for propolis, in three RCTs, anti-inflammatory, anti-proteinuric, and renal-protective properties were reported. Sulforaphane in one RCT showed antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, and in another RCT no effects were observed. In one RCT, genistein was shown to be a potential anti-inflammatory agent and improved nutritional status. Allicin in two RCTs showed cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects. Finally, beetroot showed a vasodilator effect in one RCT. As for the medicinal plants, green tea, rhubarb, Astragalus membranaceus, and Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F, in six RCTs they showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antiproteinuric, and renoprotective properties. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that bioactive compounds of plant-based foods and medicinal plants have promising effects in terms of preventing or treating CKD progression and appear to improve inflammation and antioxidant capacity and support cardiovascular benefits and renoprotective effects; however, it is recommended that fur

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to evaluate the different medicinal interventions available for the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive electronic search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for articles related to OSF patients treated with medications from December 2011 to September 2022. GRADE system was used to evaluate the evidence quality. The reporting of the systematic review is in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The main outcomes were the improvement of maximum mouth opening, burning sensation, cheek flexibility, and tongue protrusion. RESULTS: Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs), five clinical trials (CCTs) were included, and the use of drugs for OSF treatment were evaluated. Drugs like steroids, hyaluronidase, pentoxifylline, lycopene, curcumin, dpirulina, aloe vera, omega3, oxitard, allicin, colchicine have been used. It was found that drugs with evidence high quality were salvia miltiorrhiza combined with triamcinolone acetonide, lycopene, pentoxifylline, curcumin, and aloe vera, and those with evidence moderate quality were allicin, colchicine, omega 3, and oxitard. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our comprehensive analysis, for long-term treatment, we found lycopene with low side effects, whereas for relieving the symptoms of severe burning sensation, aloe vera is the most effective. Although the recent review has made some progress, drug therapy for OSF remains unclear, and more high-quality RCTs are needed to identify better treatments for OSF. © 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

Keap1-Nrf2 is a fundamental signaling cascade known to promote or prevent carcinogenesis. Extensive studies identify the key target of modulatory aspects of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling against cancer. Nutraceuticals are those dietary agents with many health benefits that have immense potential for cancer chemoprevention. The nutritional supplements known as nutraceuticals are found to be one of the most promising chemoprevention agents. Upon investigating the dual nature of Nrf2, it became clear that, in addition to shielding normal cells from numerous stresses, Nrf2 may also promote the growth of tumors. In the present review, we performed a systematic analysis of the role of 12 different nutraceuticals like curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from fish oil, lycopene, soybean, kaempferol, allicin, thymoquinone, quercetin, gingerol, and piperine in modulating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling mechanism. Among these, 12 Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) certified nutraceuticals, sulforaphane is the most extensively studied compound in modulating Keap1-Nrf signaling. Even though there is much evidence at preclinical levels, further high-quality research is still required to validate the potential role of these nutraceuticals in Keap1-Nrf2 modulation. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy has significantly improved cancer survival rates at the cost of irreversible and frequent cardiovascular toxicity. As the main dose-dependent adverse effect, cardiotoxic effects not only limit the usage of chemotherapeutic agents, but also cause the high risk of severe poor prognoses for cancer survivors. Therefore, it is of great significance to seek more effective cardioprotective strategies. Some nutrients have been reported to diminish cardiac oxidative damage associated with chemotherapy. However, the currently available evidence is unclear, which requires a rigorous summary. As such, we conducted a systematic review of all available evidence and demonstrated whether nutrients derived from food could prevent cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy. METHODS: We searched Medline (via PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to Nov 9, 2021 to identify studies reporting dietary nutrients against cancer chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity. We performed descriptive summaries on the included studies, and used forest plots to demonstrate the effects of various dietary nutrients. RESULTS: Fifty-seven eligible studies were identified, involving 53 animal studies carried on rats or mice and four human studies in cancer patients. Seven types of dietary nutrients were recognized including polyphenols (mainly extracted from grapes, grape seeds, and tea), allicin (mainly extracted form garlic), lycopene (mainly extracted from tomatoes), polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids (mainly referring to glutamine), coenzyme Q10, and trace elements (mainly referring to zinc and selenium). Dietary nutrients ameliorated left ventricular dysfunctions and myocardial oxidative stress at varying degrees, which were caused by chemotherapy. The overall risk of bias of included studies was at moderate to high risk. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that dietary nutrients might be a potential strategy to protect cardiovascular system exposed to the chemotherapeutic agents, but more human studies are urged in this field.Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-3-0015/.

BACKGROUND: The blockade of the progression or onset of pathological events is essential for the homeostasis of an organism. Some common pathological mechanisms involving a wide range of diseases are the uncontrolled inflammatory reactions that promote fibrosis, oxidative reactions, and other alterations. Natural plant compounds (NPCs) are bioactive elements obtained from natural sources that can regulate physiological processes. Inflammation is recognized as an important factor in the development and evolution of chronic renal damage. Consequently, any compound able to modulate inflammation or inflammation-related processes can be thought of as a renal protective agent and/or a potential treatment tool for controlling renal damage. The objective of this research was to review the beneficial effects of bioactive natural compounds on kidney damage to reveal their efficacy as demonstrated in clinical studies. METHODS: This systematic review is based on relevant studies focused on the impact of NPCs with therapeutic potential for kidney disease treatment in humans. RESULTS: Clinical studies have evaluated NPCs as a different way to treat or prevent renal damage and appear to show some benefits in improving OS, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity, therefore making them promising therapeutic tools to reduce or prevent the onset and progression of KD pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: This review shows the promising clinical properties of NPC in KD therapy. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish their safety and therapeutic effects in the area of renal damage.

Vegetables of the Allium genus, such as garlic (Allium sativum L.), onions, shallots, leaks, and chives, have been used for many years for food consumption and for medicinal purposes. Historical medical texts have indicated the therapeutic applications of garlic as an antitumor, laxative, diuretic, antibacterial and antifungal agent. Specifically, garlic's antitumor abilities have been traced back 3500 years as a chemotherapeutic agent used in Egypt. Other beneficial effects of garlic consumption include lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, sugar and lipids. The processing and aging of garlic result in the production of non-toxic organosulfur by-products. These sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, alliin, S-allylcysteine, and S-allylmercaptocysteine, impact various stages of carcinogenesis. The anticancer mechanisms of action of these garlic-derived phytochemicals include altering mitochondrial permeability, inhibiting angiogenesis, enhancing antioxidative and proapoptotic properties, and regulating cell proliferation. All these effects of garlic's sulfur-compounds have been demonstrated in various human cancers. The intent of this literature research is to explore the potential of garlic-derived products and bioactive organosulfur compounds as cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. This investigation employs criteria for systematic review and critically analyzes published in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Concerns and limitations that have arisen in past studies regarding standards of measurement, bioavailability, and method of delivery are addressed. Overall, it is hoped that through this systematic and comprehensive review, future researchers can be acquainted with the updated data assembled on anticancer properties of garlic and its phytoconstituents.

BACKGROUND: Allicin (2-propene-1-sulfinothioic acid S-2-propenyl ester, diallyl thiosulfinate) extracted from garlic, has proven activity against Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection. In recent years, clinical trials have explored its utility as an add-on therapy with variable outcomes reported. AIM: To perform a systemic review of allicin as an add-on treatment for H. Pylori infection and assess its efficacy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese VIP Information Databases, Chinese Medical Databases, and the Wan-Fang Database were searched for keywords including "allicin", "Helicobacter pylori", "randomized clinical trials", and their synonyms. A meta-analysis was performed using the fixed-effects model for low heterogeneity and the random-effects model for high heterogeneity with sensitivity analysis. Bias was evaluated using Egger's tests. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate information size and treatment benefits. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the level of quality, and studies were classed as "high quality", "moderate quality", "low quality", and "very low quality". RESULTS: A total of eight RCTs consisting of 867 participants (435 from the allicin group and 432 from the control group) were included. Eradication rate in the allicin group (93.33%, 406/435) was significantly higher than that of the control group (83.56%, 361/432) [I 2 = 0%, odds ratio (OR) = 2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74-4.35, P < 0.001]. The healing rate of ulcers following H. pylori therapy in the allicin group (86.17%, 349/405) was significantly higher than that of the control group (75.87%, 305/402) [I 2 = 0%, OR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.39-3.03, P < 0.001]. The total remission rate of peptic ulcers across all allicin groups was 97.16%, which was significantly higher than that of controls [96.05% (389/405) vs 86.55% (360/402), I 2 = 0, OR = 3.04, 95%CI: 1.51-6.12, P = 0.015]. No significant differences in side effects were observed. TSA sug

AIMS: To determine whether oral antioxidant therapies, of various types and doses, are able to prevent or treat women with preeclampsia. DATA SYNTHESIS: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, LILACS, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were: a) randomized clinical trials; b) oral antioxidant supplementation; c) study in pregnant women; d) control group, treated or not with placebo. Papers were excluded if they evaluated antioxidant nutrient supplementation associated with other non-antioxidant therapies. Data were extracted and the risk of bias of each study was assessed. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the Cochran Q test, and I2 statistics and pre-specified sensitivity analyses were performed. Meta-analyses were conducted on prevention and treatment studies, separately. The primary outcome was the incidence of preeclampsia in prevention trials, and of perinatal death in treatment trials. Twenty-nine studies were included in the analysis, 19 for prevention and 10 for treatment. The antioxidants used in these studies were vitamins C and E, selenium, l-arginine, allicin, lycopene and coenzyme Q10, none of which showed beneficial effects on the prevention of preeclampsia (RR: 0.89, CI 95%: [0.79-1.02], P = 0.09; I2 = 39%, P = 0.04) and other outcomes. The antioxidants used in the treatment studies were vitamins C and E, N-acetylcysteine, l-arginine, and resveratrol. A beneficial effect was found in intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant therapy had no effects in the prevention of preeclampsia but did show beneficial effects in intrauterine growth restriction, when used in the treatment of this condition.

PURPOSE: To gain further insight into the strength of evidence and extent of possible biases in the scope of studies investigating the impact of garlic and garlic supplement intake on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, we performed an umbrella review of all published meta-analyses synthesizing data from both observational studies and randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Electronic database PubMed (between 1966 and June 2015) was searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses using following search terms: ("garlic" OR "allium sativum" OR "allicin" OR "organosulfur") AND ("cardiovascular" OR "coronary" OR "cholesterol" OR "triglyceride" OR "atherosclerosis" OR "blood pressure" OR "hypertension" OR "blood glucose") AND ("systematic review" OR "meta-analysis"), with no restriction to calendar data and language. Hand-search of reference lists and relevant clinical guidelines was performed as well. RESULTS: Nine systematic reviews investigated the effects of garlic on lipid parameters and eight systematic reviews analyzed the effects on blood pressure parameters were identified. Eight of nine meta-analyses synthesizing the effect of garlic on blood lipids reported significantly decreased total cholesterol levels. Inconsistent results could be detected for HDL-cholestrol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerols. The effect of garlic on systolic blood pressure showed consistent results across publications with 7 out of 8 meta-analyses demonstrating a substantial decrease in systolic blood pressure. Similar results could be reported regarding the effect of garlic on diastolic blood pressure, i.e. 6 out of 8 meta-analyses detected significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure levels following interventions with garlic. CONCLUSION: According to the data summarized in the present umbrella review, garlic preparations as well as garlic exerted some positive effects on indicators and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, typically without causing any serious side effects. However, with regard to the substantial heterogeneities between the different trials enrolled in the various meta-analyses of this review, a conservative interpretation of the outcome seems to be a

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to illustrate the effect of garlic supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: From 2020 to 2021, a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 97 women with PCOS and MetS. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either garlic tablets (500 mg containing 2-3 mg allicin; n = 49) or placebo tablets (n = 48) twice daily for 8 weeks. The study assessed changes in MetS indices, quality of life (QoL), and sexual function before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, the garlic group showed significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (FBS) by 10.5% (from 107.2 to 95.9 mg/dL; P < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) by 17.8% (P = 0.002), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 14.2% (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) by 12.6% (P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (CRP) by 24.7% (P < 0.001), compared to the placebo group. A significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels was also observed (18.3%; P = 0.005). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 5.2% and 6.1%, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001), and both weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). However, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) did not change significantly (P = 0.86). Notable improvements were also observed in all six domains of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)- desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (P < 0.05 for all). Moreover, significant enhancements were recorded in all domains of the Modified Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MPCOSQ), including hirsutism, acne, weight, infertility, menstrual, and emotional disturbances (P < 0.001 for all). The study's limitations include a relatively short follow-up period, lack of strict dietary control, and the omission of some relevant hormonal assays (e.g., androstenedione, DHEA, and DHEAS) due to budgetary constraints. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that garlic supplementation may be an effective strategy for managing MetS markers in women with PCOS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20150905023897N4, Registratio

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most significant cause of organ failure, mortality and substantial escalation of health care cost. Dyslipidemia and hypertension poses significant risks in cardiovascular diseases and morbidity and mortality can be minimized by altering risks factors. Dyslipidemia is one of the major leading cause of rise of global incidences and socioeconomic burden which necessitates to explore the pharmacological options of significant antilipemic activity with minimal untoward effects at affordable price. Allium Sativum (Garlic) proved medicinally effective in different clinical trials, but further investigations are required to investigate its effects on diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia based on variable doses and duration. In this study dose and duration dependent effects of Garlic were evaluated on hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia. Study was randomized, single blind and placebo controlled. Effects of tablets of garlic (KWAI) 300 mg in doses of daily 0.3g, 0.6g, 0.9g, 1.2g and 1.5g for 24 weeks were compared in humans. Each tablet contains 1.3 percent of alliin and 0.6 % of allicin. Results showed remarkable improvements in different serum lipid levels (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low density lipoproteins and High density lipoproteins) based on different doses and duration as compared to placebo and standard Lipid-lowering agent simvastatin.

BACKGROUND: Bismuth has antimicrobial activity and can improve the efficacy of triple Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) therapy. Allicin added to conventional therapy for H. pylori infection also improves H. pylori eradication rates. Thus, this study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of allicin-containing quadruple therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy and to investigate the factors that affect the eradication rates. METHODS: Two hundred twenty H. pylori-infected patients were included and randomly (1:1) assigned to 14-day quadruple therapy: ilaprazole (5 mg bid), doxycycline (100 mg bid), and furazolidone (100 mg bid) with an allicin soft capsule (40 mg of DATS tid) (IDFA) or colloidal bismuth tartrate (220 mg of elemental bismuth bid) (IDFB). Eradication was confirmed by urea breath tests. Symptom improvement, adverse events, and adherence were assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates for IDFA and IDFB groups were 87.5% (70/80) vs. 86.3% (69/80, P = 0.815) and 91.9% (68/74) vs. 91.8% (67/73, P = 0.980) as first-line therapies; 83.3% (25/30) vs. 83.3% (25/30, P = 1) and 89.3% (25/28) vs. 88.9% (24/27, P = 1) as second-line therapies. Symptom improvement rates were 96.1% and 97.0% for IDFA and IDFB (P = 1). The adverse event rates were 10.9% in IDFA and 14.5% in IDFB groups (P = 0.418). Nausea occurred frequently in IDFB than IDFA (1.8% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.030). Smoking and sharing utensils significantly affected the efficacy. CONCLUSION: Allicin-containing quadruple therapy might be regarded as a promising alternative to bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in H. pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: TRPA1 is an excitatory ion channel and is involved in sensory processes including thermal nociception and inflammatory pain. The allicin in garlic is a strong activator of the TRPA1 channel. AIM: To evaluate the effect of intragastric garlic powder containing allicin on perception, gastric tone, and mechanosensitivity. METHODS: An infusion-barostat balloon assembly was used for infusion of test solutions, for distension, and to measure proximal gastric compliance and tone. After an initial open label dose finding with 1 g, 2 g, 3.75 g, and 7.5 g commercially available garlic powder, a bolus of 2 g garlic powder (11 mg allicin)/60 mL H2 O was considered to induce moderate but constant sensation and was used hereafter in a placebo-controlled, single-dose, double-blind, randomized study in 7 volunteers to evaluate gastric sensation, tone, and mechanosensitivity. KEY RESULTS: Bolus injection of garlic caused immediate epigastric symptoms, mean aggregate symptom scores (AUC in 15 minutes) were 106 ± 49 vs. 35 ± 30 after placebo (P = 0.01). Garlic induced significant epigastric pressure, stinging, and warmth (P < 0.01 vs. placebo), while intensity of cramps, satiety, nausea, and pain was not significantly different to placebo (P > 0.05). Garlic induced an immediate, short lived fundic relaxation (balloon volume 627 ± 349 mL vs. -145 ± 120 mL; P < 0.02). No effect of allicin on proximal gastric mechanosensitivity and compliance was observed (NS). CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: Garlic containing allicin induces immediate epigastric symptoms of pressure, stinging, and warmth and induces fundic relaxation but does not influence mechanosensitivity or compliance. TRPA1 is a receptor that is involved in gastric sensation and motility. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Allicin is considered responsible for most of the pharmacological activity of crushed raw garlic cloves. However, when garlic supplements and garlic foods are consumed, allicin bioavailability or bioequivalence (ABB) has been unknown and in question because allicin formation from alliin and garlic alliinase usually occurs after consumption, under enzyme-inhibiting gastrointestinal conditions. The ABB from 13 garlic supplements and 9 garlic foods was determined by bioassay for 13 subjects by comparing the area under the 32-h concentration curve of breath allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), the main breath metabolite of allicin, to the area found after consuming a control (100% ABB) of known allicin content: homogenized raw garlic. For enteric tablets, ABB varied from 36⁻104%, but it was reduced to 22⁻57% when consumed with a high-protein meal, due to slower gastric emptying. Independent of meal type, non-enteric tablets gave high ABB (80⁻111%), while garlic powder capsules gave 26⁻109%. Kwai garlic powder tablets, which have been used in a large number of clinical trials, gave 80% ABB, validating it as representing raw garlic in those trials. ABB did not vary with alliinase activity, indicating that only a minimum level of activity is required. Enteric tablets (high-protein meal) disintegrated slower in women than men. The ABB of supplements was compared to that predicted in vitro by the dissolution test in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP); only partial agreement was found. Cooked or acidified garlic foods, which have no alliinase activity, gave higher ABB than expected: boiled (16%), roasted (30%), pickled (19%), and acid-minced (66%). Black garlic gave 5%. The mechanism for the higher than expected ABB for alliinase-inhibited garlic was explored; the results for an alliin-free/allicin-free extract indicate a partial role for the enhanced metabolism of &gamma;-glutamyl S-allylcysteine and S-allylcysteine to AMS. In conclusion, these largely unexpected results (lower ABB for enteric tablets and higher ABB for all other products) provide guidelines for the qualities of garlic products to be used in future clinical trials and new standards for manufacturers of garlic p

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are one disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. Pirfenidone (PFD) is a potent modulator of extracellular matrix. Modified diallyl disulfide oxide (M-DDO) is an antimicrobial and antiseptic agent. AIM: To evaluate efficacy of topical PFD + M-DDO in a randomized, double-blind trial versus ketanserin in the treatment of noninfected chronic DFU. METHODS: Patients received PFD + M-DDO or ketanserin for 6 months. Relative ulcer volume (RUV) was measured every month; biopsies were taken at baseline and months 1 and 2 for histopathology and gene expression analysis for COL-1α, COL-4, KGF, VEGF, ACTA2 (α-SMA), elastin, fibronectin, TGF-β1, TGF-β3, HIF-1α, and HIF-1β. RESULTS: Reduction of median RUV in the PFD + M-DDO group was 62%, 89.8%, and 99.7% at months 1-3 and 100% from months 4 to 6. Ketanserin reduced RUV in 38.4%, 56%, 60.8%, 94%, 94.8%, and 100% from the first to the sixth month, respectively. Healing score improved 4.5 points with PFD + M-DDO and 1.5 points with ketanserin compared to basal value. Histology analysis revealed few inflammatory cells and organized/ordered collagen fiber bundles in PFD + M-DDO. Expression of most genes was increased with PFD + M-DDO; 43.8% of ulcers were resolved using PFD + M-DDO and 23.5% with ketanserin. CONCLUSION: PFD + M-DDO was more effective than ketanserin in RUV reduction.

A 12-week trial with 120 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (45.65 ± 1.93 kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture (HM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of three treatments with 0, 0.025% (HM1) and 0.05% (HM2) HM supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 10 replications with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Dietary HM resulted in a higher G:F (p < 0.05) than CON group during weeks 7 to 12 and the overall periods. Pigs fed HM2 diet had higher ADG than pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed HM2 supplementation diet led to a higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) than pigs fed CON diet at week 6, while the supplementation of HM led to a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than pigs fed CON diet at week 12. The faecal E. coli counts were reduced, and Lactobacillus counts were increased by increasing HM supplementation (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HM1 diet had higher (p < 0.05) WBC concentration than those fed CON and HM2 diets at week 6. Pigs fed HM-supplemented diet had higher (p < 0.05) IgG and IgA concentrations than those fed CON diet at week 12. Pigs fed HM diet noted better (p < 0.05) meat colour and redness value than pigs fed CON diet. Pig fed HM2 reduced (p < 0.05) the lightness value compared with CON group. In conclusion, dietary HM supplementation exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbial balance (increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), immune response and meat quality. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of Diallil-Tiosulphinate, Nuciepherine and Diosgenin in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In our study were selected 120 men affected by erectile dysfunction. They were filled in a self-administered questionnaire International Index of Sexual Medicine. 74 of them reported a moderate erectile dysfunction and 46 reported a severe ED. All patients were treated with Tadalafil 5 mg once a day for 90 days. They were re-evaluated with the same questionnaire after three months of therapy. In 75% of the patients there was an improvement of IIEF-5 score. Only the 90 patients responders to Tadalafil once a day were randomized and divided into two groups, each formed by 45 subjects. The group A was treated with the association of Diallil-Tiosulfinate, Nucipherine and Diosgenin on alternate days. The patients of group B were treated with placebo. After three months, there was a new evaluation with IIEF-5 score. In group A we reported a maintenance of improvement post-Tadalafil in 36 patients;in group B, only 18 patients have maintained the previous improvement, according to IIEF-5 score. The ?2 test is 13,38, with a p-value of about 0,00013.The maintenance's odds ratio, confronting the two groups, is 6 with a confidence's interval of 95%. The study shows that the utilization of the association therapy in patients with erectile dysfunction responders to Tadalafil once a day is able to duplicate the odds of maintenance's improvement compared to placebo.

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of allicin in the treatment of stage II oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in a Chinese patient cohort. A randomized clinical trial was performed. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) or allicin was injected intralesionally weekly for 16 weeks. Improvements in mouth opening, burning sensation, and oral health-related quality of life were evaluated. Forty-eight subjects completed the study without obvious adverse reactions. At 40 weeks, the net gain in mouth opening was 2.27 ± 0.84 mm in the TA group and 5.16 ± 1.04 mm in the allicin group. Burning sensation improved by 2.79 ± 0.87 in the TA group and by 4.33 ± 1.04 in the allicin group. The OHIP-14 score improved by 4.67 ± 2.94 in the TA group and by 12.58 ± 9.82 in the allicin group. Allicin intralesional injections improved mouth opening, burning sensation, and oral health-related quality of life in these stage II OSF patients. Allicin appears to be a potential adjunctive therapeutic drug.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate whether garlic powder tablets in adjunct to conventional medical treatment could have an effect on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plasma lipoproteins and lipids in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS/METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 56 patients with CAD between the ages of 25 and 75 years. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: garlic group (n = 27), receiving garlic powder tablet (1200 µg allicin/tab) twice daily and the placebo group (n = 29), receiving placebo for 3 months. The rate of atherosclerosis progression was measured by B-mode ultrasonography as the increase in CIMT. RESULTS: After 3 months of taking garlic tablets, CIMT values had minor variations (0.009 ± 0.007 mm reduction from baseline), while in the placebo group, an increase in CIMT values was observed (0.04 ± 0.01 mm increase from baseline). After 3 months of treatment, mean CIMT difference from baseline was significantly differ between the two groups (p < 0.001). Plasma lipids and lipoproteins (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B) did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that dry garlic powder tablet is superior to placebo in prevention of CIMT progression in patients with CAD and may be considered as an adjunct treatment for atherosclerosis. © The Author(s) 2015.

Background/Objectives: The frequent use of antibiotics has led to increasing drug resistance in Aeromonas hydrophila; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobial agents to prevent and control bacterial diseases in aquaculture. Allicin E (ALE) is derived from garlic (Allium sativum L.), a plant extensively used in traditional medicine for treating infections. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ALE against A. hydrophila, a major aquaculture pathogen, by investigating its antibacterial efficacy, mechanisms of action, and in vivo protective effects. Methods: The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) were determined by broth microdilution. Antibacterial mechanisms were investigated through ROS detection, electron microscopy, fluorescent staining, and content leakage measurement. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in Carassius auratus gibelio by monitoring survival rates and bacterial loads, analyzing immune and antioxidant biomarkers, and histopathological analysis after A. hydrophila challenge. Results: ALE exhibited potent antibacterial activity (MIC = MBC = 8 μg/mL), achieving complete bacterial elimination within 1 h and showing a low resistance propensity. Mechanistically, ALE induced ROS accumulation, causing oxidative damage that disrupted membrane integrity and facilitated the leakage of cellular contents. In vivo, ALE significantly enhanced fish survival, reduced bacterial loads, modulated inflammatory cytokines, boosted antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT), and alleviated tissue damage. Conclusions: ALE possesses potent in vitro antibacterial activity and exerts an inhibitory effect on bacteria-induced inflammatory responses, effectively combating A. hydrophila through a multi-target mechanism and enhancing host resistance.

Single-clove garlic (SCG) and multiple-clove garlic (MCG) exhibit notable differences in their phytochemical composition, bioactivity, and therapeutic potential. The major organosulfur compounds originate and undergo their enzymatic and chemical formation pathways from the precursor alliin. SCG displays a distinct structural morphology and consistently higher concentrations of key bioactive compounds, including allicin and phenolic constituents, contributing to enhanced antioxidant capacity. Consequently, SCG extracts demonstrate superior acute antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, along with stronger antibiofilm activity. In contrast, MCG shows more sustained effects in lipid modulation and broader antifungal spectra. Preharvesting factors (genotype, growing conditions, fertilization, and harvesting stage) along with post-harvesting conditions (e.g., processing, storage, and curing) significantly influence the chemical components of garlic, particularly its organosulfur compounds and phenolic constituents. The stability and bioavailability of critical compounds, for instance, allicin and S-allyl cysteine (SAC), are significantly affected by processing methods (e.g., crushing, heating, and aging). The principal therapeutic mechanisms of garlic include Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway inhibition (anti-inflammatory), thiol-disulfide bond disruption (antimicrobial), and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation leading to apoptosis induction in cancer cells (anticancer). Garlic modulates cardiovascular risk factors through 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibition, hydrogen sulfide-mediated vasodilation, and antiplatelet activity. However, major challenges remain due to experimental variability, inconsistencies in garlic sourcing and preparation, and the chemical instability of allicin. Future research should emphasize the standardization of processing protocols, development of stabilization strategies (e.g., nanoencapsulation, high-pressure processing), and rigorous clinical validation of SCG-specific benefits. Overall, SCG exhibit

For centuries, garlic and other Allium species have been valued not only as food but also for their medicinal uses, with their antiviral effects recorded in numerous traditional healing practices. Crushing or chopping of garlic releases potent organosulfur compounds, the most notable of which is allicin, a compound that fights a range of viruses, including influenza and herpes simplex virus. These organosulfur compounds, particularly allicin and its derivatives such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and ajoene, function through a number of mechanisms, preventing viral entry into host cells by blocking attachment and fusion, inhibiting key viral enzymes required for replication (such as neuraminidase and viral polymerase), and strengthening the innate immune response of the host. However, the clinical application of allicin has been limited by its inherent instability, rapid metabolism and poor bioavailability. To overcome these challenges, researchers are beginning to develop innovative nano-delivery systems using lipid nanoparticles and polymeric carriers that can effectively protect allicin from degradation, improving its solubility and enhancing targeted delivery to infected tissues. Combining the established applications of allicin with nanotechnology advancements represents a promising way to create garlic-based antiviral treatments. However, their effectiveness still needs to be determined through rigorous clinical trials in order to develop antiviral therapies that may finally realize the full therapeutic potential long attributed to this ancient remedy. Copyright: © 2026 Yu et al.

This study aimed to reveal the effects of allicin on nutrient digestion, gastrointestinal enzyme activity, rumen fermentation parameters, gastrointestinal morphology, intestinal barrier function, and gastrointestinal microbial ecology of Guizhou black goats. Thirty-two male Guizhou black goats, each aged five months, with an initial body weight of 18.28 ± 0.41 kg, were divided into one of four groups in a completely randomized design: control (CON, without allicin), low allicin (L; 0.5 g/d per head), medium allicin (M; 0.75 g/d per head), and high allicin (H; 1 g/d per head), respectively. Each group consisted of eight replicates with one growing goat per replicate. The experiment lasted for 75 d, including a 15-d acclimation period and a 60-d experimental period. The results showed that the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the M group, being significantly higher than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, ruminal cellulase and cellobiase activities, jejunal trypsin activity, cecal cellulase activity, ruminal total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations were all highest in the M group (P < 0.05). In contrast, ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration was the opposite (P = 0.015). As allicin inclusion increased, the jejunal trypsin activity and ruminal butyrate concentration exhibited linear responses (P < 0.05), while the apparent digestibility of DM and NDF, rumen TVFA, acetate, and propionate concentrations, as well as cellulase and cellobiase activities were affected quadratically (P < 0.05). In the jejunal mucosa, the protein expression levels and the relative mRNA expression levels of claudin 1, claudin 4, and ZO-1 were higher in the M group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). As allicin supplementation increased, claudin 1, claudin 4, and ZO-1 protein expressions exhibited both linear and quadratic responses (P < 0.001), whereas the relative mRNA expression levels were modulated solely by the quadratic term (P < 0.05). Moreover, the L and M groups had significantly greater papillae height and muscle layer thickness than the CON

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), particularly strains producing New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), represent a critical global health threat and underscore an urgent need for effective NDM inhibitors. Allicin, a major bioactive compound in freshly crushed garlic, shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, but its detailed mechanisms and its capacity to reverse NDM-mediated carbapenem resistance remain to be fully elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of allicin alone and in combination with meropenem both in vitro and in vivo to uncover its mechanisms of action, thereby providing new mechanistic insights and a potential therapeutic strategy against NDM-mediated resistance. METHODS: The antibacterial activity of allicin and its mechanisms were assessed using microbroth dilution, membrane-permeability assays, ROS and H₂S detection, and comet assays. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated using a Galleria mellonella infection model and a rat Pasteurella pneumonia model. Synergy was assessed in vitro via checkerboard assays and in vivo using a rat wound infection model. The interaction with NDM-5 was studied through molecular docking, site-directed mutagenesis, enzyme kinetics, and microscale thermophoresis. RESULTS: Allicin exhibited potent activity against clinical isolates of Pasteurella and NDM‑positive Escherichia coli (MICs 8-64 μg/ml, MBCs 16-128 μg/ml) both in vitro and in vivo. It disrupted bacterial redox homeostasis by inducing ROS accumulation and suppressing endogenous H₂S production. Moreover, allicin restored meropenem activity both in vitro and in vivo and acted as a non‑competitive inhibitor of NDM‑5. Its disulfide bond covalently bound to key zinc‑coordinating residues in the active site, leading to Zn²⁺ release and the loss of NDM enzymatic activity. CONCLUSION: Allicin possesses a dual pharmacological role: exerting direct antibacterial activity through oxidative stress induction and reversing carbapenem resistance via the non‑competitive inhibition of NDM. These findings provide a promising lead compound for developing natural product-derived antibiotic adjuvants to address the global

49. Free Radic Biol Med. 2026 Apr 15;251:182-198. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2026.04.027. Online ahead of print. Inhibitory mechanism of thrombin (FIIa) by garlic-derived H(2)S: persulfidation cleavage of the Cys42-Cys58 disulfide bond triggers FIIa cascade inactivation. Du M(1), Zhou L(1), Li

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands therapeutic innovations that not only kill pathogens but also disarm their virulence and bolster host defenses. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs), with their unique integration of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, offer a promising solution. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) are emerging as dual-action candidates with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential, yet their translational readiness remains uneven across subclasses. This critical review synthesizes evidence published between 2010 and 2025 identified through targeted searches of PubMed Central, ProQuest, MDPI, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrials.gov, focusing on mechanistic, pharmacokinetic, and One Health-relevant dimensions. OSCs exert antimicrobial effects through thiol-reactive redox disruption, quorum-sensing inhibition, and suppression of virulence-associated transcriptional networks, with several agents demonstrating low-micromolar activity in vitro and measurable biofilm attenuation in preclinical models. Immunomodulatory actions-including Nrf2 activation and NF-κB suppression-are most consistently reported for isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane, which also possesses the strongest human pharmacokinetic dataset (peak plasma conjugate concentrations typically 0.one to two μM; urinary excretion >70% within 24 h). In contrast, thiosulfinates like allicin exhibit potent in vitro activity but are chemically unstable and seldom detectable in vivo, limiting systemic applicability without targeted delivery. Comparative assessment highlights significant evidence gaps: (i) absence of validated pharmacodynamic biomarkers for most OSC subclasses; (ii) limited structural optimization to mitigate off-target thiol reactivity; (iii) lack of controlled clinical trials evaluating infection-related outcomes; and (iv) scarce environmental fate data relevant to One Health frameworks. Together, these gaps underscore that OSCs should not be positioned as near-term therapeutic agents but as mechanistically rich leads requiring stabilization, standardized formulations, and biomarker-driven early-phase studies. This review provides a roadmap for advancing OSCs to

According to our investigation carried out in July 2023, the wood of the Western Han Dynasty Dingtao M2 Tomb, stored in the preservation room, exhibited signs of microbial degradation. Our metagenomic analysis first revealed Penicillium as the dominant genus on the end of the wrapped wood. Furthermore, functional annotations demonstrated that the resident microbial community possessed cellulolytic and ligninolytic capabilities. Targeted metabolomic analysis evaluated the degradation capacity of Penicillium charlesii DTP_1, a strain isolated from the wrapped wood. We hypothesize that DTP_1 provides an acidic microenvironment via the production of organic acids; the functional microbial community then decomposes lignin into small metabolites via enzymatic action, and these products are then utilized by the microbial community, including DTP_1. Finally, we verified that liquid cinnamaldehyde and volatile gaseous allicin and carvacrol exhibit better inhibitory efficacy. Nevertheless, further optimization of plant-derived agents and application methods are still required. This study proposes a putative mechanism underlying the degradation of the Dingtao M2 Tomb wood by the microbial community, thereby providing theoretical support for the conservation of wooden cultural heritage and relics.

Mitochondria act as central organelles regulating energy metabolism and lipogenesis in adipocytes. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are closely implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity. Therefore, targeting adipose mitochondrial function to reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen (mROS) levels can enhance mitochondrial activity and promote thermogenesis, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for obesity. In this study, we developed cationic liposomes (AE@PEP-Lip) specifically designed for adipose mitochondrial targeting. These liposomes can effectively accumulate in white adipose tissue due to their highly positively charged surface, and subsequently localize to mitochondria via the mitochondrial-targeting peptide SS-31. The SS-31 peptide efficiently scavenges mROS and synergizes with empagliflozin in AE@PEP-Lip to inhibit mitochondrial fragmentation, thereby enhancing mitochondrial respiration and thermogenic capacity. Furthermore, allicin, which is loaded into AE@PEP-Lip and released into the cytoplasm, activates the AMPK signaling pathway and upregulates uncoupling proteins, further promoting mitochondrial thermogenesis. In obese mice, treatment with AE@PEP-Lip improved mitochondrial morphology and function and induced browning characteristics. Moreover, we demonstrated the clinical application potential of AE@PEP-Lip in reducing localized fat deposition using a porcine model. Taken together, this study presents a novel and promising therapeutic platform for obesity by modulating adipose mitochondrial function. © 2026 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

Pyroptosis is a critical mechanism leading to sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI). Allicin, an organosulfur compound extracted from garlic bulbs, protects against S-AKI through its anti-pyroptotic role, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown. In in vivo and in vitro experiments, rats and HK-2 cells were induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), respectively. They were then treated with allicin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, a PI3K/AKT agonist), or both. In this study, we found that the levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)-N, IL-1β, IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased, which was accompanied by kidney tissue and HK-2 cell pyroptosis, eventually leading to elevated serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, increased 7-day mortality and reduced HK-2 cell activity in CLP-induced rats and LPS-induced HK-2 cells, respectively. Moreover, we observed that allicin significantly reduced the levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH and inhibited pyroptosis in renal tissues and HK-2 cells, ultimately resulting in improved kidney function, 7-day survival, and enhanced HK-2 cell activity in CLP-induced rats and LPS-induced HK-2 cells. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that agonism of the PI3K/AKT pathway-by using IGF-1-could reverse the abovementioned protective role of allicin, accompanied by increased phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in vivo and in vitro. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that the protective effect of allicin on S-AKI is largely dependent on the inhibition of pyroptosis through the negative regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.