The atherosclerotic heart disease and protecting properties of garlic: contemporary data

Black Garlic Improves Heart Function in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease by Improving Circulating Antioxidant Levels

Background: Black garlic (BG) has many health-promoting properties.

Objectives: We aimed to explore the clinical effects of BG on chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Design: The main components of BG were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and its antioxidant properties were determined by the clearance rate of free radicals. One hundred twenty CHF patients caused by CHD were randomly and evenly assigned into BG group and placebo group (CG). The duration of treatment was 6 months. Cardiac function was measured according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification system. The following parameters were measured, including walking distance, BNP precursor N-terminal (Nt-proBNP), left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value, and the scores of quality of life (QOL). The circulating antioxidant levels were compared between two groups.

Results: There are 27 main compounds in BG with strong antioxidant properties. BG treatment improved cardiac function when compared with controls (P < 0.05). The QOL scores and LVEF values were higher in the BG group than in the CG group while the concentration of Nt-proBNP was lower in the BG group than in the CG group (P < 0.05). Circulating antioxidant levels were higher in the BG group than in the CG group. Antioxidant levels had positive relation with QOL and LVEF values, and negative relation with Nt-proBNP values.

Conclusion: BG improves the QOL, Nt-proBNP, and LVEF in CHF patient with CHD by increasing antioxidant levels.

Calcification of the heart: mechanisms and therapeutic avenues

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is reflective of atherosclerotic disease and incrementally predictive of future cardiovascular events (CVE), independent of traditional risk factors. Extra coronary calcium such as aortic valve calcification, which can be identified and quantified by computed tomography (CT) imaging, has shown to predict future CVE in both asymptomatic and symptomatic (i.e. stable angina and acute coronary syndrome [ACS]) settings. It has hence been a vital tool in studies involving new therapies for cardiovascular disease. Areas covered: In this review, promising therapies on the horizon are reviewed, along with the role of cardiac CT and coronary calcification in these studies. A Medline search for peer-reviewed publications using keywords related to coronary calcium score, aortic valve calcium, and therapies targeting the same was carried out. Expert commentary: CT scanning provides a distinct means of detecting and quantifying coronary plaque as well as valvular calcification with excellent reproducibility. Based on voluminous data available, the absence of coronary calcium serves as a factor to de-risk patients for cardiovascular risk stratification and management algorithms. Newer therapies have shown to lower progression of coronary calcification, thus being beneficial in slowing progression of atherosclerotic disease. As British Epidemiologist Geoffrey Rose states, the best predictor of a life-threatening disease is the early manifestation of that disease. As CAC represents the early manifestation of atherosclerosis, it is the best-known stratifier of risk today, and its clinical use will continue to rise.

Allium sativum Protease Inhibitor: A Novel Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor from Garlic Is a New Comrade of the Serpin Family

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to purify and characterize the Protease inhibitor (PI) from a plant Allium sativum (garlic) with strong medicinal properties and to explore its phytodrug potentials.

METHODS

Allium sativum Protease Inhibitor (ASPI) was purified using ammonium sulphate fractionation and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography on anion exchanger Hi-Trap DEAE column. The purified protein was analyzed for its purity and molecular weight by SDS PAGE. The confirmation of presence of trypsin inhibiting PI was performed by MALDI TOF-TOF and analyzed by MASCOT database. The ASPI was further investigated for its kinetic properties and stability under extreme conditions of pH, temperature and chemical denaturants. Secondary structure was determined by Circular Dichorism (CD) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

ASPI of ~15 kDa inhibited trypsin and matched "truncated kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor (Glycine max)" in MASCOT database. The purified ASPI showed 30376.1371 U/mg specific activity with a fold purity of 159.92 and yield ~93%. ASPI was quite stable in the range of pH 2-12 showing a decline in the activity around pH 4-5 suggesting that the pI value of the protein as ASPI aggregates in this range. ASPI showed stability to a broad range of temperature (10-80°C) but declined beyond 80°C. Further, detergents, oxidizing agents and reducing agents demonstrated change in ASPI activity under varying concentrations. The kinetic analysis revealed sigmoidal relationship of velocity with substrate concentration with Vmax 240.8 (μM/min) and Km value of 0.12 μM. ASPI showed uncompetitive inhibition with a Ki of 0.08±0.01 nM). The Far UV CD depicted 2.0% α -helices and 51% β -sheets at native pH.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, purified ~15 kDa ASPI exhibited fair stability in wide range of pH and temperature Overall, there was an increase in purification fold with remarkable yield. Chemical modification studies suggested the presence of lysine and tryptophan residues as lead amino acids present in the reactive sites. Therefore, ASPI with trypsin inhibitory property has the potential to be used as a non-cytotoxic clinical agents.

Garlic and Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Thousands of studies have been published based on animal and human studies evaluating garlic's effects and safety.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the available literature investigating the effects of garlic supplements on hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary artery calcium (CAC), as well as available data on side effects.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for all human studies using medical subject heading words through 30 May 2013 and assessed relevant review articles and original studies. Only double-blind, randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses of double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were included. The review of articles and data extraction were performed by 2 independent authors, with any disagreements resolved by consensus.

RESULTS

Garlic supplementation reduced blood pressure by 7-16 mm Hg (systolic) and 5-9 mm Hg (diastolic) (4 meta-analyses and 2 original studies). It reduced total cholesterol by 7.4-29.8 mg/dL (8 meta-analyses). The most consistent benefits were shown in studies that used aged garlic extract (AGE). A few small studies that used AGE also showed favorable effects on CAC, CRP, and PWV. Although garlic is generally safe, rare adverse reactions have been documented with limited causality established.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that garlic supplementation has the potential for cardiovascular protection based on risk factor reduction (hypertension and total cholesterol) and surrogate markers (CRP, PWV, and CAC) of atherosclerosis. Larger studies are warranted to evaluate these effects further.

High doses of garlic extract significantly attenuated the ratio of serum LDL to HDL level in rat-fed with hypercholesterolemia diet

Background

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In this study, we investigated the antihyperlipidemic effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in rat models of hypercholesterolemic.

Methods

Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 4 diet groups with garlic supplementation. Male Wistar rats were fed by standard pellet diet (group I), standard diet supplemented with 4 % garlic (group II), lipogenic diet (containing sunflower oil, cholesterol and ethanol) equivalent to 200 mg raw garlic/kg body weight (raw) (group III) and lipogenic diet equivalent to 400 mg raw garlic/kg body weight (raw) (group IV).

Results

Rats fed 400 g/kg garlic extract(GE), had a significantly lower concentration of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) cholesterol and elevated HDL –C cholesterol at day 28 (P < 0.05).In addition,serum levels of LDL-C was lower in the III and IV group than those in the IV group (P < 0.001 for each). However, cholesterol efflux capacity was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol concentration (P < 0 · 0001). It was also directly correlated with garlic supplementation (P < 0 · 0001).

Conclusion

Together Taken, the results are clearly indicative of the beneficial effects of garlic in reducing lateral side effects of hyperlipidemia. Our data demonstrate that GE has protective effects on HDL in rats with high LDL intake. Therefore, it could be used to remedy hypercholesterolemia with help reduce risk of coronary heart disease

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1834155749171141

Crude Garlic Extract Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Cancer Cells In Vitro

Garlic and its lipid-based extracts have played an important medicinal role in humans for centuries that includes antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering properties. The present study was to investigate the effects of crude garlic extract (CGE) on the proliferation of human breast, prostate, hepatic, and colon cancer cell lines and mouse macrophageal cells, not previously studied. The human cancer cell lines, such as hepatic (Hep-G2), colon (Caco-2), prostate (PC-3), and breast (MCF-7), were propagated at 37°C; air/CO2 (95:5 v/v) using the ATCC-formulated RPMI-1640 Medium and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), while the mouse macrophage cell line (TIB-71) was propagated at 37°C; air/CO2 (95:5 v/v) using the ATCC-formulated DMEM and 10% FBS. All cells were plated at a density of ∼5000 cells/well. After overnight incubation, the cells were treated with 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 μg/mL of CGE an additional 72 h. Inhibition of cell proliferation of 80-90% was observed for Hep-G2, MCF-7, TIB-71, and PC-3 cells, but only 40-55% for the Caco-2 cells when treated with 0.25, 0.5, or 1 μg/mL. In a coculture study of Caco-2 and TIB-71 cells, inhibition of cell proliferation of 90% was observed for Caco-2 cells compared to the 40-55% when cultured separately. CGE also induced cell cycle arrest and had a fourfold increase in caspase activity (apoptosis) in PC-3 cells when treated at a dose of 0.5 or 1 μg/mL. This investigation of CGE clearly highlights the fact that the lipid bioactive compounds in CGE have the potential as promising anticancer agents.

Sulfur compounds identification and quantification from Allium spp. fresh leaves

Pyruvic acid concentration is a Allium spp. pungency. This study was initiated to accurately measure the background pyruvic acid levels in Romanian Allium spp. From the pungency point of view, all analyzed plant varieties in this study are considered low pungent cultivars based on the enzymatically produced pyruvate level (between 42 μmol/g and 222 μmol/g fresh wt). Chromatographic analysis was carried out for the different varieties of the most popular fresh leaves (Allium cepa var. “Diamant”, Allium cepa var. “Rubiniu”, and Allium ursinum L.) in order to identify the sulfur compounds. The thin layer chromatography analysis led to the identification of allicin, with R_f = 0.377–0.47, as an important sulfur compound. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the leaves’ extracts detected disulfides as the major sulfur compounds. Principal component analysis was performed to establish the differences in plant composition. These studies suggest the potential good uses of the fresh leaves of Romanian Allium spp. as condiment, ingredient, or preservative in the food industry.

Effects of selected bioactive natural products on the vascular endothelium

The endothelium, a highly active structure, regulates vascular homeostasis through the release of numerous vasoactive factors that control vascular tone and vascular smooth cell proliferation. A larger number of medicinal plants and their isolated chemical constituents have been shown to beneficially affect the endothelium. For example, flavonoids in black tea, green tea, and concord grape cause a vasodilation possibly through their antioxidant properties. Allicin, a by-product of the enzyme alliinase, has been proposed to be the main active metabolite and responsible for most of the biological activities of garlic, including a dose-dependent dilation on the isolated coronaries. Thymoquinone, the principal phytochemical compound found in the volatile oil of the black seed, and the hawthorn extract have also been shown to improve aging-related impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations in animal models. In this review, the effect of some of the natural products, including Camellia sinensis (black tea and green tea), Vitis labrusca (concord grape), Allium sativum (garlic), and Nigella sativa (black seed) and Crataegus ssp (hawthorn extract), is explored. The molecular mechanisms behind these potential therapeutic effects are also discussed.

Inhibitory effect of methyl methanethiosulfinate on β-glucuronidase activity

Minced or cut-up leaves of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) contain thiosulfinates and their disproportionate reaction products. Among these organosulfur compounds, methyl methanethiosulfinate was found to be an uncompetitive inhibitor of β-glucuronidase. Approximately 80% of the enzyme activity was inhibited by methyl methanethiosulfinate at 50 µM, the IC50 value being comparable to 3.6 µM.

Induction of apoptosis by sarijang, a bamboo salt sauce, in U937 human leukemia cells through the activation of caspases

Sarijang is a bamboo salt soy sauce, containing extracts of Rhynchosia nulubilis, sulfur-fed duck, dried bark of Ulmus davidiana and Allium sativum, which has been demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of sarijang have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the pro-apoptotic effects of sarijang in an in vitro U937 human leukemia cell model. Treatment with sarijang resulted in a concentration-dependent growth inhibition of the cells, coupled with the characteristic morphological features of apoptosis. The induction of the apoptotic cell death of the U937 cells by sarijang exhibited a correlation with the upregulation of death receptor 4 (DR4), the downregulation of members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, including survivin and cellular IAP (cIAP)-1, and the cleavage of Bid. Apoptosis-inducing concentrations of sarijang also induced the activation of caspases (caspase-3, -8 and -9), accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase, β-catenin and phospholipase C-γ1. However, the apoptosis induced by sarijang was significantly inhibited by z-VED-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, which demonstrated the importance of caspases in the process. These results suggested that sarijang may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for use in the control of U937 human leukemia cells. Further studies are required to identify the active compounds in sarijang.

Allicin induces anti-human liver cancer cells through the p53 gene modulating apoptosis and autophagy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent type of liver cancer globally and ranks first among the cancer-related mortalities in Taiwan. This study aims to understand the modes of cell death mechanism induced by allicin, a major phytochemical of crushed garlic, in human hepatoma cells. Our earlier study indicated that allicin induced autophagic cell death in human HCC Hep G2 (p53(wild type)) cells, whereas in the present study, allicin induced apoptotic cell death through caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in human HCC Hep 3B (p53(mutation)) cells. To gain insight into the cell death mechanism in p53 knocked down Hep G2, we silenced the p53 gene using siRNA-mediated silencing. Allicin treatment induced apoptotic cell death in p53 knocked down Hep G2 cells similar to that of Hep 3B cells. These results suggest that allicin induced cell death in human hepatoma cells through either autophagy or apoptosis and might be a potential novel complementary gene therapeutic agent for the treatment of apoptosis-resistant cancer cells.

Bioactive compounds present in the Mediterranean sofrito

Sofrito is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, a diet that is strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. In this study, different Mediterranean sofritos were analysed for their content of polyphenols and carotenoids after a suitable work-up extraction procedure using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation-linear ion trap quadrupole-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS-MS). In this way, 40 polyphenols (simple phenolic and hydroxycinnamoylquinic acids, and flavone, flavonol and dihydrochalcone derivatives) were identified with very good mass accuracy (<2 mDa), and confirmed by accurate mass measurements in MS and MS(2) modes. The high-resolution MS analyses revealed the presence of polyphenols never previously reported in Mediterranean sofrito. The quantification levels of phenolic and carotenoid compounds led to the distinction of features among different Mediterranean sofritos according to the type of vegetables (garlic and onions) or olive oil added for their production.

Perceived health properties of wild and cultivated food plants in local and popular traditions of Italy: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many wild and cultivated plants are rich in mineral elements and bioactive compounds and are consumed for health purposes. Studies have demonstrated the curative properties of many of these food plants. In this paper, we discuss the properties of several plants with potential health benefits that have previously received little attention.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review provides an overview and critical discussion of food plants perceived by informants (emic view) as healthy or used as 'food medicine' in Italy. Pharmacological activity of these plants is explored, based upon published scientific research (etic view). Preparation methods, taste perception, toxicity and various potentialities of some food plants are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review includes literature available from 1877 to 2012. The information was collected from books, scientific papers, and abstracts that reported any plants used as food medicine in Italy. The perceived health properties were analyzed in the framework of recent international phytochemical and phytopharmacological literature.

RESULTS

A total of 67 edible wild plants and 18 cultivated vegetables, distributed into 20 families, were reported by informants (in literature). Several plants were highly cited (e.g., Taraxacum officinale Webb., Crepis vesicaria L., Allium cepa L., Allium sativum L.). The most frequent health properties attributed to edible plants by the informants were: laxative (22 species), diuretic (15), digestive (11), galactagogue (8), antitussive (cough) (8), hypotensive (7), tonic (7), sedative (7), hypoglycemic (6).

CONCLUSIONS

Some edible plants are promising for their potential health properties, such as Crepis vesicaria L., Sanguisorba minor Scop. and Sonchus oleraceus L. Several wild species were perceived by informants to maintain health but have never been studied from a phytochemical or pharmacological point of view: e.g., Asparagus albus L., Crepis leontodontoides All., Hyoseris radiata L. subsp. radiata, Phyteuma spicatum L.

S-allyl cysteine restores erectile function through inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation in diabetic rats

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by an overactive nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system in penile tissue is an important mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED). S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a bioactive component derived from garlic, was recently reported to exert versatile antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that SAC would be able to resolve diabetes-related ED by reducing ROS generation, and designed this study to investigate this possibility as well as to determine the related underlying mechanisms. A streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model was established and used for comparative analysis of 4-week treatment regimens with insulin or SAC. The ratio of maximal intracavernous pressure (ICP) to mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was measured to determine erectile function. Differential levels of ROS, NADPH oxidase subunits, nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling pathway, and apoptosis were evaluated in cavernous tissues. Max ICP/MAP was found to be markedly decreased in untreated diabetic rats; SAC, but not insulin, treatment restored the ratio to baseline (in non-diabetic untreated controls). The corpus cavernosum of untreated diabetic rats showed increased p47(phox) and p67(phox) expression, ROS production and penile apoptotic index, and decreased phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (phospho-eNOS, Ser1177) expression, cGMP concentration, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) ratio and smooth muscle cell number. SAC treatment normalized all the diabetes-induced effects, whereas insulin treatment partially normalized the alterations, but produced no effects on P47(phox) expression, penile ROS level, apoptotic index, Bcl-2/Bax ratio and smooth muscle cell number. Collectively, these data indicate that SAC treatment can restore erectile function in diabetic rats by preventing ROS formation through modulation of NADPH oxidase subunit expression. Furthermore, the poor efficacy of conventional insulin treatment for diabetic ED may be associated with an elevated level of ROS in penile tissue.

The preventive effect of garlicin on a porcine model of myocardial infarction reperfusion no-reflow

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether garlicin can prevent reperfusion no-reflow in a catheter-based porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Twenty-two male Chinese mini swines were randomized into 3 groups: sham-operation group (n=6), control group (n=8), and garlicin group (n=8). The distal part of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in swines of the latter two groups was completely occluded by dilated balloon for 2 h and a successful AMI model was confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG) and electrocardiograph (ECG), which was then reperfused for 3 h. In the sham-operation group, balloon was placed in LAD without dilatation. Garlicin at a dosage of 1.88 mg/kg was injected 10 min before LAD occlusion until reperfusion for 1 h in the garlicin group. To assess serial cardiac function, hemodynamic data were examined by catheter method before AMI, 2 h after occlusion and 1, 2, and 3 h after reperfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and double staining with Evans blue and thioflavin-S were performed to evaluate myocardial no-reflow area (NRA) and risk area (RA).

RESULTS

Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure significantly improved in the garlicin group after reperfusion compared with the control group P<0.05) and 2 h after AMI (P<0.05). MCE showed garlicin decreased reperfusion NRA after AMI compared with the control group (P <0.05). In double staining, NRA/RA in the garlicin group was 18.78%, significantly lower than that of the control group (49.84%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Garlicin has a preventive effect on the porcine model of myocardial infarction reperfusion no-reflow by improving hemodynamics and decreasing NRA.

Garlicin attenuates reperfusion no-reflow in a catheter-based porcine model of acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether garlicin can attenuate reperfusion no-reflow in a catheter-based porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Twenty-two swine were used: six in a sham-operation group, and eight each in the control and garlicin groups. The distal part of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in the latter two groups was occluded by a dilated balloon for 2 hr, then reperfused for 3 hr. Garlicin (1.88mg/kg) was injected just before reperfusion until reperfusion for 1 hr in the garlicin group. Hemodynamic data were examined before AMI, 2 hr after occlusion, and 3 hr after reperfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and pathological staining were performed to evaluate the myocardial no-reflow area (NRA). Serum proinflammatory cytokines and endothelin (ET)-1 were examined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) significantly improved in the garlicin group after reperfusion compared with the control group and also 2hr after AMI (p<0.05 for both). MCE and pathological staining both showed garlicin attenuated reperfusion NRA after AMI (p<0.05, p<0.01). Garlicin not only decreased serum interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α after reperfusion (p<0.05 for both), but also ET-1 level (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Garlicin attenuated reperfusion no-reflow in our catheter-based porcrine model of AMI, possibly through decreasing serum proinflammatory cytokines and ET-1.

High temperature- and high pressure-processed garlic improves lipid profiles in rats fed high cholesterol diets

Garlic protects against degenerative diseases such as hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. However, raw garlic has a strong pungency, which is unpleasant. In this study, we examined the effect of high temperature/high pressure-processed garlic on plasma lipid profiles in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal control diet, a high cholesterol (0.5% cholesterol) diet (HCD) only, or a high cholesterol diet supplemented with 0.5% high temperature/high pressure-processed garlic (HCP) or raw garlic (HCR) for 10 weeks. The body weights of the rats fed the garlic-supplemented diets decreased, mostly because of reduced fat pad weights. Plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) in the HCP and HCR groups decreased significantly compared with those in the HCD group. Additionally, fecal TC and TG increased significantly in the HCP and HCR groups. It is notable that no significant differences in plasma or fecal lipid profiles were observed between the HCP and HCR groups. High temperature/high pressure-processed garlic contained a higher amount of S-allyl cysteine than raw garlic (P<.05). The results suggest that high temperature/high pressure-processed garlic may be useful as a functional food to improve lipid profiles.

Effects of typheramide and alfrutamide found in Allium species on cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases

Typheramide (N-caffeoyltyramine) and alfrutamide (N-feruloyltyramine) are phenylpropenoic acid amides found in plants. In this article, typheramide and alfrutamide were isolated from Allium sativum (garlic) and Allium fistulosum (green onion), their chemical structures were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods, and the potential effects on cyclooxygenases (COXs) (COX 1 and 2) and lipoxygenases (LOXs) (5- and 15-LOX) were investigated. Typheramide and alfrutamide inhibited COX 1 by 74% (P < .01) and 60% (P < .01), respectively, at the concentration of 0.1 μM; at the same concentration, they also inhibited COX 2 by 68% (P < .02) and 54% (P < .02), respectively. Typheramide was slightly stronger than alfrutamide in inhibiting COX enzymes, and the inhibition patterns of COX 1 and 2 were uncompetitive with K(i) = 0.032 and 0.047 μM, respectively. However, typheramide and alfrutamide were not able to inhibit 5-LOX, and they only moderately inhibited 15-LOX by 27% (P < .02) and 17% (P < .02), respectively, at the relatively high concentration of 25 μM. Altogether, the data suggest that typheramide and alfrutamide from garlic and green onions are likely to be significant inhibitors for COX 1 and 2 rather than 5- and 12-LOX.

The garlic constituent diallyl trisulfide increases the lifespan of C. elegans via skn-1 activation

Medicinal benefits of Allium vegetables, such as garlic, have been noted throughout recorded history, including protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease. We now demonstrate that garlic constituent diallyl trisulfide (DATS) increases longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans by affecting the skn-1 pathway. Treatment of worms with 5-10 μM DATS increased worm mean lifespan even when treatment is started during young adulthood. To explore the mechanisms involved in the DATS-mediated increase in longevity, we treated daf-2, daf-16, and eat-2 mutants and found that DATS increased the lifespan of daf-2 and daf-16 mutants, but not the eat-2 mutants. Microarray experiments demonstrated that a number of genes regulated by oxidative stress and the skn-1 transcription factor were also changed by DATS treatment. Consistently, DATS treatment leads to the induction of the skn-1 target gene gst-4, and this induction was dependent on skn-1. We also found that the effects of DATS on worm lifespan depend on skn-1 activity in both in the intestine and ASI neurons. Together our data suggest that DATS is able to increase worm lifespan by enhancing the function of the pro-longevity transcription factor skn-1.

Influence of two cultivars of persimmon on atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets: Investigation in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of two persimmon cultivars on some atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol (Chol)-containing diets.

METHODS

Persimmon cultivars "Fuyu" and "Jiro" as supplementation to rats' diets were investigated in vitro to compare the contents of their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid) and antioxidant potentials. In the in vivo investigation, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six diet groups, each with six rats: control, control/Fuyu, control/Jiro, Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro. During a period of 47 d (42 d of feeding and 5-d adaptation before the experiment) of the trial, rats in the control group were fed a basal diet and two additional control groups (control/Fuyu and control/Jiro) a basal diet plus 5% of lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro, respectively. The Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro rat groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% Chol (Chol group) and 1% Chol plus 5% lyophilized Fuyu (Chol/Fuyu group) and plus 5% lyophilized Jiro (Chol/Jiro group), respectively. After completion of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized using Narcotan (halothane) and sacrificed and the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta were assessed. The obtained results of the investigation of all six groups were compared. Testing of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol in the liver, electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue, and three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions was performed.

RESULTS

The polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potential of persimmon Fuyu was higher than in the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of diets with 5% of the lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro hindered the increase in plasma lipids versus the Chol group (total cholesterol 19.4% and 9.5%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 25.6% and 13.1%, respectively, P<0.05) and hindered the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity versus the Chol group by 40.0% and 16.8% and by 39.6% and 11.3% for the ABTS and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively. The atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas of the Chol/Fuyu and Chol/Jiro groups were significantly less than in the Chol group (P<0.05). Electrophoresis of the proteins from rats' liver tissue showed changes in 14-kDa bands after persimmon supplementation. A shift in maximum wavelengths in three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions after persimmon supplementation was found in comparison with the control group and an increase in fluorescence intensity compared with the Chol groups.

CONCLUSION

The contents of polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potentials of Fuyu were higher than those of the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the ABTS assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of 5% lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro to diets of rats fed Chol-containing diets 1) hindered the increase in plasma lipids levels and the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity and 2) significantly decreased the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta (P<0.05). Electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue and fluorescence spectra can be used as additional biomarkers for determination of atherosclerosis indices.

Alternative prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, part 2

This article discusses alternative therapies for secondary prevention and treatment of major cardiac disorders: congestive heart failure, hypertension, dyslipidemias, and peripheral vascular disease. The role of various therapies (eg, herbal and botanic preparations, supplements, mind/body interventions, other alternative modalities of care) are addressed relative to each disease state and will hopefully give the practitioner or student a readily accessible suite of integrative therapies for common cardiac illnesses.

Garlic: Empiricism or Science?

Garlic (Allium sativum L. fam. Alliaceae) is one of the best-researched, best-selling herbal remedies and is also commonly used as a food and a spice. Garlic constituents include enzymes (for example, alliinase) and sulfur-containing compounds, including alliin, and compounds produced enzymatically from alliin (for example, allicin). Traditionally, it has been employed to treat infections, wounds, diarrhea, rheumatism, heart disease, diabetes, and many other disorders. Experimentally, it has been shown to exert antilipidemic, antihypertensive, antineoplastic, antibacterial, immunostimulant and hypoglycemic actions. Clinically, garlic has been evaluated for a number of conditions, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, intermittent claudication, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, common cold, as an insect repellent, and for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and cancer. Systematic reviews are available for the possible antilipidemic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic and chemopreventive effects. However, the clinical evidence is far from compelling. Garlic appears to be generally safe although allergic reactions may occur.

Freshly crushed garlic is a superior cardioprotective agent than processed garlic

In this study, we compared the cardioprotective effects of freshly crushed garlic vis-a-vis that of processed garlic. Two groups of rats were gavaged with respective garlic preparations while the control group received vehicle only. After 30 days, all of the rats were sacrificed and isolated the hearts were subjected to 30 min ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Both of the garlic preparations provided cardioprotection, but superior cardiac performance was noticed for those fed with freshly crushed garlic. Consistent with these results, the freshly crushed garlic group displayed significantly greater phosphorylation of antiapoptotic ERK1/2 proteins, reduced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and reduced phosphorylation of proapoptotic p-38MAPK and JNK. Moreover, the survival signaling network consisting of Akt-FoxO1 was increased in the freshly crushed garlic treated hearts. Freshly crushed garlic, but not the processed garlic, showed enhanced redox signaling as evident by increased level of p65 subunit of NFkappaB, Nrf2, and enhanced GLUT 4, PPARalpha, and PPARdelta. The results thus show that although both freshly crushed garlic and processed garlic provide cardioprotection, the former has additional cardioprotective properties presumably due to the presence of H2S.

Garlic: nature's protection against physiological threats

Currently reliance on natural products is gaining popularity to combat various physiological threats including oxidative stress, cardiovascular complexities, cancer insurgence, and immune dysfunction. The use of traditional remedies may encounter more frequently due to an array of scientific evidence in their favor. Garlic (Allium sativum) holds a unique position in history and was recognized for its therapeutic potential. Recent advancements in the field of immunonutrition, physiology, and pharmacology further explored its importance as a functional food against various pathologies. Extensive research work has been carried out on the health promoting properties of garlic, often referred to its sulfur containing metabolites i.e. allicin and its derivatives. Garlic in its preparations are effective against health risks and even used as dietary supplements such as age garlic extract (AGE) and garlic oil etc. Its components/formulations can scavenge free radicals and protect membranes from damage and maintains cell integrity. It also provides cardiovascular protection mediated by lowering of cholesterol, blood pressure, anti-platelet activities, and thromboxane formation thus providing protection against atherosclerosis and associated disorders. Besides this, it possesses antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties that are interesting in chemopreventive interventions. Several mechanisms have been reviewed in this context like activation of detoxification phase-I and II enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and reducing DNA damage etc. Garlic could be useful in preventing the suppression of immune response associated with increased risk of malignancy as it stimulates the proliferation of lymphocytes, macrophage phagocytosis, stimulates the release of interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, and enhances natural killer cells. In this paper much emphasis has been placed on garlic's ability to ameliorate oxidative stress, core role in cardiovascular cure, chemopreventive strategies, and indeed its prospective as immune booster.

Anti-hypertensive nutraceuticals and functional foods

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that elevated blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). A close association between blood pressure and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases is well established if systolic/diastolic blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg. In recent years, nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of hypertension, especially for prehypertensive patients, whose blood pressure is marginally or mildly high but not high enough to warrant the prescription of blood pressure-lowering medications. This review summarizes the findings of recent studies on the chemistry, production, application, efficacy, and mechanisms of popular blood pressure-lowering nutraceuticals and functional foods including the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet plan, L-arginine, chlorogenic acid, fermented milk, garlic, onion, tea, soybean, ginger, hawthorn, and fish oil.

Biological properties of garlic and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds

Medicinal properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been widely known and used since ancient times till the present. Garlic enhances immune functions and has antibacterial, antifungal and antivirus activities. It is known to prevent platelet aggregation, and to have hypotensive and cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering properties, although the latter features have been questioned. This review is focused on anticancer efficacy of Allium sativum, and attempts to explain the mechanisms of this action. Medicinal properties of garlic rely upon organosulfur compounds mostly derived from alliin. Organosulfur compounds originating from garlic inhibit carcinogen activation, boost phase 2 detoxifying processes, cause cell cycle arrest mostly in G2/M phase, stimulate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, increase acetylation of histones. Garlic-derived sulfur compounds influence also gap-junctional intercellular communication and participate in the development of multidrug resistance. This review presents also other little known aspects of molecular action of garlic-derived compounds, like modulation of cellular redox state, involvement in signal transduction and post-translational modification of proteins by sulfane sulfur or by formation of mixed disulfides (S-thiolation reactions).

Comparison of the main bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in garlic and white and red onions after treatment protocols

Polish garlic and white and red onions were subjected to blanching, boiling, frying, and microwaving for different periods of time, and then their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, anthocyanins, tannins, and ascorbic acid) and antioxidant activities were determined. It was found that blanching and frying and then microwaving of garlic and onions did not decrease significantly the amounts of their bioactive compounds and the level of antioxidant activities ( P > 0.05). The HPLC profiles of free and soluble ester- and glycoside-bound phenolic acids showed that trans-hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic) were as much as twice higher in garlic than in onions. Quercetin quantity was the highest in red onion among the studied vegetables. The electrophoretic separation of nonreduced garlic and onion proteins after boiling demonstrated their degradation in the range from 50 to 112 kDa.