Therapeutic effects of garlic in cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease

Garlic oil supplementation blocks inflammatory pyroptosis-related acute lung injury by suppressing the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway via H2S generation

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major cause of acute respiratory failure with a high morbidity and mortality rate, and effective therapeutic strategies for ALI remain limited. Inflammatory response is considered crucial for the pathogenesis of ALI. Garlic, a globally used cooking spice, reportedly exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory bioactivity. However, protective effects of garlic against ALI have never been reported. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of garlic oil (GO) supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI models. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, pathology scores, lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity measurement, lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio detection, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis were performed to investigate ALI histopathology. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to evaluate the expression levels of inflammatory factors, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NLRP3, pyroptosis-related proteins, and H2S-producing enzymes. GO attenuated LPS-induced pulmonary pathological changes, lung W/D ratio, MPO activity, and inflammatory cytokines in the lungs and BALF. Additionally, GO suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation, NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and inflammatory-related pyroptosis. Mechanistically, GO promoted increased H2S production in lung tissues by enhancing the conversion of GO-rich polysulfide compounds or by increasing the expression of H2S-producing enzymes in vivo. Inhibition of endogenous or exogenous H2S production reversed the protective effects of GO on ALI and eliminated the inhibitory effects of GO on NF-κB, NLRP3, and pyroptotic signaling pathways. Overall, these findings indicate that GO has a critical anti-inflammatory effect and protects against LPS-induced ALI by suppressing the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway via H2S generation.

Garlic against Heart-related Ailments: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Future Perspective

BACKGROUND

Allium sativum L. (Garlic) is a well-recognized plant of great nutraceutical value with pharmacological evidences. It is full of dietary as well as pharmaceutical properties and has been used in traditional medications for a long time. It is known for good antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral effects, along with other therapeutic roles in cardiovascular diseases, anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, anti-thrombotic, blood pressure, bone and skin related problems etc. Objective: Considering the potential of garlic in the treatment of cardiovascular/heart-related diseases, the main objective of this study was to prepare a subject-centric mini-review focusing on its chemistry and pharmacology in heart-related issues.

METHODS

In order to prepare this mini-review article, an extensive online literature search was performed to find out the most recent studies related to this topic. These studies were briefly reviewed, assessed, and discussed to explore the possible capability of garlic for the cure of cardiovascular problems.

RESULT

Several experiments on mice models, rat models as well as on humans show the effective role of various forms of garlic in cardiovascular or heart-related ailments. After reviewing the available publications on garlic in heart-related issues, authors found that garlic and its sulfur (S)-based organic constituents may have advantageous applications in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Hypothesizing the Green Synthesis of Tamoxifen Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death all over the world and is not only limited to females but also affects males. For estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, tamoxifen has been considered the gold-line therapy for many decades. However, due to the side effects associated with the use of tamoxifen, its use is only limited to individuals in high-risk groups and limits its clinical application to moderate and/or lower-risk groups. Thus, there is a necessity to decrease the dose of tamoxifen, which can be achieved by targeting the drug to breast cancer cells and limiting its absorption to other body parts. Artificial antioxidants used in the formulation preparation are assumed to upsurge the risk of cancer and liver damage in humans. The need of the hour is to explore bioefficient antioxidants from natural plant sources as they are safer and additionally possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The objective of this hypothesis is to prepare tamoxifen-loaded PEGylated NiO nanoparticles using green chemistry, tumbling the toxic effects of the conventional method of synthesis for targeted delivery to breast cancer cells. The significance of the work is to hypothesize a green method for the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, decrease multidrug resistance, and can be used for targeted therapy. Garlic extract contains an organosulfur compound (Allicin) which has drug-metabolizing, anti-oxidant, and tumour growth inhibition effects. In breast cancer, allicin sensitizes estrogen receptors, increasing the anticancer efficacy of tamoxifen and reducing offsite toxicity. Thus, this garlic extract would act as a reducing agent and a capping agent. The use of nickel salt can help in targeted delivery to breast cancer cells and, in turn, reduces drug toxicity in different organs. This novel strategy may aim for cancer management with less toxic agents acting as an apt therapeutic modality.

Herbal Medicine- A Friend or a Foe of Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Herbal remedies are used by 80% of the Asian population in primary health care as per WHO. According to current research, the herbal medicine market was valued at nearly USD 166 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach approximately USD 348 billion by 2028. Increased incidence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis, has fueled the growing interest in traditional herbal and plant-derived treatments among researchers. In addition, rural communities in developing nations have renewed interest in herbal treatments due to lower cost and easy availability.

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the paper is to highlight the role of five of more commonly used herbal medicines that are Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Flaxseed, Ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza in cardiovascular disorders.

METHODS

A PubMed search was done using the keywords Herbal Medicine, Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Flaxseed, Ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza. Articles which were available for free access were utilized. No formula inclusion or exclusion criteria was followed. A total of 42 papers were included for the study.

CONCLUSION

Although there have been encouraging outcomes with the use of these herbal medications, many of these products are poorly monitored and are yet to be studied in detail regarding their adverse effects. Moreover, these medicinal products are known to interact with various drugs. To compete with the expanding pharmaceutical industry, more medicinally helpful herbal items must be used and scientifically validated.

A Scoping Review of the Clinical Evidence for the Health Benefits of Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing global health problem. Evidence suggests that diets rich in phytochemical-containing herbs and spices can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This review assesses the scope of evidence supporting the use of herbs and spices in the diet for the prevention or treatment of MetS and its associated health conditions. A search of the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases was carried out to assess the available clinical evidence for culinary doses of commonly used herbs and spices. Trials that were measuring health factors related to metabolic disorders in healthy individuals, or the health of individuals with MetS or associated diseases, were included. Out of a total of 1738 papers identified, there were 142 relevant studies on black pepper, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, nigella seed, rosemary, sage and turmeric. No relevant research was found for cloves, mint, oregano, parsley or thyme. Cinnamon, fenugreek and ginger were the herbs/spices with the most published trials on them and that showed promise for glycaemic control. Cardamom appears to have potential to reduce inflammatory markers, and cinnamon, ginger and turmeric to reduce blood lipids. Patients with type 2 diabetes were the population most likely to be included in studies, but the preventative benefits of herbs/spices in healthy populations were also investigated, particularly for chilli, ginger and cinnamon. There is evidence for the beneficial effect of culinary doses of many common herbs/spices in the prevention and treatment of MetS and associated disorders.

Prediction of the mechanism for the combination of diallyl trisulfide and cisplatin against gastric cancer: a network pharmacology study and pharmacological evaluation

Background: In this research, we aimed to explore the efficacy of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) combined with cisplatin (DDP) for gastric cancer treatment and its underlying mechanism based on network pharmacology. Methods: First, the pharmacological mechanism by which DATS combined with DDP acts against gastric cancer was predicted using network pharmacology. The TTD, GeneCards, and OMIM databases were used to extract drug and disease targets. The David Bioinformatics Resources 6.8 database was used to conduct GO and KEGG analyses. We investigated the efficacy of DATS combined with DDP against gastric cancer in SGC7901 cells and a xenograft model. Furthermore, the specific mechanism of DATS combined with DDP, inferred by network pharmacology, was identified by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: The combination of DDP and DATS significantly increased cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis compared to the DATS or DDP treatment group in vitro. In addition, continuous intraperitoneal injection of DATS markedly improved the tumor inhibitory effect of DDP in the SGC-7901 tumor-bearing mouse model. Furthermore, network pharmacology and experimental validation studies revealed that the combination of DATS and DDP synergistically enhanced antitumor activity by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibiting STAT3/PKC-δ and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our study showed that the combination of DATS and DDP could exert outstanding therapeutic effects in gastric cancer. Moreover, network pharmacology coupled with experimental validation revealed the molecular mechanisms of combination therapy for gastric cancer. This study offers a new adjuvant strategy based on DATS and DDP for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible tuber belonging to the family Liliaceae. It has been used since ancient times as a spice to enhance the sensory characteristics of food and as a household remedy for the treatment of a variety of ailments. Garlic has been studied for its medicinal and therapeutic effects in the treatment of various human diseases for a long time. Health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic are attributed to the various sulfur compounds present in it such as allicin, ajoene, vinyl-dithiin, and other volatile organosulfur compounds which are all metabolized from alliin. Several researches in the literature have shown evidence that garlic exhibits antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antihypertensive, anti-anemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticarcinogenic, antiaggregant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present review identifies and discusses the various health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic, its essential oil, and bioactive constituents, along with exploring the various snack-food products developed by incorporating garlic.

Effect of garlic extract on markers of lipid metabolism and inflammation in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Several preclinical studies have focused on the beneficial effects of garlic on cardiovascular diseases, but the results were inconsistent. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of garlic powder tablets and aged garlic extract (AGE) in CAD patients, mainly focusing on blood pressure, coronary artery calcification, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials which examined garlic's effect on CAD patients. The standardized mean difference with 95% CI was calculated using fixed-effect or random-effect models. Garlic has shown statistically significant changes of HDL (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI = -0.00 to 0.37; p = .05); LDL (SMD = -0.27; 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.08; p = .004), apolipoprotein-A (SMD = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.24 1.13; p = .002), C-RP (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI = -0.92 to -0.25; p = .0007), IL-6 (SMD = -1.08; 95% CI = -2.17 to 0.01; p = .05), homocysteine (SMD = -0.66; 95% CI = -1.04 to -0.28; p = .0007) and CAC score (SMD = -1.61; 95% CI = -2.66 to -0.57; p = .003). In the case of subgroup analysis, the overall effect was significantly effective in reducing TC, LDL levels and improving HDL levels in CV risk patients. Our study findings provide consistent evidence that intake of garlic reduces CVD risk factors. However, garlic could be considered a safe natural medicine to debilitate inflammation in CAD patients.

Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease and heart failure: Diagnostic biomarkers and therapy with drugs and natural products

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in blood pressure regulation. In some cases, this steering mechanism is affected by various deleterious factors (mainly via the overactivation of the RAS) causing cardiovascular damage, including coronary heart disease (CHD) that can ultimately lead to chronic heart failure (CHF). This not only causes cardiovascular disability and absenteeism from work but also imposes significant healthcare costs globally. The incidence of cardiovascular diseases has escalated exponentially over the years with the major outcome in the form of CHD, stroke, and CHF. The involvement of the RAS in various diseases has been extensively researched with significant limelight on CHD. The RAS may trigger a cascade of events that lead to atherosclerotic mayhem, which causes CHD and related aggravation by damaging the endothelial lining of blood vessels via various inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Although there are various diagnostic tests and treatments available in the market, there is a constant need for the development of procedures and therapeutic strategies that increase patient compliance and reduce the associated side effects. This review highlights the advances in the diagnostic and treatment domains for CHD, which would help in subjugating the side effects caused by conventional therapy.

A Comprehensive Review on Nutraceuticals: Therapy Support and Formulation Challenges

Nutraceuticals are the nourishing components (hybrid of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) that are biologically active and possess capability for maintaining optimal health and benefits. These products play a significant role in human health care and its endurance, most importantly for the future therapeutic development. Nutraceuticals have received recognition due to their nutritional benefits along with therapeutic effects and safety profile. Nutraceuticals are globally growing in the field of services such as health care promotion, disease reduction, etc. Various drug nutraceutical interactions have also been elaborated with various examples in this review. Several patents on nutraceuticals in agricultural applications and in various diseases have been stated in the last section of review, which confirms the exponential growth of nutraceuticals' market value. Nutraceuticals have been used not only for nutrition but also as a support therapy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as to reduce side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diverse novel nanoformulation approaches tend to overcome challenges involved in formulation development of nutraceuticals. Prior information on various interactions with drugs may help in preventing any deleterious effects of nutraceuticals products. Nanotechnology also leads to the generation of micronized dietary products and other nutraceutical supplements with improved health benefits. In this review article, the latest key findings (clinical studies) on nutraceuticals that show the therapeutic action of nutraceutical's bioactive molecules on various diseases have also been discussed.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials related to the effects of garlic supplementation on platelet aggregation

The increment of platelet aggregation factors has been considered a key phenomenon in atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that garlic (Allium sativum) is associated with a reduction in platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Hence, the present systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of garlic on platelet aggregation. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with keywords related to garlic and platelet aggregation were thoroughly searched in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to January 2021. Moreover, the references of all related articles were screened to discover more relevant studies. The quality of each study was reported based on Cochrane Collaboration's tool. In total, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria from 18,235 identified articles (including 595 participants). Most of the studies assessed platelet aggregation in response to different inducers. Of the 12 clinical trials, six studies depicted the beneficial effect of garlic on reducing platelet aggregation. The summary of the quality assessment indicated that most of the studies had high-quality scores. Regarding the small number of RCTs and heterogeneity between studies, it is impossible to make a proper conclusion about the impacts of garlic on platelet aggregation. Therefore, further precise trials with a standard design are necessary to validate the anti-thrombotic effect of garlic.

Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Garlic (Allium sativum) on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Systematic Literature Review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally the leading cause of hepatic dysfunction. Garlic has many physiological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetes effects. The present study aimed to systematically review the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and its mechanisms of function in managing NAFLD and its associated complications. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements were applied to perform the study (CRD42021289348). The Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched until February 2022. According to the inclusion criteria, finally, 12 studies were entered into the study. The evidence provided in the study revealed that garlic could regulate the development of NAFLD via several mechanisms of action, such as lowering body weight, modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). Overall, the beneficial effects of garlic in the treatment of NAFLD make it a potential therapeutic and efficient agent in managing NAFLD and its related risk factors. There is an insufficient number of clinical trials addressing the effects of garlic in humans; therefore, conducting more human research in the future is recommended.

Antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of plant-derived compounds: a great utility potential for primary, secondary, and tertiary care in the framework of 3P medicine

Thromboembolism is the third leading vascular disease, with a high annual incidence of 1 to 2 cases per 1000 individuals within the general population. The broader term venous thromboembolism generally refers to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and/or a combination of both. Therefore, thromboembolism can affect both - the central and peripheral veins. Arterial thromboembolism causes systemic ischemia by disturbing blood flow and oxygen supply to organs, tissues, and cells causing, therefore, apoptosis and/or necrosis in the affected tissues. Currently applied antithrombotic drugs used, e.g. to protect affected individuals against ischemic stroke, demonstrate significant limitations. For example, platelet inhibitors possess only moderate efficacy. On the other hand, thrombolytics and anticoagulants significantly increase hemorrhage. Contextually, new approaches are extensively under consideration to develop next-generation antithrombotics with improved efficacy and more personalized and targeted application. To this end, phytochemicals show potent antithrombotic efficacy demonstrated in numerous in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models as well as in clinical evaluations conducted on healthy individuals and persons at high risk of thrombotic events, such as pregnant women (primary care), cancer, and COVID-19-affected patients (secondary and tertiary care). Here, we hypothesized that specific antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of plant-derived compounds might be of great clinical utility in primary, secondary, and tertiary care. To increase the efficacy, precise patient stratification based on predictive diagnostics is essential for targeted protection and treatments tailored to the person in the framework of 3P medicine. Contextually, this paper aims at critical review toward the involvement of specific classes of phytochemicals in antiplatelet and anticoagulation adapted to clinical needs. The paper exemplifies selected plant-derived drugs, plant extracts, and whole plant foods/herbs demonstrating their specific antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and fibrinolytic activities relevant for primary, secondary, and tertiary care. One of the examples considered is antithrombotic and antiplatelet protection specifically relevant for COVID-19-affected patient groups.

Therapeutic Strategies and Chemoprevention of Atherosclerosis: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?

Despite progress in understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the development of effective therapeutic strategies is a challenging task that requires more research to attain its full potential. This review discusses current pharmacotherapy in atherosclerosis and explores the potential of some important emerging therapies (antibody-based therapeutics, cytokine-targeting therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, photodynamic therapy and theranostics) in terms of clinical translation. A chemopreventive approach based on modern research of plant-derived products is also presented. Future perspectives on preventive and therapeutic management of atherosclerosis and the design of tailored treatments are outlined.

Garlic: A systematic review of the effects on cardiovascular diseases

Allium sativum (garlic) certainly is one of the oldest horticultural crops in the world and presents bioactive compounds that are related to the garlic's effects on human health. Several authors have shown beneficial effects on diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are among the most relevant causes of mortality in the world. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of garlic in the risk factors of CVD and evaluate its economic importance. MEDLINE-PubMed, COCHRANE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The included studies showed that the use of garlic can reduce blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, LDL-c, non-HDL-c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers. It also can increase the levels of HDL-c and can improve cardiovascular parameters such as coronary artery calcium, microcirculation, epicardial and periaortic adipose tissue, post occlusive reactive hyperemia, low attenuation plaque, carotid intima-media thickness; and carotid intima-media thickness. Due to these reasons, garlic can be considered in the prevention and treatment of CVD risk factors.

Garlic Extract: Inhibition of Biochemical and Biophysical Changes in Glycated HSA

Glycation of various biomolecules contributes to structural changes and formation of several high molecular weight fluorescent and non-fluorescent, advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs and glycation are involved in various health complications. Synthetic medicines, including metformin, have several adverse effects. Natural products and their derivatives are used in the treatment of various diseases due to their significant therapeutic qualities. Allium sativum (garlic) is used in traditional medicines because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. This study aimed to determine the anti-glycating and AGEs inhibitory activities of garlic. Biochemical and biophysical analyses were performed for in vitro incubated human serum albumin (HSA) with 0.05 M of glucose for 1, 5, and 10 weeks. Anti-glycating and AGEs inhibitory effect of garlic was investigated in glycated samples. Increased biochemical and biophysical changes were observed in glycated HSA incubated for 10 weeks (G-HSA-10W) as compared to native HSA (N-HSA) as well as glycated HSA incubated for 1 (G-HSA-1W) and 5 weeks (G-HSA-5W). Garlic extract with a concentration of ≥6.25 µg/mL exhibited significant inhibition in biophysical and biochemical changes of G-HSA-10W. Our findings demonstrated that garlic extract has the ability to inhibit biochemical and biophysical changes in HSA that occurred due to glycation. Thus, garlic extract can be used against glycation and AGE-related health complications linked with chronic diseases in diabetic patients due to its broad therapeutic potential.

Improving the bioavailability and bioactivity of garlic bioactive compounds via nanotechnology

This review highlights main bioactive compounds and important biological functions especially anticancer effects of the garlic. In addition, we review current literature on the stability and bioavailability of garlic components. Finally, this review aims to provide a potential strategy for using nanotechnology to increase the stability and solubility of garlic components, providing guidelines for the qualities of garlic products to improve their absorption and prevent their early degradation, and extend their circulation time in the body. The application of nanotechnology to improve the bioavailability and targeting of garlic compounds are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the functional components of garlic to treat human health. We review the improvement of bioavailability and bioactivity of garlic bioactive compounds via nanotechnology, which could promisingly overcome the limitations of conventional garlic products, and would be used to prevent and treat cancer and other diseases in the near future.

Efficacy of Oral Administration of Allium sativum Powder "Garlic Extract" on Lipid Profile, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Indices among Hemodialysis Patients

Background

Inflammation plays a prominent role in the deteriorating cardiovascular risk of hemodialysis patients. Utilization of herbal remedies, especially garlic extract, in these patients has resulted in promising improvement in lipid profile, inflammation, and cardiovascular markers.

Purpose

In this survey, we aimed to determine the effects of oral administration of Allium sativum powder on lipid profile, inflammation, and cardiovascular markers among hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In this interventional double-blinded randomized crossover study, 70 patients were enrolled and assigned in two groups. Each group received 300 mg of garlic powder BID or placebo for eight weeks; after a six-week wash-out period, the agents were switched between two groups so that the group who received garlic powder in the first eight weeks received placebo for the second eight weeks, and vice versa. Venous blood samples were obtained in baseline, wash-out period, and at the end of study. Following obtaining laboratory data, BUN, creatinine, Na, K, Ca, Ph, homocysteine, and lipid profile were compared.

Results

No significant differences were shown at baselines of outcomes between the garlic and placebo group (p value>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in absolute values of OXLDL (mean placebo = 979.63, mean garlic = 676.54; p value<0.001) and HCY (mean placebo = 36.54, mean garlic = 27.78; p value<0.001). In addition, significant treatment differences were seen in change values of Ca (placebo = 1.17, garlic = 0.21; p value = 0.006), TG (placebo = −6.71, garlic = -24.14; p value = 0.014), OXLDL (placebo = −281.30, garlic = -699.78; p value<0.001), and HCY (placebo = −0.24, garlic = −6.68; p value<0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, Allium sativum powder demonstrated efficacy in lipid profile improvement and renal protective effects among hemodialysis patients.

The effect of single clove Black garlic on the hemostasis status and lipid profile in male Sprague Dawley rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients have alteration in hemostasis components. Thus, including excess expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), causing fibrinolysis disorders; the majority of these patients are hypercoagulable state prone to thrombosis. Some evidence suggests that garlic and garlic supplements have antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, garlic stimulates fibrinolytic activity and normalizes plasma lipid imbalances. Black garlic is processed garlic that is produced through natural aging at a controlled temperature (70 °C) and high humidity (90%) for several days, without other additives. This study aimed to prove the effect of single clove black garlic (SCBG) (Allium sativum Linn) on PAI-1 levels and lipid profiles of NAFLD rats induced by a high-fat fructose diet (HFFD) containing 1.25% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid.The rats were then divided into healthy control group (K1+); NAFLD control group without treatment (K2+); 0.9 mg simvastatin treatment group (K1-); 45 mg metformin treatment group (K2-); SCBG 450 mg per 200g BW (X1); 900 mg per 200 g BW (X2); and 1350 mg per 200 g BW (X3). All treatments were administered for 4 weeks via oral gavage. As a result, significant differences in PAI-1 levels and lipid profiles between groups after the administration (p = 0.001) were noted and also by simvastatin and metformin, respectively. There was a correlation between PAI-1 and lipid profile of SCBG treatment. In conclusion, the administration of SCBG (1350 mg per 200 g BB per day) for 4 weeks had a significant effect on PAI-1 levels, and the lipid profiles in Sprague Dawley rats modeled NAFLD (p = 0.001). SCBG has provided benefits that can be useful in the management of NAFLD but it’s not equivalent to medicine.

Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Effects of Allium fistulosum L. and Allium sativum L. Extracts on Human Normal and Tumor Cell Lines: A Comparative Study

Allium sativum L. (garlic bulbs) and Allium fistulosum L. (Welsh onion leaves) showed quantitative differences of identified compounds: allicin and alliin (380 µg/mL and 1410 µg/mL in garlic; 20 µg/mL and 145 µg/mL in Welsh onion), and the phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gentisic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, kaempferol, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, quercetin, and rutin). The chemical composition determined the inhibitory activity of Allium extracts in a dose-dependent manner, on human normal cells (BJ-IC50 0.8841% garlic/0.2433% Welsh onion and HaCaT-IC50 1.086% garlic/0.6197% Welsh onion) and tumor cells (DLD-1-IC50 5.482%/2.124%; MDA-MB-231-IC50 6.375%/2.464%; MCF-7-IC50 6.131%/3.353%; and SK-MES-1-IC50 4.651%/5.819%). At high concentrations, the cytotoxic activity of each extract, on normal cells, was confirmed by: the 50% of the growth inhibition concentration (IC50) value, the cell death induced by necrosis, and biochemical determination of LDH, catalase, and Caspase-3. The four tumor cell lines treated with high concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, and 1.25%) of garlic extract showed different sensibility, appreciated on the base of IC50 value for the most sensitive cell line (SK-MES-1), and the less sensitive (MDA-MB-231) cell line. The high concentrations of Welsh onion extract (5%, 2.5%, and 1.25%) induced pH changes in the culture medium and SK-MES-1 being the less sensitive cell line.

Pharmacological modulation of the hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) system by dietary H2 S-donors: A novel promising strategy in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents the most common age-related metabolic disorder, and its management is becoming both a health and economic issue worldwide. Moreover, chronic hyperglycemia represents one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular complications. In the last years, the emerging evidence about the role of the endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM led to increasing interest in the pharmacological modulation of endogenous "H₂ S-system". Indeed, H₂ S directly contributes to the homeostatic maintenance of blood glucose levels; moreover, it improves impaired angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction under hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, H₂ S promotes significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, thus preventing hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, diabetic nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Therefore, H₂ S-releasing molecules represent a promising strategy in both clinical management of T2DM and prevention of macro- and micro-vascular complications associated to hyperglycemia. Recently, growing attention has been focused on dietary organosulfur compounds. Among them, garlic polysulfides and isothiocyanates deriving from Brassicaceae have been recognized as H₂ S-donors of great pharmacological and nutraceutical interest. Therefore, a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring H₂ S-donors may pave the way to a more rational use of these nutraceuticals in the modulation of H₂ S homeostasis in T2DM.

Prevailing Knowledge on the Bioavailability and Biological Activities of Sulphur Compounds from Alliums: A Potential Drug Candidate

Allium sativum (garlic) is widely known and is consumed as a natural prophylactic worldwide. It produces more than 200 identified chemical compounds, with more than 20 different kinds of sulfide compounds. The sulfide compounds particularly are proven to contribute to its various biological roles and pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antithrombotic, hypoglycemic, antitumour, and hypolipidemic. Therefore, it is often referred as disease-preventive food. Sulphur-containing compounds from A. sativum are derivatives of S-alkenyl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, ajoene molecules, thiosulfinates, sulfides, and S-allylcysteine. This review presents an overview of the water-soluble and oil-soluble sulphur based phytochemical compounds present in garlic, highlighting their mechanism of action in treating various health conditions. However, its role as a therapeutic agent should be extensively studied as it depends on factors such as the effective dosage and the suitable method of preparation.

Allylmethylsulfide, a Sulfur Compound Derived from Garlic, Attenuates Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats

Allylmethylsulfide (AMS) is a novel sulfur metabolite found in the garlic-fed serum of humans and animals. In the present study, we have observed that AMS is safe on chronic administration and has a potential antihypertrophic effect. Chronic administration of AMS for 30 days did not cause any significant differences in the body weight, electrocardiogram, food intake, serum biochemical parameters, and histopathology of vital organs. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of AMS suggests that AMS is rapidly metabolized into Allylmethylsulfoxide (AMSO) and Allylmethylsulfone (AMSO₂). To evaluate the efficacy of AMS, cardiac hypertrophy was induced by subcutaneous implantation of ALZET® osmotic minipump containing isoproterenol (~5 mg/kg/day), cotreated with AMS (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) and enalapril (10 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. AMS and enalapril significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy as studied by the heart weight to body weight ratio and mRNA expression of fetal genes (ANP and β-MHC). We have observed that TBARS, a parameter of lipid peroxidation, was reduced and the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) were improved in the AMS and enalapril-cotreated hypertrophic hearts. The extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) were significantly upregulated in the diseased hearts; however, with the AMS and enalapril, it was preserved. Similarly, caspases 3, 7, and 9 were upregulated in hypertrophic hearts, and with the AMS and enalapril treatment, they were reduced. Further to corroborate this finding with in vitro data, we have checked the nuclear expression of caspase 3/7 in the H9c2 cells treated with isoproterenol and observed that AMS cotreatment reduced it significantly. Histopathological investigation of myocardium suggests AMS and enalapril treatment reduced fibrosis in hypertrophied hearts. Based on our experimental results, we conclude that AMS, an active metabolite of garlic, could reduce isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and stabilizing ECM components.