Anti-Cancer Potential of Homemade Fresh Garlic Extract Is Related to Increased Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Effects of Garlic on Breast Tumor Cells with a Triple Negative Phenotype: Peculiar Subtype-Dependent Down-Modulation of Akt Signaling

Breast cancer includes tumor subgroups with morphological, molecular, and clinical differences. Intrinsic heterogeneity especially characterizes breast tumors with a triple negative phenotype, often leading to the failure of even the most advanced therapeutic strategies. To improve breast cancer treatment, the use of natural agents to integrate conventional therapies is the subject of ever-increasing attention. In this context, garlic (Allium sativum) shows anti-cancerous potential, interfering with the proliferation, motility, and malignant progression of both non-invasive and invasive breast tumor cells. As heterogeneity could be at the basis of variable effects, the main objective of our study was to evaluate the anti-tumoral activity of a garlic extract in breast cancer cells with a triple negative phenotype. Established triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were used, revealing subtype-dependent effects on morphology, cell cycle, and invasive potential, correlated with the peculiar down-modulation of Akt signaling, a crucial regulator in solid tumors. Our results first demonstrate that the effects of garlic on TNBC breast cancer are not unique and suggest that only more precise knowledge of the mechanisms activated by this natural compound in each tumor will allow for the inclusion of garlic in personalized therapeutic approaches to breast cancer.

Micronutrient Status and Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, at the same time being one of the most prevalent causes of women's death. Many factors such as alcohol, weight fluctuations, or hormonal replacement therapy can potentially contribute to breast cancer development and progression. Another important factor in breast cancer onset includes micronutrient status. In this narrative review, we analyzed 23 micronutrients and their possible influence on breast cancer onset and progression. Further, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of micronutrient status on the prevention of breast cancer and its possible influence on various therapeutic pathways. We researched meta-analyses, systemic and narrative reviews, retrospective studies, as well as original studies on human and animal models. The results of these studies indicate a possible correlation between the different levels of micronutrients and a decreased risk of breast cancer as well as a better survival rate. However, further studies are necessary to establish adequate doses of supplementation of the chosen micronutrients and the exact mechanisms of micronutrient impact on breast cancer therapy.

Nutraceutical management of metabolic syndrome as a palliative and a therapeutic to coronavirus disease (COVID) crisis

The global market for medicinal plants and herbs is on the increase due to their desirability, efficacy, and less adverse effects as complementary and alternative medications to the orthodox pharmaceuticals, perhaps due to their natural components and qualities. Metabolic syndromes are managed with changes in diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications and the use of pharmacological agents. Plants are now known to have potent antioxidant and cholinergic activities which are relevant to the management of several metabolic syndromes, which are unfortunately, co-morbidity factors in the coronavirus disease crisis. This review will focus on the biological activities of some plant products used as complementary and alternative medicines in the management of metabolic syndromes, and on their reported antiviral, antithrombotic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory properties, which are integral to their usage in the management of viral infections and may give an avenue for prophylactic and therapeutics especially in the absence of vaccines/formulated antiviral therapies.

Comparison of Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Effects of Various Forms of Garlic and Ramsons

Garlic is known to be rich in antioxidants, inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells, and hamper cancer formation and growth, but various forms of garlic can differ greatly in these respects. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant properties of acetone, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of fresh Polish and Spanish garlic, black and granulated garlic, as well as fresh and dried ramsons. Extracts of black and granulated garlic showed the lowest total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The content of phenolic compounds correlated with TAC measured by ABTS• decolorization and FRAP methods, and with the results of FRAP and DPPH• decolorization assays. Garlic extracts inhibited the proliferation of PEO1 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells and, usually to a smaller extent, MRC-5 fibroblasts. PBS extracts of fresh Spanish garlic showed the highest potency for inhibition of proliferation of PEO1 cells (IC50 of 0.71 µg extract dry mass/100 µL medium). No significant correlation was found between the potency for inhibition of proliferation and the content of phenolics or flavonoids, confirming that phenolics are the main determinants of TAC but do not contribute significantly to the antiproliferative effects of garlic.

Diallyl disulfide alleviates hypercholesterolemia induced by a western diet by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

BACKGROUND

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular metabolic homeostasis. ER stress refers to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which can trigger an unfolded protein response for survival or death in the cells. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a major active compound in garlic, has many health benefits for patients with metabolic diseases, especially cardiovascular or fatty liver diseases. However, its role in attenuating hypercholesterolemia by suppressing ER stress remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we determined whether DADS supplementation could reduce ER stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice fed a Western-type diet (WD).

METHODS

ApoE^-/- mice were fed either a WD alone or a WD supplemented with 0.1% DADS for 12 weeks (n = 10). Levels of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, leptin, and insulin were determined. Western blotting was performed to measure protein levels involved in ER stress markers. Histology and Immunostaining were performed on aortic root sections to confirm the effect of DADS on histology and expression of ER chaperone protein GRP78.

RESULTS

The metabolic parameters showed that increases in fat weight, leptin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia were reversed in DADS-supplemented mice (p < 0.05). In addition, DADS ameliorated not only the protein of ER stress markers, phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit alpha and C/EBP homologous protein in the liver (p < 0.05) but also glucose-related protein 78 localization in the aorta.

CONCLUSIONS

This indicates that DADS inhibits diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, at least in parts by regulating ER stress markers. DADS may be a good candidate for treating individuals with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Updates on the anticancer potential of garlic organosulfur compounds and their nanoformulations: Plant therapeutics in cancer management

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) possesses numerous pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, antiarthritic, antithrombotic, anticancer, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. The anti-cancer action of garlic is likely the best researched of the many advantageous pharmacological effects, and its use offers significant protection against the risk of developing cancer. A few active metabolites of garlic have been reported to be essential in the destruction of malignant cells due to their multi-targeted activities and lack of significant toxicity. The bioactive compounds in garlic having anticancer properties include diallyl trisulfide, allicin, allyl mercaptan diallyl disulfide, and diallyl sulphide. Different garlic-derived constituents and their nanoformulations have been tested for their effects against various cancers including skin, ovarian, prostate, gastric, breast, and lung, colorectal, liver, oral, and pancreatic cancer. The objective of this review is to summarize the antitumor activity and associated mechanisms of the organosulfur compounds of garlic in breast carcinoma. Breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on the total number of cancer deaths worldwide. Global measures are required to reduce its growing burden, particularly in developing nations where incidence is increasing quickly and fatality rates are still high. It has been demonstrated that garlic extract, its bioactive compounds, and their use in nanoformulations can prevent breast cancer in all of its stages, including initiation, promotion, and progression. Additionally, these bioactive compounds affect cell signaling for cell cycle arrest and survival along with lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide synthase activity, epidermal growth factor receptor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and protein kinase C in breast carcinoma. Hence, this review deciphers the anticancer potential of garlic components and its nanoformulations against several breast cancer thereby projecting it as a potent drug candidate for efficient breast cancer management.

The Effect of Different Storage Conditions on Phytochemical Composition, Shelf-Life, and Bioactive Compounds of Voghiera Garlic PDO

Voghiera garlic is an Italian white garlic variety which obtained in 2010 the Protected Designation of Origin. It is widely used for culinary purposes or as an ingredient for supplement production due to its phytochemical compositions. The storage conditions seem to be crucial to retain the high quality of garlic bulbs and their by-products, taking into account the high importance of organosulfur and phenolic compounds for the bioactive potency of garlic and its shelf-life. This study aims to examine the effect of storage on the phytochemical composition, biological effects, and shelf-life of Voghiera garlic PDO. In detail, we considered (i) -4 °C (industrial storage) for 3, 6, and 9 months; (ii) +4 °C for 3 months (home conservation), and (iii) -4 °C for 3 months, plus +4 °C for another 3 months. We focused our attention on the organosulfur compounds, total condensed tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and related antioxidant activity changes during the storage period. To evaluate the bioactive effects, the Voghiera garlic extracts at different storage conditions were administered to a breast cancer cell line, while antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was detected using macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We observed a decrease in sulfur compounds after 6 months which correlated to a decrease in bioactive effects, while the number of antioxidant compounds was stable during the storage period, showing the good effect of refrigerated temperature in maintaining garlic bulb shelf-life.

New Visions on Natural Products and Cancer Therapy: Autophagy and Related Regulatory Pathways

Macroautophagy (autophagy) has been a highly conserved process throughout evolution and allows cells to degrade aggregated/misfolded proteins, dysfunctional or superfluous organelles and damaged macromolecules, in order to recycle them for biosynthetic and/or energetic purposes to preserve cellular homeostasis and health. Changes in autophagy are indeed correlated with several pathological disorders such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, infections, cancer and inflammatory diseases. Conversely, autophagy controls both apoptosis and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the cells. Therefore, any changes in the autophagy pathway will affect both the UPR and apoptosis. Recent evidence has shown that several natural products can modulate (induce or inhibit) the autophagy pathway. Natural products may target different regulatory components of the autophagy pathway, including specific kinases or phosphatases. In this review, we evaluated ~100 natural compounds and plant species and their impact on different types of cancers via the autophagy pathway. We also discuss the impact of these compounds on the UPR and apoptosis via the autophagy pathway. A multitude of preclinical findings have shown the function of botanicals in regulating cell autophagy and its potential impact on cancer therapy; however, the number of related clinical trials to date remains low. In this regard, further pre-clinical and clinical studies are warranted to better clarify the utility of natural compounds and their modulatory effects on autophagy, as fine-tuning of autophagy could be translated into therapeutic applications for several cancers.

Activity-Based Proteomic Identification of the S-Thiolation Targets of Ajoene in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Garlic is a medicinal plant and spice that has been used for millennia for its health-promoting effects. These medicinal properties are associated with low molecular weight organosulfur compounds, produced following the crushing of garlic cloves. One of these compounds, ajoene, is proposed to act by S-thioallylating cysteine residues on target proteins whose identification in cancer cells holds great promise for understanding mechanistic aspects of ajoene's cancer cell cytotoxicity. To this end, an ajoene analogue (called biotin-ajoene, BA), containing a biotin affinity tag, was designed as an activity-based probe specific for the protein targets of ajoene in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. BA was synthesized via a convergent "click" strategy and found to retain its cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells compared to ajoene. Widespread biotinylation of proteins was found to occur via disulfide bond formation in a dose-dependent manner, and the biotin-ajoene probe was found to share the same protein targets as its parent compound, ajoene. The biotinylated proteins were affinity-purified from the treated MDA-MB-231 cell lysate using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads followed by an on-bead reduction, alkylation, and digestion to liberate the peptide fragments, which were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass chromatography. A total of 600 protein targets were identified, among which 91% overlapped with proteins with known protein cysteine modification (PCM) sites. The specific sites were enriched for those susceptible to S-glutathionylation (-SSG) (16%), S-sulfhydration (-SSH) (20%), S-sulfenylation (-SOH) (22%), and S-nitrosylation (-SNO) (31%). As target validation, both ajoene and a dansylated ajoene (DP) were found to S-thiolate the pure recombinant forms of glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and the ajoene analogue DP was found to be a more potent inhibitor than 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). Pathway analysis elucidated that ajoene targets functional and signaling pathways that are implicated in cancer cell survival, specifically cellular processes, metabolism, and genetic information processing pathways. The results of this study provide mechanistic insights into the character of the anti-cancer activity of the natural dietary compound ajoene.

Foods of the Mediterranean diet: garlic and Mediterranean legumes

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary regime derived from the one followed by the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by many healthy constituents, among which are cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, olives, and white meat. Many studies suggest that this dietary regime is the key to obtaining a healthy and long life, like that of the Mediterranean peoples. Despite its popularity among health professionals, this diet is still confined to a certain geographical area of the world. Due to globalization and the modern busy lifestyle, this cultural diet is losing ground even in its home region, with more and more people embracing the so-called Western diet. An awareness of health benefits of the individual components of the Mediterranean diet will therefore draw attention from all over the world to this healthy and affordable dietary pattern, which can not only improve the overall health, but also reduce the risk of developing chronic and infectious diseases. In this regard, garlic and Mediterranean legumes present a huge repertoire of phytochemicals having both nutritive and nutraceutical properties, which therefore should be included in our daily dietary routines in moderate proportions. This narrative review aims at summarizing the principal components and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, in particular of garlic and legumes.

Use of Medicinal Plants by Cancer Patients Under Chemotherapy in the Northwest of Morocco (Rabat Area) : Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Variety of conventional treatments are used to treat cancer. Cancer patients adopt other alternative therapies including medicinal plants. Their curative power results in the presence of secondary metabolites in its different parts. However, they can have toxic effects and interactions with conventional treatment and even chemosensitivity of the cancer cells.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the prevalence of the use of medecinal plants by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, list the medecinal plants used, identify the most consumed, present the reported adverse effects and determine the predictive factors of their use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 203 patients followed at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat from 01 October 2018 to 30 November 2018. Regarding socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and data on the use of medicinal plants were collected from a questionnaire.

FINDINGS

of 203 patients, 37% used medicinal plants. 30 plants also the honey were identified during this study. The "euphorbia honey"was consumed at (40%), The most used plants were garlic (13%), turmeric, fenugreek and thyme (11% each). 5% of patients presented side effects related to the consumption of medicinal plants. There is a significant association between the use of medicinal plants and socio-economic level (p  =  0.004) and duration of illness (p  =  0.048).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a high prevalence of medicinal plants used by cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at National Institute of Oncology. The more clinical studies are desirable to demonstrate the efficacy of medicinal plants and their therapeutic effects to encourage their consumption or prohibit them.

Roles and mechanisms of garlic and its extracts on atherosclerosis: A review

The prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have achieved initial results, but the number of CVDs patients will increase rapidly in the next 10 years. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a significant risk factor for CVDs. The impact of lifestyle and daily diet varies considerably between different countries and continents and has been shown to affect the development of various diseases such as diabetes and CVDs. Primary and secondary prevention using alternative supplements and methods to avoid or reduce the use of traditional pharmacological drugs have also become popular. One of the reasons for this is that pharmacological drugs with lipid-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering effects cause many side effects that may negatively impact the quality of life. Patients are now emphasizing reliance on lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risks. Garlic is a medicinal and edible plant that has been used for a long time. In order to reveal garlic application in the prevention and treatment of AS, reviewing the latest domestic and international studies through searching databases. The result shows that the antiatherogenic role of garlic is eximious. And the mechanisms are mainly related to hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, inhibiting angiogenesis, protecting endothelial cells, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, inhibiting vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and regulating gut microbiota. The main signaling pathways involve AMPK/TLRs, Keap1/Nrf2, PI3K/AKT, PPARγ/LXRα, GEF-H1/RhoA/Rac, etc. The antiatherogenic actions and molecular mechanism of garlic were reviewed in this study to obtain a robust evidence basis for the clinical application and mechanistic study and provide a theoretical basis for further utilization of garlic.

Methods of Isolation of Active Substances from Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and Its Impact on the Composition and Biological Properties of Garlic Extracts

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is widely used in the human diet and in scientific research due to its biological properties. Various factors, e.g., temperature, pressure, extraction method, type of solvent, size, and territorial origin of garlic, affect the amount and type of bioactive compounds obtained from garlic extracts. In turn, the content of bioactive compounds correlates with the biological activity of the extracts. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge of the methods and effectiveness of isolation of active substances from garlic and their impact on the garlic extract composition and, consequently, biological properties. According to the literature, extracts obtained using water as a solvent are mainly responsible for antimicrobial properties, which is related to, inter alia, the high content of allicin. The use of alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, is associated with the outstanding antioxidant power of extracts resulting from the presence of phenolic compounds. In turn, due to the presence of diallyl disulfide and disulfide trisulfide, garlic oil has anticancer potential. Acetone is the most effective organic solvent; however, it is not suitable for immediate consumption.

Effect of Heat-Treated Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Growth Parameters, Plasma Lipid Profile and Histological Changes in the Ileum of Atherogenic Rats

Dietary supplementation with raw garlic has a preventive and healing effect in cardiovascular diseases, but it could also damage the intestinal mucosa, resulting in impairment of nutrient absorption. Garlic processing, including heat treatment, changes the content and biological activity of garlic, so it is crucial to find food-processing methods that will preserve the health-promoting properties of garlic while minimizing its negative impact on the digestive system. Therefore, in this study, the effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on growth parameters, plasma lipid profile, and morphological parameters in the ileum of Wistar rats subjected to various types of heat treatment (90 s blanching garlic, 10 min boiling in water, 10 min pan frying without fat, microwave heating fresh garlic, 90 s blanching and microwave heating garlic, 10 min boiling in water and microwave heating garlic, and 10 min pan frying without fat and microwave heating garlic) was determined in an atherogenic diet (containing 1% addition of cholesterol). In the conducted research, it was found that the diet supplemented with heat-treated garlic used in the atherogenic diet improved the consumption and growth parameters of rats, depending on the type and time of its use. The highest consumption was recorded in atherogenic groups supplemented with garlic subjected to a longer (10 min) heat treatment and was then heated in a microwave oven. Garlic subjected to the shortest heat treatment proved to be most effective, and a significant improvement in the lipid profiles of rats' plasma with atherogenic was observed. Extending the time of heat treatment of garlic and, additionally, its microwaving significantly weakened the action of garlic in the body, but still retained its hypolipidemic effect. The greatest influence on the structural changes in the mucosa of the rats' iliac intestine, manifested by degeneration of the mucosa, shortening the length of the intestinal villi, damage to the brush border, and thus impairment of the intestinal absorption, was exerted by supplementing the atherogenic diet with garlic subjected to short-term heat treatment. Among the processes used, blanching was the least favorable, and the long-lasting thermal processes (cooking, frying for 10 min) had a positive effect on the mucosa of the rats' intestines. The results obtained in this study confirm that the selection of an appropriate method of thermal processing of garlic may allow for the maintenance of preventive and therapeutic efficacy of garlic in cardiovascular diseases, while ensuring the safety of its long-term use in the context of degenerative changes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Nutraceuticals and Herbs in Reducing the Risk and Improving the Treatment of COVID-19 by Targeting SARS-CoV-2

The worldwide transmission of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a deadly or devastating disease is known to affect thousands of people every day, many of them dying all over the planet. The main reason for the massive effect of COVID-19 on society is its unpredictable spread, which does not allow for proper planning or management of this disease. Antibiotics, antivirals, and other prescription drugs, necessary and used in therapy, obviously have side effects (minor or significant) on the affected person, there are still not clear enough studies to elucidate their combined effect in this specific treatment, and existing protocols are sometimes unclear and uncertain. In contrast, it has been found that nutraceuticals, supplements, and various herbs can be effective in reducing the chances of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms. However, not enough specific details are yet available, and precise scientific studies to validate the approved benefits of natural food additives, probiotics, herbs, and nutraceuticals will need to be standardized according to current regulations. These alternative treatments may not have a direct effect on the virus or reduce the risk of infection with it, but these products certainly stimulate the human immune system so that the body is better prepared to fight the disease. This paper aims at a specialized literary foray precisely in the field of these “cures” that can provide real revelations in the therapy of coronavirus infection

Biomedical Effects of the Phytonutrients Turmeric, Garlic, Cinnamon, Graviola, and Oregano: A Comprehensive Review

Phytonutrients are plant foods that contain many natural bioactive compounds, called phytochemicals, which show specific biological activities. These phytonutrients and their phytochemicals may play an important role in health care maintaining normal organism functions (as preventives) and fighting against diseases (as therapeutics). Phytonutrients’ components are the primary metabolites (i.e., proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and phytochemicals or secondary metabolites (i.e., phenolics, alkaloids, organosulfides, and terpenes). For years, several phytonutrients and their phytochemicals have demonstrated specific pharmacological and therapeutic effects in human health such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and immune response. This review summarizes the effects of the most studied or the most popular phytonutrients (i.e., turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, graviola, and oregano) and any reported contraindications. This article also presents the calculated physicochemical properties of the main phytochemicals in the selected phytonutrients using Lipinski’s, Veber’s, and Ghose’s rules. Based on our revisions for this article, all these phytonutrients have consistently shown great potential as preventives and therapeutics on many diseases in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Ethanol-based garlic extract prevents malignant evolution of non-invasive breast tumor cells induced by moderate hypoxia

BACKGROUND

In breast cancer, low oxygen availability is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and with malignant evolution of non-invasive cells. Natural compounds have long attracted attention in cancer treatment, and in recent years garlic (Allium sativum) organosulfur derivatives have been shown to negatively affect growth and invasion of tumor cells.

METHODS

Homemade ethanol-based garlic extract (GE) was administered to MCF7 and MCF10DCIS breast tumor cell lines grown under moderate hypoxia. Cell cycle, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell markers were evaluated.

RESULTS

We revealed that, in the non-invasive MCF10DCIS cells but not in the post-EMT MCF7 cells, low oxygen availability induced the decrease of E-cadherin and the increase of vimentin and motility, that were prevented by GE administration. In both cell lines, treatment with GE counteracted the up-modulation of CD133 positive cells induced by hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our data firstly revealed anti-cancer properties of garlic in non-invasive breast cancer cells. In particular, they demonstrated a protective role of this natural product against the hypoxia-induced increase of molecules that play crucial roles in tumor evolution, suggesting that garlic derivatives can be considered in new approaches for preventing progression of breast tumors from non-invasive to infiltrating lesions.

Garlic constituents for cancer prevention and therapy: From phytochemistry to novel formulations

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the oldest plants cultivated for its dietary and medicinal values. This incredible plant is endowed with various pharmacological attributes, such as antimicrobial, antiarthritic, antithrombotic, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. Among the various beneficial pharmacological effects of garlic, the anticancer activity is presumably the most studied. The consumption of garlic provides strong protection against cancer risk. Taking into account the multi-targeted actions and absence of considerable toxicity, a few active metabolites of garlic are probably to play crucial roles in the killing of cancerous cells. Garlic contains several bioactive molecules with anticancer actions and these include diallyl trisulfide, allicin, diallyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, and allyl mercaptan. The effects of various garlic-derived products, their phytoconstituents and nanoformulations have been evaluated against skin, prostate, ovarian, breast, gastric, colorectal, oral, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Garlic extract, its phytocompounds and their nanoformulations have been shown to inhibit the different stages of cancer, including initiation, promotion, and progression. Besides, these bioactive metabolites alter the peroxidation of lipid, activity of nitric oxide synthetase, nuclear factor-κB, epidermal growth factor receptor, and protein kinase C, cell cycle, and survival signaling. The current comprehensive review portrays the functions of garlic, its bioactive constituents and nanoformulations against several types of cancers and explores the possibility of developing these agents as anticancer pharmaceuticals.

Recent Advances in Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Safety Concerns of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a common vegetable, widely consumed all over the world. Onion contains diverse phytochemicals, including organosulfur compounds, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and saponins. The phenolic and sulfur-containing compounds, including onionin A, cysteine sulfoxides, quercetin, and quercetin glucosides, are the major bioactive constituents of onion. Accumulated studies have revealed that onion and its bioactive compounds possess various health functions, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, hepatorenal protective, respiratory protective, digestive system protective, reproductive protective, and immunomodulatory properties. Herein, the main bioactive compounds in onion are summarized, followed by intensively discussing its major health functions as well as relevant molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the potential safety concerns about onion contamination and the ways to mitigate these issues are also discussed. We hope that this paper can attract broader attention to onion and its bioactive compounds, which are promising ingredients in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals for preventing and managing certain chronic diseases.

Allicin Could Potentially Alleviate Oral Cancer Pain by Inhibiting "Pain Mediators" TNF-alpha, IL-8, and Endothelin

To evaluate the effects of allicin on mediators of pain secreted by oral cancer cells in vitro, single-cell suspensions were prepared by enzymatic method from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Cancer stem cells were isolated by the CD133+ selection method with magnetic cell sorting. Stemness markers were checked in both cancer cells and cancer stem cells by RT-PCR. Comparative analysis of pain mediators TNF-alpha, IL-8, and endothelin at both RNA and protein levels for normal epithelial cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells was carried out with and without allicin treatment. CD133 and CD44 expression levels were checked in cancer cells and cancer stem cells flow cytometrically. Allicin inhibited both gene and protein expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and endothelin in both cancer cells and cancer stem cells. Allicin is more likely to be a promising treatment in alleviating the levels of pain and inflammation in OSCCs.

Natural medicine delivery from biomedical devices to treat bone disorders: A review

With an increasing life expectancy and aging population, orthopedic defects and bone graft surgeries are increasing in global prevalence. Research to date has advanced the understanding of bone biology and defect repair mechanism, leading to a marked success in the development of synthetic bone substitutes. Yet, the quest for functionalized bone grafts prompted the researchers to find a viable alternative that regulates cellular activity and supports bone regeneration and healing process without causing serious side-effects. Recently, researchers have introduced natural medicinal compounds (NMCs) in bone scaffold that enables them to release at a desirable rate, maintains a sustained release allowing sufficient time for tissue in-growth, and guides bone regeneration process with minimized risk of tissue toxicity. According to World Health Organization (WHO), NMCs are gaining popularity in western countries for the last two decades and are being used by 80% of the population worldwide. Compared to synthetic drugs, NMCs have a broader range of safety window and thus suitable for prolonged localized delivery for bone regeneration. There is limited literature focusing on the integration of bone grafts and natural medicines that provides detailed scientific evidences on NMCs, their toxic limits and particular application in bone tissue engineering, which could guide the researchers to develop functionalized implants for various bone disorders. This review will discuss the emerging trend of NMC delivery from bone grafts, including 3D-printed structures and surface-modified implants, highlighting the significance and potential of NMCs for bone health, guiding future paths toward the development of an ideal bone tissue engineering scaffold. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To date, additive manufacturing technology provids us with many advanced patient specific or defect specific bone constructs exhibiting three-dimensional, well-defined microstructure with interconnected porous networks for defect-repair applications. However, an ideal scaffold should also be able to supply biological signals that actively guide tissue regeneration while simultaneously preventing post-implantation complications. Natural biomolecules are gaining popularity in tissue engineering since they possess a safer, effective approach compared to synthetic drugs. The integration of bone scaffolds and natural biomolecules exploits the advantages of customized, multi-functional bone implants to provide localized delivery of biochemical signals in a controlled manner. This review presents an overview of bone scaffolds as delivery systems for natural biomolecules, which may provide prominent advancement in bone development and improve defect-healing caused by various musculoskeletal disorders.

Cytoprotection assessment against mycotoxins on HepG2 cells by extracts from Allium sativum L

Cytoprotection effects of Allium sativum L garlic extract from a local garlic ecotype from Ferrara (Italy) on hepatocarcinoma cells, HepG2 cells, is presented in this study. This garlic type is known as Voghiera garlic and has been characterized as PDO (Protected designation of Origin) product. Voghiera garlic extract (VGE) was evaluated against beauvericin (BEA) and two zearalenone (ZEA) metabolites (α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL))-induced cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells by the MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, over 24 h and 48 h. Direct treatment, simultaneous treatment and pre-treatment strategies at the dilution 1:16-1:00 for VGE and at the concentration range from 0.08 to 2.5 μM for BEA and from 1.6 to 50 μM for both α-ZEL and β-ZEL were tested. Individual IC₅₀ values were detected at all times assayed for BEA (>0.75 μM) and VGE (dilution upper 1:8) while this was not observed for ZEA's metabolites. When simultaneous strategy of VGE + mycotoxin was tested, cytoprotection with increases of viability (upper 50%) were observed. Lastly, in pre-treatment strategy with VGE, viability of HepG2 cells was significantly protected when α-ZEL was tested. As a result, the greatest cytoprotective effect of VGE in HepG2 cells is obtained when simultaneous treatment strategy was performed.

Evaluation of Bioactive and Physicochemical Properties of White and Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) from Conventional and Organic Cultivation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive and physicochemical properties of white and black garlic (Allium sativum L.) from conventional and organic cultivation. Both white conventional (G) and organic (EG) garlic were processed during 45 days heat treatment at 70 °C temperature and 80% relative humidity. In black garlic (BG) samples the content of soluble solids, total reducing sugars, total polyphenol as well as antioxidant activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased (by about 33.5%, 60.5%, 118.4%, 125.8%, respectively), while a pH significantly (p < 0.05) decreased (by about 41.1%) as compared to white garlic samples. The study showed significant differences between colour of white and black garlic, both in the L*a*b* and RGB colour space, especially in the case of the L* parameter, indicating that the colour of garlic changed from white to dark brown or black during the thermal processing. All organic garlic samples had improved bioactive ingredients and antioxidant activity compared to conventional garlic for both fresh (unprocessed) and heat-treated black garlic. The production of black garlic, especially organic (EBG), allows one to obtain a product with higher amount of bioactive compounds, which can be widely used in the design of health-promoting functional food.

The osteogenic and bacterial inhibition potential of natural and synthetic compound loaded metal–ceramic composite coated titanium implant for orthopedic applications

Schematic illustration of the preparation, electrophoretic deposition, antibacterial and osteogenic bone regeneration abilities of the MHAP/ChN/GGe/GTN composite. Where, the green colored shape with red, yellow and blue spheres indicates the GGe.

Anticancer potential of garlic and its bioactive constituents: A systematic and comprehensive review

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.

Herbal and Natural Dietary Products: Upcoming Therapeutic Approach for Prevention and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The most common tumor linked with elevated death rates is considered the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sometimes called the malignant hepatoma. The initiation and progression of HCC are triggered by multiple factors like long term alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C infection, age, and oxidative stress. Sorafenib is the merely US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat HCC. Several treatment methods are available for HCC therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy but they often lead to several side effects. Yet these treatment methods are not entirely adequate due to the increasing resistance to the drug and their toxicity. Many natural products help to prevent and treat HCC. A variety of pathways are associated with the prevention and treatment of HCC with herbal products and their active components. Accumulating research shows that certain natural dietary compounds are possible source of hepatic cancer prevention and treatments, such as black currant, strawberries, plum, grapes, pomegranate, cruciferous crops, tomatoes, French beans, turmeric, garlic, ginger, asparagus, and many more. Such a dietary natural products and their active constituents may prevent the production and advancement of liver cancer in many ways such as guarding against liver carcinogens, improving the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic medications, inhibiting the growth, metastasis of tumor cells, reducing oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. The present review article represents hepatic carcinoma etiology, role of herbal products, their active constituents, and dietary natural products for the prevention and treatment of HCC along with their possible mechanisms of action.

Effect of diallyl disulfide and garlic oil on different human astrocytoma cell lines

Gliomas are a group of malignant brain tumors. Despite significant efforts to optimize treatment options for patients with high-grade glioma, the prognosis of the overwhelming majority of patients remain poor. This bleak prognosis despite treatment of the glioma, is partly due to the tendency of therapeutics to diffusely penetrate into the neighboring brain tissues, but also due to the innate resistance of these tumors to chemotherapy and radiation. Garlic contains water-soluble and oil-soluble sulfur compounds. The oil-soluble compounds, including diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide and ajoene, are more effective potential anti-cancer treatments than the water-soluble compounds. There are several studies examining the effects of oil-soluble compounds on various types of cancer cells, although, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies examining the effects of these compounds on glioma cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anti-glioma properties of DAD and garlic oil on proliferation and induction of apoptosis in four different types of glioma cell lines representative of different grades of the disease. The results showed that garlic oil exhibits favorable anti-cancer potential towards gliomas of various degrees of differentiation.

Superior protective effects of in vitro propagated green garlic against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in human hepatoma cells

Garlic is a valuable source material for medicines due to its known antitumor, hypolipidaemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. This study compares the protective effects of conventionally grown (CG) and in vitro propagated garlic (PG) against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and their antioxidant activity. Garlic used in this study was obtained by planting garlic cloves or by planting the transplants of PG directly in the field. At the end of the vegetation period, CG and PG were sampled and extracts prepared for the experiment. Compared to conventionally grown garlic bulbs, PG leafy part yielded significantly higher content of polyphenols, flavonoids and alliin, and also showed equal or higher antioxidant activity, measured by the cell viability test, GSH and ROS level. Moreover, PG can be produced in less time (shorter vegetation period) and with significantly less material (cloves). Significantly higher content of alliin, polyphenols, and flavonoids and significantly higher yield of plant biomass in PG has a great potential to become a new production model with improved garlic properties as a medicine material.

The Synergistic Antitumor Effect of 5-Fluorouracil Combined with Allicin against Lung and Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anticancer drug used to inhibit the proliferation of many different tumor cells. Since severe events are associated with this compound, its combination with different anticancer drugs or adjuvants would allow the use of a significantly lower dose of 5-FU. In this study, we highlighted that the combination of allicin with 5-FU inhibited the cell migration and proliferation of colorectal and lung cancer cells. 5-FU inhibited cell growth with a similar inhibitory concentration for both normal and tumor cells (~200µM), while allicin showed different inhibitory concentrations. With an IC50 of 8.625 µM, lung cancer cells were the most sensitive to allicin. Compared to 5-FU and allicin single-agent treatments, the co-treatment showed a reduced viability rate, with p < 0.05. The morphological changes were visible on all three cell lines, indicating that the treatment inhibited the proliferation of both normal and tumor cells. We highlighted different cell death mechanisms—apoptosis for lung cancer and a non-apoptotic cell death for colorectal cancer. The synergistic antitumor effect of 5-FU combined with allicin was visible against lung and colorectal carcinoma cells. Better results were obtained when a lower concentration of 5-FU was combined with allicin than the single-agent treatment at IC50.

Challenges in liver cancer and possible treatment approaches

Globally, liver cancer is the most frequent fatal malignancy; in the United States, it ranks fifth. Patients are often diagnosed with liver cancer in advanced stages, contributing to its poor prognosis. Of all liver cancer cases, >90% are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) for which chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the best options for therapy. For liver cancer patients, new treatment options are necessary. Use of natural compounds and/or nanotechnology may provide patients with better outcomes with lower systemic toxicity and fewer side effects. Improved treatments can lead to better prognoses. Finally, in this review, we present some of the problems and current treatment options contributing to the poor outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

Targeting the non-canonical roles of PCNA modifies and increases the response to targeted anti-cancer therapy

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as HER2 and/or EGFR are important therapeutic targets in multiple cancer cells. Low and/or short response to targeted therapies are often due to activation of compensatory signaling pathways, and therefore a combination of kinase inhibitors with other anti-cancer therapies have been proposed as promising strategies. PCNA is recently shown to have non-canonical cytosolic roles, and targeting PCNA with a cell-penetrating peptide containing the PCNA-interacting motif APIM is shown to mediate changes in central signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK, acting downstream of multiple RTKs. In this study, we show how targeting PCNA increased the anti-cancer activity of EGFR/HER2/VEGFR inhibition in vitro as well as in vivo. The combination treatment resulted in reduced tumor load and increased the survival compared to either single agent treatments. The combination treatment affected multiple cellular signaling responses not seen by EGFR/HER2/VEGFR inhibition alone, and changes were seen in pathways determining protein degradation, ER-stress, apoptosis and autophagy. Our results suggest that targeting the non-canonical roles of PCNA in cellular signaling have the potential to improve targeted therapies.

Allium vegetable consumption and health: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes

Previously, our meta-analysis and other studies have suggested that allium vegetable consumption is beneficial for health, but no umbrella review has been conducted to assess the evidence of the various health benefits of allium vegetable consumption. Therefore, we conducted this umbrella review on this topic. This umbrella review included a total of 16 meta-analyses with 50 unique outcomes. The most beneficial cancer-related outcome was shown for gastric cancer (risk ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.91). In addition, only 8 weeks of garlic consumption significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (weighted mean differences -17.20 mg/dl; 95% CI -23.10 to -11.30), and patients with dyslipidemia who consumed garlic experienced more benefits than the whole population. Diabetic patients with longer durations of garlic intake experienced more benefits in terms of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and serum fructosamine than healthy participants, and garlic intake was associated with blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients but not in normotensive participants. Limited side effects of garlic, such as garlic odor and gastrointestinal complaints, were reported among the included meta-analyses. Our results suggested that allium vegetables might be beneficial for cancer prevention. In particular, garlic was comparatively safe and is recommended as a long-term dietary component for patients with dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension.

Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties. In this review, the main bioactive compounds and important biological functions of garlic are summarized, highlighting and discussing the relevant mechanisms of actions. Overall, garlic is an excellent natural source of bioactive sulfur-containing compounds and has promising applications in the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of certain diseases.

Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties. In this review, the main bioactive compounds and important biological functions of garlic are summarized, highlighting and discussing the relevant mechanisms of actions. Overall, garlic is an excellent natural source of bioactive sulfur-containing compounds and has promising applications in the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of certain diseases.

Garlic Consumption and All-Cause Mortality among Chinese Oldest-Old Individuals: A Population-Based Cohort Study

In vitro and in vivo experimental studies have shown garlic has protective effects on the aging process; however, there is no evidence that garlic consumption is associated with all-cause mortality among oldest-old individuals (≥80 years). From 1998 to 2011, 27,437 oldest-old participants (mean age: 92.9 years) were recruited from 23 provinces in China. The frequencies of garlic consumption at baseline and at age 60 were collected. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential covariates were constructed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) relating garlic consumption to all-cause mortality. Among 92,505 person-years of follow-up from baseline to September 1, 2014, 22,321 participants died. Participants who often (≥5 times/week) or occasionally (1–4 times/week) consumed garlic survived longer than those who rarely (less than once/week) consumed it (p < 0.001). Participants who consumed garlic occasionally or often had a lower risk for mortality than those who rarely consumed garlic at baseline; the adjusted HRs for mortality were 0.92(0.89–0.94) and 0.89(0.85–0.92), respectively. The inverse associations between garlic consumption and all-cause mortality were robust in sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses. In this study, habitual consumption of garlic was associated with a lower all-cause mortality risk; this advocates further investigation into garlic consumption for promoting longevity.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response Pathways Involved in the Health-Promoting Effects of Allicin on the Jejunum

Intestinal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) triggered by adverse factors disturbs the normal function of the intestine. Allicin has been reported to promote intestinal health and development. In the present study, we established in vivo (35-day-old weaned piglets, 4-week-old mice) and in vitro (IPEC-J2 cell line) ERS models to explore the possible mechanisms by which allicin may benefit intestinal health. This study revealed the following: (1) allicin supplementation improved intestinal morphological indices and ameliorated mild ERS in the jejunum of the weaned piglets; (2) allicin supplementation decreased cellular reactive oxygen species and upregulated the XBP-1s signaling pathways in IPEC-J2 cells; (3) allicin supplementation reduced the prolonged ERS-mediated apoptosis of IPEC-J2 cells and in the jejunal tissues of the KM mice; (4) allicin supplementation enhanced the intercellular junction protein levels of jejunal cells by alleviating the prolonged ERS. These novel findings suggest that eating garlic could alleviate some intestinal malfunctions associated with ERS.

Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the Anticancer Activity of Natural Compounds

Cancer represents a serious global health problem, and its incidence and mortality are rapidly growing worldwide. One of the main causes of the failure of an anticancer treatment is the development of drug resistance by cancer cells. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new drugs characterized by better pharmacological and toxicological profiles. Natural compounds can represent an optimal collection of bioactive molecules. Many natural compounds have been proven to possess anticancer effects in different types of tumors, but often the molecular mechanisms associated with their cytotoxicity are not completely understood. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle involved in multiple cellular processes. Alteration of ER homeostasis and its appropriate functioning originates a cascade of signaling events known as ER stress response or unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR pathways involve three different sensors (protein kinase RNA(PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol requiring enzyme1α (IRE1) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6)) residing on the ER membranes. Although the main purpose of UPR is to restore this organelle's homeostasis, a persistent UPR can trigger cell death pathways such as apoptosis. There is a growing body of evidence showing that ER stress may play a role in the cytotoxicity of many natural compounds. In this review we present an overview of different plant-derived natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, green tea polyphenols, tocotrienols, and garcinia derivates, that exert their anticancer activity via ER stress modulation in different human cancers.