Search Results (106)

The green synthesis of nanoparticles offers a solution to control pesticide-resistant pests while minimizing environmental and health risks. Thrips tabaci is an injurious pest that attacks garlic crops and spreads the Iris yellow spot virus. The present research was performed to evaluate the synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by Teucrium polium with Spinosad against T. tabaci and assess their impact on garlic photosynthetic pigments. The characterization of the prepared nanoparticles was carried out by SEM, XRD, and Malvern zeta sizer. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using microdilution. Photosynthetic pigments were measured with a spectrophotometer after treating garlic cloves with four different concentrations of AgNPs and Spinosad mixture along with positive control (Spinosad) and negative control (tap water). Toxic bioassays were conducted under laboratory, greenhouse, and open field conditions. The results indicate all treatments, except for the 100% AgNPs, resulted in 100% second instar larvae and adult mortality after 72 h in the laboratory. In greenhouse conditions, the 50% Spinosad–50% AgNPs achieved 93.85% larvae mortality, and the 75% Spinosad–25% AgNPs achieved 100% adult mortality after a week. In open field conditions, the combination 50% Spinosad–50% AgNPs showed high efficacy, resulting in 65.97% mortality of larvae and 73.06% mortality of adults after 72 h. This study reveals that AgNPs have active pesticide properties against T. tabaci with minimal environmental and health risks. Full article

Agriculture is an essential activity in Mexico, representing the main source of income of numerous families. Crops are negatively affected by many diseases, particularly caused by phytopathogenic fungi, whose control by biological agents emerges as an advantageous alternative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antagonistic activity of microorganisms isolated from Larrea tridentata L. (Sessé & Moc. Ex DC.) Coville leaves, stems, roots, and rhizospheric soil against Fusarium spp. and other phytopathogen fungi. We identified 54 microorganisms: 30 bacteria species and 24 actinobacteriota. Initial dual-confrontation experiments with phytopathogenic fungi determined the bacillus and actinobacteriota inhibited growth from 57 to 100% and 42 to 83%, respectively. Based on our initial results, selected isolates were confronted with Rhizoctonia sp. and two Fusarium spp. isolates (orchid and garlic isolates). All microorganisms inhibited Rhizoctonia, but only 13 bacillary bacteria and eight actinobacteriota isolates inhibited Fusarium and were selected for the third confrontation, in which firmicutes –Bacilli:Bacilliales- and actinobacteriota isolates inhibited Fusarium spp. growth from 55 to 92% and 14 to 74%, respectively. In addition, supernatant fluids from six selected actinobacteriota were evaluated, and the results determined that the strains OP-AGsD3, OP-AGsM4R7, and OP-AGsM1R5 possessed the highest antagonist activity against all Fusarium spp. isolates. Molecular identification analysis indicated that actinobacteriota belonged to the Streptomyces genus. Our results revealed the potential of native Streptomyces spp. from L. tridentata rhizosphere soil as biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic Fusarium spp. Full article

Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives, is a promising species with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, useful both fresh and dried as a spice. This study analyzed the chlorophyll, carotenoid, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity in various parts of two- and three-year-old garlic chives, including green stems, inflorescences, and flowering shoots. The research found that flowering shoots had higher levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids, while inflorescences were rich in total polyphenols and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Essential oils extracted from different parts of the plant were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), revealing distinct chemical profiles. The oils contained unique compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes predominant in green stems and stems with flower buds, and aliphatic hydrocarbons more prevalent in inflorescences. This study highlights the high antioxidant potential of Allium tuberosum and suggests further research due to its varied chemical composition across different plant parts. Full article

Peimine (PM), a steroidal alkaloid derived from aged garlic (Allium sativum L.), demonstrates potent therapeutic efficacy against ulcerative colitis (UC) through multi-target mechanisms. Integrating network pharmacology and in vivo validation, we reveal that PM suppresses colitis by concurrently inhibiting PI3K-AKT, JAK-STAT, and HIF-1 signaling pathways—key drivers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC, oral PM administration (4 mg/kg) significantly attenuated disease severity, evidenced by reduced disease activity index, restored colon length, and improved epithelial barrier integrity. PM treatment diminished pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (4.2-fold) and IL-6 (3.1-fold) and oxidative damage while reshaping gut microbiota composition to enrich beneficial taxa (Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus spp.). Critically, PM rescued fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production (acetate, propionate, butyrate), directly linking microbial remodeling to mucosal healing. These findings establish PM as a novel natural compound targeting inflammation-redox-microbiota crosstalk, offering a promising pharmacological strategy for UC management. Full article

Radioprotective agents derived from natural food sources represent promising candidates for reducing the harmful effects of ionizing radiation and supporting healthy aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of selected micronized bioactive compounds and their mixes on DNA damage response pathways in human retinal epithelial cells (hTERT-RPE1). Individual compounds and their combinations were applied to cultured cells, and the expression of IER5, a radiation-inducible gene associated with DNA repair and cell survival, was evaluated, showing that most potent compound to be lycopene and quercetin. Thus, in the next step, commonly consumed foods available on the Czech market rich in moth—tomato and garlic—were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity. The results revealed marked variability in antioxidant potential among food sources, with specific cultivars exhibiting significantly higher values. Importantly, experimental mixtures of pure and micronized compounds demonstrated distinct and sometimes opposing effects on IER5 expression. These findings indicate that the radioprotective activity of dietary antioxidants depends not only on the properties of individual compounds but also on their specific combinations. Our study provides evidence that phytochemicals such as quercetin, lycopene, but also partially resveratrol and curcumin can modulate DNA-repair-associated pathways and underscores their potential as combinatory agents in strategies aimed at promoting genomic stability and potentially healthy aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatotoxicity remains a major therapeutic challenge driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from ethanolic garlic peel extract (GPE-Ag) against pyrogallol-induced liver injury. Methods: Adult rats were randomly assigned into four groups: a control group, a pyrogallol-treated group, a group receiving GPE-Ag nanoparticles (50 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days, and GPE-Ag + pyrogallol co-treated. Results: The garlic peel extract was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealing high levels of phenolic acids (66.83 µg/g) and flavonoids (59.81 µg/g), predominantly ellagic, gallic, and syringic acids, along with kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin. The synthesized GPE-Ag nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). GPE-Ag treatment markedly attenuated pyrogallol-induced hepatic injury by reducing serum liver enzyme levels, lipid peroxidation, and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), while enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Histological examination further confirmed the restoration of normal hepatic architecture. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence that garlic peel–derived silver nanoparticles exert potent hepatoprotective effects through redox homeostasis restoration and modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings highlight GPE-Ag as a promising, sustainable nanotherapeutic candidate for managing chemically induced liver injury. Full article

Current consumer trends for meat production with reduced antibiotic use constitute huge challenges in animal farming. Using indigenous raw materials such as aromatic or medicinal plants or their extracts could positively affect or retain animals’ health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of medicinal plant extracts and essential oils on pig performance parameters, health indices and meat quality. A phytobiotic mixture (PM) consisting of oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) essential oil, rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L.) essential oil, garlic flour (Allium sativum L.) and false flax flour (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) was used in pig diets, containing in the experimental trials two different proportions of the oregano essential oil (200 mL/t of feed vs. 400 mL/t of feed). Three groups of weaned pigs were fed either the control diet (CONT) or one of the enriched diets (PM-A or PM-B, 2 g/kg). After a 43-day feeding period, at 77 days of age, blood was taken from the jugular vein for biochemical and hematological tests, and eight pigs were humanely slaughtered. A microbiological analysis of intestinal digesta from the ileum and caecum was conducted. Additionally, meat tissue cuts (biceps femoris, external abdominal and triceps brachii) were collected for a chemical analysis, fatty acid lipid profile and oxidative stability testing. The statistical analysis revealed no differences (p > 0.05) in the body weights and growth rates among the groups. An increase (p < 0.05) in total aerobic bacteria was detected in the ileum of group PM-A, while Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts were reduced (p < 0.05) in group PM-B. In the caecum, reductions in Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae counts were observed in groups PM-A and PM-B. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in triceps brachii and biceps femoris for both groups PM-A and PM-B (day 0). A reduction (p < 0.05) in MDA was noticed in triceps brachii and external abdominal meat samples (day 7) for groups PM-A and PM-B. In addition, the fatty acid profile of the meat lipids (ΣPUFA, h/H and PUFA/SFA ratios) was positively modified (p < 0.05) in the ham and belly cuts. The addition of the PM significantly (p < 0.05) affected the redness of the ham and shoulder meat (a* value increased), the yellowness of only the ham (b* value decreased) and the lightness of both belly (L* value increased) and ham samples (L* value decreased). The meat proximate analysis, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters, did not identify any differences (p > 0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, the two investigated mixtures could be used in weaned pigs’ diets, with positive results in intestinal microbial modulation, oxidative stability, fatty acid profile and color characteristics of the pork meat produced. Full article

One of the major social issues worldwide is tobacco dependency and cigarette smoking (CS) abuse. Given the significant impact of cigarette smoking on human health and diseases, extensive tobacco use and cigarette smoking abuse are certainly a form of drug addiction and should be considered a serious threat to human health. Notably, healthcare spending attributable to cigarette smoking is very high. In this regard, a significant number of biomolecules of natural origin have been described as capable of mitigating the adverse effects of cigarette smoking. In this review, (a) we discuss the impact that the habit of smoking tobacco has on human health and (b) we describe products of natural origin capable of mitigating the effects of cigarette smoke. The conclusion of this review article is that the available information strongly indicates a possible use of the anti-inflammatory aged garlic extract (AGE) and its bioactive components for mitigating the detrimental effects of cigarette smoke on human tissues. The key reasons for proposing this application are that AGE and its key components S-allyl-cysteine and S1-propenyl-cysteine are potent anti-inflammatory agents, bind to Toll-like Receptor-4, inhibit Nuclear Factor-κB, inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, revert apoptosis induced by cigarette smoke in several cellular model systems and are strong inhibitors of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation. Full article

We report the first syntheses—from commercially available 3-chloro-2-fluoroprop-1-ene (9)—of key garlic-derived compounds containing sp²-fluorine. We also report synthesis of fluoro-5,6-dihydrothiopyrans by trapping 2-fluorothioacrolein (15). Thus, difluoroallicin (12, S-(2-fluoro-2-propenyl) 2-fluoroprop-2-ene-1-sulfinothioate) is prepared by peracid oxidation of 1,2-bis(2-fluoro-2-propenyl)disulfane (11). S-2-Fluoro-2-propenyl-l-cysteine (2-fluorodeoxyalliin, 13), synthesized from cysteine and characterized by X-ray crystallography, is oxidized to its S-oxide, 2-fluoroalliin (22). The latter, with alliinase-containing powdered fresh garlic, gives a mixture of 12, allicin (1), and isomers of monofluoroallicin (23), indicating that 22 serves as a substrate for garlic alliinase. Upon heating, 12 generates transient 15, which dimerizes giving difluoro vinyl dithiins 6 and 7. Ethyl acrylate trapping of 15 affords 5- and 6-substituted 3-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-4H-thiopyrans (19 and 20). In 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HEFP) as solvent, 12 is converted into trifluoroajoene ((E,Z)-1-(2-fluoro-3-((2-fluoro-2-propenyl)sulfinyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)-2-(2-fluoro-2-propenyl)disulfane; 18). Liquid sulfur converts 11 to a (CH₂=CFCH₂)₂S_n mixture (n = 4–15), characterized by UPLC-(Ag⁺)-coordination ion spray-mass spectrometry. Full article

A phytobiotic extract (PE; proprietary blend of garlic, anise, cassia, rosemary, and thyme) has been shown to enhance dry matter intake (DMI) and gut health, while ExCell (EX), a probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product), has been shown to improve gut health and growth performance of growing Holstein calves. The hypothesis was the combination could be synergistic for enhancing post-weaning calf growth performance. Seventy-seven Holstein male calves (73.6 BW ± 7.5 kg SD) at 49 d of age were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to four treatments using a randomized complete block design with a 3 wk experimental period. Treatments were: (1) Control (CN): calf starter (CS) without PE or EX; (2) PE: CS with 275.6 g/ton Apex to supply 0.6 g/d; (3) EX: CS with 0.22% EX to supply 5 g/d; and (4) PEEX: CS with PE and EX added at the same rates. Individual calf BW was weighed weekly and they were fed ad libitum a 22% CP CS with amounts fed and orts recorded daily. Body weight was greater (p < 0.05) for calves fed EX (81.3, 80.8, 84.8, and 84.2 kg for CN, PE, EX, and PEEX, respectively) compared with calves fed CN and PE with calves fed PEEX being intermediate and similar (p > 0.10). Average daily gains (ADGs) showed a trend (p < 0.10) for calves fed EX (965.5, 984.3, 1052.8, and 989.1 g/d) compared with calves fed the remaining treatments. Dry matter intake (DMI; 2.19, 2.18, 2.31, and 2.14 kg/d) and feed conversions (0.45, 0.46, 0.45, and 0.45 kg BW gain/kg DMI) were similar (p > 0.10) among calves fed all treatments. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations (14.7, 14.6, 14.9, and 13.4 mg/dL) were similar (p > 0.10) among calves fed all treatments. Feeding a probiotic improved BW gains of post-weaning Holstein male calves, but the PE alone or in combination with EX (i.e., PEEX) was not beneficial for enhancing post-weaning growth performance. These results demonstrated that feeding specific additives alone or in combination was not beneficial to calf growth performance. Full article

This work focused on the evaluation of nine clones of fresh garlic and its aged product, black garlic, and the comparison of their nutritional qualities, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, and the correlation among these traits. The results showed that the moisture content material of black garlic was reduced, while the crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, and carbohydrate contents were considerably improved. Black garlic had a higher total phenolic content than fresh garlic and four to nine times more antioxidant activity. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivates were the main phenolic acids found in both fresh and black garlic. The antioxidant activity was correlated with polyphenol content and pungency levels. Finally, recommendations about the most suitable clones for black garlic production were made. These findings highlight the need for the consideration of garlic clones in both dietary and therapeutic contexts. Full article

Sodium benzoate, a common food preservative, has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and potential damage to various organs, including the kidneys. Aged black garlic (ABG) offers significant potential in supporting body health through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce cellular damage and inflammation and, thus, improve organ functions. The purpose of this investigation is to investigate the ameliorative effect of aged black garlic extract (ABG extract) on the nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by sodium benzoate. A total of thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups: Group 1: control; Group 2: orally given ABG extract (200 mg/kg bw) daily for 4 weeks; Group 3: administrated orally by sodium benzoate daily for 4 weeks; Group 4: cotreated with both ABG extract and sodium benzoate for 30 days. This included histological examinations, a histochemical demonstration of DNA contents, and an immunohistochemical demonstration of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3, as well as a biochemical evaluation of renal MDA, CAT, SOD, GPx, and IL-1β levels. Moreover, serum and urinary urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels were also determined, as well as serum C-reactive protein. FI (30 days), FER, and BWG% were calculated as well as urinary volume and protein being measured. The findings revealed that ABG extract significantly improved all histopathological and physiological changes (p < 0.05) induced by SB as renal tissue was significantly improved, DNA contents were restored, and capase-3 immunoreactivity was diminished. Additionally, oxidative and inflammatory markers, and renal function parameters, were significantly improved. These results showed that ABG extract possesses significant ameliorative effects against the nephrotoxicity induced by sodium benzoate; this may be mediated by its antioxidant activity. Full article

The consumption of garlic (Allium sativum), recognized for its historical medicinal significance, is linked to diverse health benefits. In particular, red garlic stands out for its distinct anthocyanin content, contributing to its unique pink-purple clove color, yet despite extensive research on the pharmacological properties of garlic extracts, there remains limited evidence specifically addressing the therapeutic potential of red garlic. A narrative search was conducted in February 2024 on PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies examining the pharmacological effects of red garlic extracts. Following the search of selected databases, 789 articles were retrieved and 10 laboratory studies were included in this literature review, exploring the impact of red garlic extracts on laboratory models of lung and digestive tract phlogosis, cancer, microbial proliferation, obesity, and responses to inflammation or oxidative stress. The studies analyzed both aged and fresh red garlic extracts, with a specific emphasis on water extracts. The outcomes highlighted significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of red garlic extracts, also suggesting potential pro-metabolic effects that could be beneficial in addressing excessive weight and dyslipidemia. Moreover, the results point to the inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation by red garlic byproducts and the superior anti-inflammatory profile of the hydroalcoholic extract. Comparative analyses between red and black garlic extracts indicate inconclusive evidence regarding antioxidant activity. The findings also suggest a high level of tolerability for the gut microbiota. This literature review aims to provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of red garlic extracts and emphasizes the need for further research to fully elucidate their benefits and mechanisms of action. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a species of the onion family (Alliaceae) widely used as a food and a folk medicine. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of AGE (aged garlic extract) on pro-inflammatory genes relevant to COVID-19. To this aim, we treated bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) or with the COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccine in the absence or in the presence of AGE. The results obtained demonstrated that AGE is a potent inhibitor of the S-protein-induced expression of the IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 genes. Bio-Plex analysis demonstrated that AGE reduced release of IL-6 and IL-8, which were highly induced by S-protein. No inhibition of cells’ growth, toxicity and pro-apoptotic effects were found in AGE-treated cells. The effects of one of the major AGE constituents (S-allyl cysteine, SAC) were studied on the same experimental model systems. SAC was able to inhibit the S-protein-induced expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 genes and extracellular release of IL-6 and IL-8, confirming that S-allyl-cysteine is one of the constituents of AGE that is responsible for inhibiting S-protein-induced pro-inflammatory genes. Docking experiments suggest that a possible mechanism of action of SAC is an interference with the activity of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR4, thereby inhibiting NF-κB- and NF-κB-regulated genes, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 genes. These results suggest that both AGE and SAC deserve further experimental efforts to verify their effects on pro-inflammatory genes in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Full article

This study investigates the effects of different temperature conditions on the quality of black garlic (BG) during the aging process. Two temperature protocols were employed: gradual heating and cooling (GHC), where the temperature was slowly raised from 45 °C to 77 °C and then lowered to 59 °C at a rate of 1 °C per hour, and rapid heating and cooling (RHC), where the temperature was quickly raised from 45 °C to 85 °C and then lowered to 56 °C at a rate of 1 °C every 30 min. Changes in surface color, hardness, moisture, pH, fructose, total polyphenol content (TPC), and key sulfur compounds such as alliin, S-allylcysteine (SAC), and γ-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine (γ-GSAC) were analyzed. Our findings showed that GHC led to a higher increase in TPC and fructose content by the 15th day compared to RHC. In contrast, RHC retained significantly higher SAC concentrations, approximately 1.7 times that of GHC, by the end of the aging period. Surface color changes, particularly in lightness and redness, were more pronounced under GHC, while RHC demonstrated superior moisture retention. These findings indicate that GHC is better suited for products prioritizing polyphenols and sugars, while RHC is more optimal for SAC-enriched BG. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing BG production for diverse food and medicinal applications through precise temperature modulation. Full article