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This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs), varying in size, against clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, and C. albicans, as well as the antimicrobial effects of aqueous extracts and lyophilized powders of Allium (garlic) species. CNPs were synthesized through ionotropic gelation and characterized by Z potential, hydrodynamic diameter (dynamic light scattering, DLS), and SEM. Aqueous garlic extracts were prepared via decoction. We assessed antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods; in addition, a modified agar proportion method in blood agar was used for antimicrobial activity against MTB. CNPs inhibited MTB growth at 300 µg for 116.6 nm particles and 400 µg for 364.4 nm particles. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against E. faecalis with nanoparticles between 200 and 280 nm. Allium sativum extract produced inhibition for C. albicans at 100 µg. The results indicate that CNPs possess significant antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, including MTB, at high concentrations. On the other hand, aqueous Allium sativum extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, due to their instability in solution, the use of lyophilized Allium sativum powder is preferable.

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Garlic (Allium sativum) is generally known to be of medicinal value, possessing potentials that include antimicrobial activity, but are often consumed in foods after subjection to cooking heat. The antimicrobial potential of heat stressed garlic may become decreased or lost when cooked, making its medicinal benefit unavailable to consumers. The potential of uncooked and cooked extracts from garlic imported to Jamaica, to inhibit the growth of eight microbes of clinical significance was investigated. Aqueous extracts of fresh garlic of 15 g/100 ml (fw), and dried and pulverized garlic cloves of 12.5 g/100 ml, 25 g/100 ml, 50 g/100 ml, and 100 g/100 ml (dw), were tested for inhibition of microbial growth. Extracts were tested uncooked, and cooked by boiling for 5, 10, and 15 min respectively. Of all the microbes studied, C. albicans incurred the largest zone of inhibition (57.7 ± 0.6 mm at the 100 g/100 ml of the dried extract, F(3, 8) = 51.778, p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.93). Cooking of garlic extracts resulted in statistically significant decreases in zones of inhibition of microbes, as evident in the linear regression and one-way ANOVA analyses, and/or complete loss of microbial inhibition. C. albicans was the most inhibited microbe, followed by E. coli, and Salmonella sp., respectively. The use of uncooked garlic may be the best route for obtaining the greatest antimicrobial potential of garlic against susceptible bacteria and fungi because cooking heat stress resulted in the decrease and complete loss of the antimicrobial potentials of the garlic.

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Diabetes mellitus is a severe health problem in Mexico, and its prevalence is increasing exponentially every year. Recently, DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors have become attractive oral anti-hyperglycemic agents to reduce the pathology of diabetes. Gliptin's family, such as sitagliptin, vildagliptin, and alogliptin, are in clinical use to treat diabetes mellitus but possess side effects. Therefore, there is a specific need to look for new therapeutic scaffolds (biomolecules). Garlic bulb is widely used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of diabetes. The garlic extracts are scientifically proven to control glucose levels in patients with diabetes, despite the unknown mechanism of action. The aim of the study is to investigate the antidiabetic effects of ultrasonication assisted garlic bulb extract. To achieve this, in-vitro assays such as DPP-4 inhibitory and antioxidant activities were investigated. Further, functional group analysis using FTIR and identification of phytochemicals using mass spectrometry analysis was performed. The results showed that 70.9 µg/mL of garlic bulb extract inhibited 50% DPP-4 activity. On top of that, the garlic extract exhibited a 20% scavenging activity, equivalent to 10 µg/mL of ascorbic acid. Molecular docking simulations on identified phytochemicals using mass spectrometry revealed their potential binding at the DPP-4 druggable region, and therefore the possible DPP-4 inhibition mechanism. These results suggest that prepared garlic extract contains phytochemicals that inhibit DPP-4 and have antioxidant activity. Also, the prepared extract induces skeletal muscle cell proliferation that demonstrates the antidiabetic effect and its possible mechanism of action.

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This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of using garlic extract (Allium sativum) as an alternative to formaldehyde for the disinfection of hatching eggs on hatching traits and growth performance of quails. Four treatments, with 240 hatching eggs each, were evaluated: egg immersion in two different levels (2.5% and 5.0%) of garlic extract (garlic-1, garlic-2), formaldehyde fumigation (positive control), and eggs not submitted to disinfection (negative control). Mid-term and late embryomortality, pipped egg, and culled chick rates were not influenced by the (p>0.05). The highest (p<0.05) early embryo mortality rate was detected in the formaldehyde treatment (9.99%), and the lowest in garlic-2 treatment (2.68%). Hatchability of fertile eggs was the lowest in the formaldehyde group (83.78%), followed by the control (85.20%), garlic-1 (87.11%) and garlic-2 (88.72%) groups, respectively. The highest final body weight (5 weeks of age) was obtained in the garlic-2 group (304.1 g), followed by the control (294.13 g), formaldehyde (290.56 g), and garlic-1 (288.44 g), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not influenced by the treatments (p>0.05). The results obtained for hatching traits and live performance parameters indicated that the immersion of eggs in garlic extract may be used as an alternative to formaldehyde fumigation for the disinfection of hatching quail eggs.(AU)

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This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of using garlic extract (Allium sativum) as an alternative to formaldehyde for the disinfection of hatching eggs on hatching traits and growth performance of quails. Four treatments, with 240 hatching eggs each, were evaluated: egg immersion in two different levels (2.5% and 5.0%) of garlic extract (garlic-1, garlic-2), formaldehyde fumigation (positive control), and eggs not submitted to disinfection (negative control). Mid-term and late embryomortality, pipped egg, and culled chick rates were not influenced by the (p>0.05). The highest (p0.05). The results obtained for hatching traits and live performance parameters indicated that the immersion of eggs in garlic extract may be used as an alternative to formaldehyde fumigation for the disinfection of hatching quail eggs.

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Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for traditional medicine since ages. It has many uses such as an antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-aging, reduce the risk of heart disease, and antibacterial1. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the inhibition and eradication ability for garlic against Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that cause dental caries. Methods: Garlic extract was obtained from Ciwidey garlic maseration process in etanol 96%. MIC was a test to measure the inhibition ability of garlic extract against Streptococcus mutans in planktonic form, and MBIC in biofilms form. MBEC was a test to measure the eradication ability of garlic extract against Streptococcus mutans in biofilms form. Statistic analysis using ANOVA followed by post hoc with ρ value <0.05. Results: The garlic extract showed MIC value at 9.39 % and MBIC value at 37.5 % but was not observed to have eradication activity against Streptococcus mutans in biofilms form up to concentration 37.5%. Conclusion: Garlic extract inhibit Streptococcus mutans both in planktonic and biofilm form. Garlic extract has no eradication activity against Streptococcus mutans in biofilms form up to concentration 37.5% (AU)

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Phospholipid nanovesicles were developed to improve the stability of garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract. Electron microscopy of liposomes revealed nanometric and spherical-shaped vesicles with a mean particle size of 174.6±17.3nm and polydispersity index of 0.26±0.02. The entrapment efficiency was 47.5±7.3% and the nanoliposomes had a zeta potential of -16.2±5.5mV. The antimicrobial activity of free and encapsulated garlic extract was evaluated against different strains of Listeria spp. in milk at 37°C for 24h. For free and encapsulated garlic extracts at 5% concentration, a decrease of 4log cycles in viable cell counts was observed at 10h, against four of the five strains of Listeria spp. tested. The results indicate that liposomes constitute a suitable system for encapsulation of unstable garlic active compounds and the encapsulation of garlic extract proves to be a promising technology for multiple applications, including antimicrobial agents.

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The antioxidant properties of aged garlic extract (AGE) on cardiovascular functioning (CF) in metabolic syndrome (MS) remains poorly studied. Here we study the AGE effects on CF in a rat model of MS. Control rats plus saline solution (C + SS), MS rats (30% sucrose in drinking water from weaning) plus saline solution (MS + SS), control rats receiving AGE (C + AGE 125 mg/Kg/12 h) and MS rats with AGE (MS + AGE) were studied. MS + SS had increased triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, insulin, leptin, HOMA index, and advanced glycation end products. AGE returned their levels to control values (p < 0.01). Cholesterol was decreased by AGE (p = 0.05). Glutathion and GPx activity were reduced in MS + SS rats and increased with AGE (p = 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was increased in MS + SS and AGE reduced it (p = 0.001). Vascular functioning was deteriorated by MS (increased vasocontraction and reduced vasodilation) and AGE improved it (p = 0.001). Coronary vascular resistance was increased in MS rats and AGE decreased it (p = 0.001). Cardiac performance was not modified by MS but AGE increased it. NO measured in the perfusate liquid from the heart and serum citrulline, nitrites/nitrates were decreased in MS and AGE increased them (p < 0.01). In conclusion, AGE reduces MS-induced cardiovascular risk, through its anti-oxidant properties.

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Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone abundantly present in plasma that exerts its effects through the activation of 3 receptors. Its concentrations are negatively regulated by the accumulation of visceral fat, and clinical studies implicate hypoadiponectinemia in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy. In contrast, high concentrations of adiponectin are associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery disease, with an improvement in the differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes, and with increased endothelial nitric oxide production. Therefore, adiponectin appears to be an important molecule involved in limiting the pathogenesis of obesity-linked disorders, and it may have potential benefits in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Caloric restriction, moderate alcohol consumption, and consuming a Mediterranean diet increase adiponectin concentrations, and current evidence suggests a positive, dose-dependent relation between ω-3 (n-3) fatty acid intake and circulating concentrations of adiponectin. Recently, it was reported that the administration of aged garlic extract and a single food intervention with pistachios can increase adiponectin concentrations in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the Mediterranean diet is associated with higher adiponectin concentrations. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of increasing adiponectin by nutritional interventions in the treatment and prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.

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BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract (AGE) and its main constituent S-allylcysteine (SAC) are natural antioxidants with protective effects against cerebral ischemia or cancer, events that involve hypoxia stress. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) has been used to mimic hypoxic conditions through the stabilization of the α subunit of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) and up-regulation of HIF-1α-dependent genes as well as activation of hypoxic conditions such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. The present study was designed to assess the effect of AGE and SAC on the CoCl2-chemical hypoxia model in PC12 cells. RESULTS: We found that CoCl2 induced the stabilization of HIF-1α and its nuclear localization. CoCl2 produced ROS and apoptotic cell death that depended on hypoxia extent. The treatment with AGE and SAC decreased ROS and protected against CoCl2-induced apoptotic cell death which depended on the CoCl2 concentration and incubation time. SAC or AGE decreased the number of cells in the early and late stages of apoptosis. Interestingly, this protective effect was associated with attenuation in HIF-1α stabilization, activity not previously reported for AGE and SAC. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results show that AGE and SAC decreased apoptotic CoCl2-induced cell death. This protection occurs by affecting the activity of HIF-1α and supports the use of these natural compounds as a therapeutic alternative for hypoxic conditions

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Introdução: Lipodistrofi a ginoide, popularmente conhecida como celulite, é considerada por milhões de mulheres como problema estético preocupante. Estudos recentemente publicados demonstraram que o extrato de alho pode ter utilidade para melhorar a lipólise e diminuir a lipogênese. Objetivo: O objetivo primário foi determinar se a aplicação tópica de uma loção contendo alho (15 ppm) melhoraria os parâmetros de celulite. Material e Métodos: 50 mulheres foram tratadas topicamente com uma loção contendo 15 ppm de alho. Todas as pacientes trataram uma perna, não trataram a outra e foram avaliadas (mensuração do diâmetro da coxa) antes do início do tratamento e depois em intervalos quinzenais, até oito semanas depois do início do tratamento. Em oito das participantes, os parâmetros microcirculatórios [velocidade dos eritrócitos nas arteríolas e vênulas (mm/s), densidade capilar funcional (DCF), diâmetro da papila dérmica (µm) e diâmetro do capilar (µm)] foram medidos por Cytoscan®. O exato local na coxa para essas mensurações foi marcado numa folha transparente como garantia de que todas as medidas seriam tomadas no mesmo lugar. Seis mulheres participantes do grupo de exame por Cytoscan® também foram avaliadas por ultrassom, para determinar a espessura do tecido subcutâneo. Resultados: Depois do tratamento com alho, ocorreu redução de 1,62 cm no diâmetro da coxa tratada (p < 0,001) sem mudanças signifi cativas nos diâmetros da papila e dos capilares, mas a DCF melhorou signifi cativamente (p < 0,03), tendo ocorrido redução na espessura da epiderme e da derme depois do tratamento tópico com alho. Conclusões: O uso de extrato de alho na concentração de 0,0015% resultou em melhora clínica, microcirculatória e ultrassonográfi ca signifi cativa da celulite.

Introdução: Gynoid lipodystrophy, popularly known as cellulite, is regarded as an issue of cosmetic concern to millions of women. Recent studies have shown that garlic extract can be useful to enhance lipolysis and decrease lipogenesis. Objective: The primary objective was to determine if topical application of a lotion containing garlic (15 ppm) would improve cellulite parameters. Material and Methods: 50 women were treated topically with a lotion containing 15 ppm of garlic. All patients treated one leg, did not treat the other one and were evaluated (measurement of thigh diameter) before and in biweekly intervals up to 8 weeks after the onset of treatment. On eight of these subjects, microcirculatory parameters [red blood cell velocity in arterioles and venules (mm/s), functional capillary density (FCD), diameter of the dermal papilla (µm) and capillary diameter (µm)] were measured using the Cytoscan®. The exact thigh local for these measurements was marked in a transparent sheet, to assure that all of them were performed on the same place. Six women that performed the Cytoscan® exam group were also evaluated by ultrasound to determine the thickness of subcutaneous tissue. Results: after garlic treatment, there was a reduction of 1.62 cm on the diameter of the treated thigh (p < 0.001) without signifi cant changes on papilla and capillary diameters, but FCD improved signifi cantly (p < 0.03) and epidermis and dermis thickness decreased after topical garlic treatment. Conclusions: Garlic extract at a concentration of 0.0015% showed signifi cant clinical, microcirculatory and ultrasonographic improvement of cellulite.