The Antioxidant Mechanisms Underlying the Aged Garlic Extract- and S-Allylcysteine-Induced Protection

Abstract

Aged garlic extract (AGE) is an odorless garlic preparation containing S-allylcysteine (SAC) as its most abundant compound. A large number of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activity of AGE and SAC in both in vivo—in diverse experimental animal models associated to oxidative stress—and in vitro conditions—using several methods to scavenge reactive oxygen species or to induce oxidative damage. Derived from these experiments, the protective effects of AGE and SAC have been associated with the prevention or amelioration of oxidative stress. In this work, we reviewed different antioxidant mechanisms (scavenging of free radicals and prooxidant species, induction of antioxidant enzymes, activation of Nrf2 factor, inhibition of prooxidant enzymes, and chelating effects) involved in the protective actions of AGE and SAC, thereby emphasizing their potential use as therapeutic agents. In addition, we highlight the ability of SAC to activate Nrf2 factor—a master regulator of the cellular redox state. Here, we include original data showing the ability of SAC to activate Nrf2 factor in cerebral cortex. Therefore, we conclude that the therapeutic properties of these molecules comprise cellular and molecular mechanisms at different levels.

Antidiabetic effect of combined spices ofAllium sativum,Zingiber officinaleandCapsicum frutescensin alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…Several experimental and clinical investigations have reported many favourable effects of garlic and its preparations. Such effects include: (i) reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, (ii) reduction of cancer risk, (iii) antioxidant effect, (iv) antimicrobial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, (v) detoxification of foreign compounds and hepatoprotection, and (vi) decrease in platelet aggregation and atherosclerotic plaques (Colín-González et al 2012;Bayan et al 2014).…”

Effects of aged garlic extract and endurance exercise on skeletal muscle FNDC-5 and circulating irisin in high-fat-diet rat models

“…Preventive strategies that treat obesity through exercise with or without nutritional supplementation can have important effects on is important factor in obesity [8]. Aged garlic extract (AGE) is well-documented alternative source of garlic that is odorless and rich in antioxidants [9]. Moreover, it has been reported that AGE may play a role in the mitigation of cardiovascular disease [10,11], inflammation [12], hypertension [13], and cancer risk [14].…”

Effect of Allium Sativum Essential Oil on the Glycemic Control and Hyperlipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects

“…[ [29][30][31] Animal studies had also reported anti hyperlipidemic effects of garlic extract. [32,33] Interventional studies have similarly shown anti hyperlipidemic effects of total plasma lipids in humans.…”