Isolation and characterization of the genes up-regulated in isolated neurons by aged garlic extract (AGE).

Aged garlic extract (AGE) produces neurotrophic effects on cultured fetal rat hippocampal neurons. These studies examined the molecular events triggered by AGE that might account for a suppression of neuronal cell death. Genes differentially expressed by the addition of AGE in primary cultured hippocampal neurons isolated from fetal rat brain were screened using mRNA differential display.

Pharmacologic activities of aged garlic extract in comparison with other garlic preparations.

We investigated the pharmacologic activities of four garlic preparations, raw garlic juice (RGJ), heated garlic juice (HGJ), dehydrated garlic powder (DGP) and aged garlic extract (AGE). The study used three animal models, i.e.

The effects of aged garlic extract on lipid peroxidation and the deformability of erythrocytes.

The effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on lipid peroxidative damage and the deformability of erythrocytes were evaluated in rats. The deformability of erythrocytes was measured using the micropore filtration method. AGE significantly prevented the decrease of erythrocyte deformability induced by lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner.

N alpha-(1-deoxy-D-fructos-1-yl)-L-arginine, an antioxidant compound identified in aged garlic extract.

Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been shown to have antioxidant activity. The organosulfur compounds, S-allyl-L-cysteine and S-allylmercapto-L-cysteine, are responsible, at least in part, for the antioxidant activity of AGE. To identify major active components, we fractionated AGE, using hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity as an antioxidative index.

How to distinguish garlic from the other Allium vegetables.

The establishment of international monographs for herbs is in progress. Here, we propose both a marker compound and a method for its analysis for the identification of garlic bulbs and their products. The constituents in 26 kinds of fresh edible parts of Allium vegetables and three types of garlic preparations were analyzed.

[Effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on hyperglycemia induced by immobilization stress in mice].

The effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on stress induced hyperglycemia was investigated using the immobilization stress model in mice. After the exposure to immobilization stress for 16 hr per day for 2 consecutive days, the adrenal glands of the mice hypertrophied, and their serum glucose level and corticosterone secretion became elevated, but insulin secretion did not change. These results suggest that the elevation of serum glucose was probably due to the stimulation of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis by the stress.

Complete nucleotide sequences of garlic viruses A and C, members of the newly ratified genus Allexivirus.

Complete genomic sequences of garlic viruses A (Gar V-A) and C (Gar V-C), members of an unassigned virus group recently identified in garlic plants, were determined. Their respective genomes consist of 8 660 and 8 405 nucleotides. The genomic structure and organization of these viruses are similar to shallot virus X (ShVX) which is the type species of the newly ratified genus Allexivirus.

Mechanisms of protection by S-allylmercaptocysteine against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.

S-Allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), one of the water-soluble organosulfur compounds in ethanol extracts of garlic (Allium sativum L.), has been shown to protect mice against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury. In this study, we examined the mechanisms underlying this hepatoprotection.

Immunomodulation and antitumor activities of Aged Garlic Extract.

We found that Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) could be a significant immuno-potentiator, and could exhibit anti-tumor activities through immune modulation. Consequently, AGE stimulated the proliferation of mouse spleen cells and the release of cytokines, such as IL-2, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, increased NK activities, and enhanced phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. AGE treatment also stimulated the reactivity of lymphocytes in response to cytokines or mitogens.

Anti-allergic effects of aged garlic extract.

To examine the effect of Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) on the function of mast cells and activated T lymphocytes, we adopted the in vitro histamine release system, the in vivo IgE mediated skin reaction system and the in vivo late phase reaction system. Consequently, at 1.25, 2.

Changes in contents of gamma-glutamyl peptides and fructan during growth of Allium sativum.

Determination of gamma-glutamyl peptides, alliin, and fructan during growth of Allium sativum L. was carried out by HPLC. The contents of gamma-glutamyl peptides and alliin in garlic bulbs remarkably increased during one month before the garlic leaves withered.

Antioxidant and radical scavenging effects of aged garlic extract and its constituents.

The antioxidant properties of three garlic preparations and organosulfur compounds in garlic have been determined. Aged garlic extract inhibited the emission of low level chemiluminescence and the early formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS) in liver microsomal fraction initiated by t-butyl hydroperoxide. However, the water extracts of raw and heat-treated garlic enhanced the emission of low level chemiluminescence.

Pharmacokinetics of the garlic compound S-allylcysteine.

The pharmacokinetic behavior of S-allylcysteine (SAC), one of the biologically active transformation products from garlic, was investigated after oral administration to rats, mice, and dogs. SAC was rapidly and easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed mainly in plasma, liver, and kidney. The bioavailability was 98.