An overview of organosulfur compounds from Allium spp.: From processing and preservation to evaluation of their bioavailability, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties

Allyl Dimethyl Sulfonium: A Novel Urinary Biomarker of Allium Consumption

Allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) is an odorous and bioactive major metabolite produced following Allium food consumption and is regarded as the culprit behind the "garlic breath". Indoleethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) can methylate a variety of thioethers to their respective sulfonium ions in humans, aiding in their urinary excretion. We hypothesize that AMS may serve as a novel target for INMT and be metabolized to the allyl dimethyl sulfonium (ADMS) ion, which would constitute a previously undescribed pathway for metabolism of Allium food. ADMS was synthesized, and analytical methods were developed to explore its existence and characterize its levels in humans. ADMS was indeed consistently detected in all volunteers over 6 weeks without dietary intervention and found to strongly respond to controlled garlic supplementation. Striking interindividual variability in urinary ADMS was observed and found to mirror other products of INMT, which is attributable to genetic variation. ADMS is a novel metabolite in humans, and its remarkably variable production suggests variable response in body odors and health effects of Allium food and can be used to assess Allium consumption in the general human population in future epidemiological studies. More products of INMT that can serve as biomarkers of sulfur-rich food intake await discovery.

A Novel Effect of Allium tuncelianum Extract: Topical Application Improves Wound Healing in a Nasal Septal Perforation Rat Model

Objective

The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of Allium tuncelianum (AT) extract on wound healing in a nasal septum perforation (NSP) model.

Methods

Twenty-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study and separated into two groups. A standardized NSP was created in each subject. A 0.09% saline (control group) and the 25% AT solution (study group) were delivered intranasally daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the subjects were sacrificed and the septa were excised for histopathological investigation. The macroscopic closure rate of NSP, intranasal pH, counts of acute inflammatory cells, eosinophil, fibroblast, and giant cell, epithelial regeneration and degeneration, vascularization, granulation formation, collagen density, cartilage regeneration, and degeneration were examined. The obtained data were analyzed statistically.

Results

The macroscopic closure rate (p = 0.006), the fibroblast number (p = 0.003), vascularization (p = 0.003), collagen density (p = 0.044), and granulation tissue amount (p = 0.022) were found to be significantly higher in AT group. However, the acute inflammatory cells count was significantly lower in AT group (p = 0.031) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The topically delivered AT extract may improve wound healing in an experimental NSP model. Consequently, the local application of AT might be promising to prevent the formation of NSP.

Comprehensive Ethnopharmacological Analysis of Medicinal Plants in the UAE: Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to diverse indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used for centuries. This study systematically evaluates the pharmacological and nutritional potential of key medicinal plants, including Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies relevant to their nutritional and pharmacological uses. The findings highlight the therapeutic roles of these plants in managing global health challenges such as gastrointestinal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance through bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Additionally, their contributions to nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are emphasized for disease prevention and health promotion. While this research focuses on the UAE, the implications are globally relevant, as many of these plants are also found in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrating these findings into global nutritional and healthcare systems offers potential solutions for pressing public health concerns, reduces reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promotes sustainable healthcare practices. This work is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications globally.

Effects of a Diet of Allium Extract on Growth, Biochemistry, Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The rabbit farming industry is growing due to the rising demand for healthy, sustainable meat. Rabbit meat's nutritional benefits and low environmental impact appeal to health-conscious consumers. To enhance economic sustainability, efforts focus on reducing disease susceptibility and antibiotic use through improved biosecurity and natural additives, such as organosulphur compounds from Allium plants, which have shown promise in studies for boosting productivity and health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PTSO supplementation on farm rabbits. Over and after a 76-day period, various parameters were assessed to measure the impacts on rabbit growth, health, biochemical parameters, muscle metabolism, and intestinal microbiota. The rabbit groups received either a control diet or a diet supplemented with Allium extract. The results showed significant improvements in growth performance for rabbits fed with Allium extract, including higher final weights, increased average daily gain (ADG), and lower mortality rates. A biochemical analysis revealed normal values for the parameters measured in the treated group. A muscle analysis evidenced the presence of a few metabolites of PTSO. A gut microbiota analysis indicated distinct differences between the control and treated groups, increasing the presence of some strains that can influence positively the growth of rabbits. This study highlights the potential benefits of PTSO supplementation for improving growth performance, health parameters, and gut microbiota composition in farm rabbits, suggesting its efficacy as a dietary additive.

Differential impact of plant-based selenium nanoparticles on physio-biochemical properties, antioxidant defense system and protein regulation in fruits of huanglongbing-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants

Huanglongbing disease (HLB) is the most severe citrus disease destroying Citrus reticulata L. 'Kinnow', the most commonly grown mandarin in Pakistan. It is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter bacterial species and it spreads through the sucking Asian citrus psyllid insect. The current study was designed to investigate the potential impact of plant extract mediated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on antioxidant defense system, fruit quality and protein regulation in the fruits of HLB-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants. Garlic cloves extract was used as reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of SeNPs. Various concentrations of SeNPs (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1) were exogeneously applied to HLB-positive citrus plants. SeNPs at the concentration of 75 mg L-1 affected positively fruit physio-biochemical parameters, e.g., peel thickness, peel weight, fruit weight, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, juice volume, ascorbic acid content and reduced total acidity. Furthermore, SeNPs also enhanced the amounts of total protein and total sugar as well as elevated antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, and catalases. Non-enzymatic antioxidant content, e.g., total phenolic and total flavonoids, was also elevated. Proteomics analysis revealed that exposure to SeNPs at the concentration of 75 mg·L-1 significantly altered in HLB infected mandarin fruting plants the expression of proteins associated with transcription, protection, cell wall biogenesis, cell wall organization, reproduction, stamen formation, embryo development, inflorescence development, as well as translation and response to oxidative stress. Our results revealed that foliar application of SeNPs influences the protein contents positively, therefore ameliorating fruit physio-biochemical quality by boosting antioxidant defense systems of HLB-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants.

A Comprehensive Review of Moroccan Medicinal Plants for Diabetes Management

Moroccan flora, renowned for its diverse medicinal plant species, has long been used in traditional medicine to manage diabetes. This review synthesizes ethnobotanical surveys conducted during the last two decades. Among these plants, 10 prominent Moroccan medicinal plants are evaluated for their phytochemical composition and antidiabetic properties through both in vitro and in vivo studies. The review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive compounds identified in these plants, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Phytochemical investigations revealed a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites contributing to their therapeutic efficacy. In vitro assays demonstrated the significant inhibition of key enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while in vivo studies highlighted their potential in reducing blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin secretion. Among the ten plants, notable examples include Trigonella foenum-graecum, Nigella Sativa, and Artemisia herba-alba, each showcasing distinct mechanisms of action, such as enzymatic inhibition and the modulation of glucose metabolism pathways. This review underscores the necessity for further chemical, pharmacological, and clinical research to validate the antidiabetic efficacy of these plants and their active compounds, with a view toward their potential integration into therapeutic practices.

Nutritional Epigenomics: Bioactive Dietary Compounds in the Epigenetic Regulation of Osteoarthritis

Nutritional epigenomics is exceptionally important because it describes the complex interactions among food compounds and epigenome modifications. Phytonutrients or bioactive compounds, which are secondary metabolites of plants, can protect against osteoarthritis by suppressing the expression of inflammatory and catabolic mediators, modulating epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, and the histone or chromatin remodelling of key inflammatory genes and noncoding RNAs. The combination of natural epigenetic modulators is crucial because of their additive and synergistic effects, safety and therapeutic efficacy, and lower adverse effects than conventional pharmacology in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In this review, we have summarized the chondroprotective properties of bioactive compounds used for the management, treatment, or prevention of osteoarthritis in both human and animal studies. However, further research is needed into bioactive compounds used as epigenetic modulators in osteoarthritis, in order to determine their potential value for future clinical applications in osteoarthritic patients as well as their relation with the genomic and nutritional environment, in order to personalize food and nutrition together with disease prevention.

Biological features and quality comprehensive analysis of twelve germplasm resources of the genus Allium from Tibet

Introduction

Allium is important vegetables and seasonings in China, Tibet is rich in unique resources of the genus Allium, but lacks development and utilization.

Methods

We compared the biological features and comprehensively evaluating the quality of twelve germplasm resources of the genus Allium collected from Tibet.

Results

The results revealed that nine germplasm resources were bolting and bloom normally except for SC015, SC019, and SC048, all twelve germplasm resources were able to vegetative growth. The individual differences in moisture, soluble sugar, and protein content among the twelve germplasm resources were relatively small, with pyruvic acid content ranging from 0.11 to 1.12 mg/g and a large variation coefficient. A total of 8 categories and 97 volatile compounds were detected in twelve germplasm resources, the majority possessed the highest proportions of aldehydes and organosulfur compounds, but there were certain differences between the different Allium species. Additionally, 11 to 16 types of free amino acids were present in all germplasm resources, proline exhibited the highest content. The total content of essential and non-essential amino acids in SC009 was the highest. Carbon (C) accounted for the largest proportion of all elements, and the contents of other mineral elements varied greatly among the different plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combined with biological performance and comprehensive evaluation of quality, SC009 is the excellent germplasm resource suitable for growth and capable of reproduction with good quality. These results improved the exploitation and utilization of the genus Allium in Tibet, as well as provided germplasm resources for high-quality breeding of the genus Allium.

Alliums as Potential Antioxidants and Anticancer Agents

The genus Allium plants, including onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots, have long been recognized for their potential health benefits, particularly in oxidative and cancer prevention. Among them, onions and garlic have been extensively studied, unveiling promising biological activities that are indicative of their potential as potent antioxidant and anticancer agents. Research has revealed a rich repository of bioactive compounds in Allium species, highlighting their antioxidative properties and diverse mechanisms that target cancer cells. Compounds such as allicin, flavonoids, and organosulfur compounds (OSCs) exhibit notable antioxidant and anticancer properties, affecting apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and the inhibition of tumor proliferation. Moreover, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes enhance their potential in cancer therapy. Studies exploring other Allium species beyond onions and garlic have revealed similar biological activities, suggesting a broad spectrum of natural products that could serve as promising candidates for developing novel anticancer treatments. Understanding the multifaceted potential of Allium plants will pave the way for innovative strategies in oxidative and cancer treatment and prevention, offering new avenues for pharmaceutical research and dietary interventions. Therefore, in this review, we compile an extensive analysis of the diversity of various Allium species, emphasizing their remarkable potential as effective agents.

Unlocking the potential of Allium dictyoprasum C.A. Meyer ex Kunth: quantum chemical insights into radical scavenging, chemical composition, phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity

Allium dictyoprasum C.A. Meyer ex Kunth (A. dictyoprasum) underwent comprehensive analysis, encompassing quantum chemical computations to assess its radical scavenging potential, chemical and elemental composition, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity. Experimental and theoretical investigations focused on elucidating the radical scavenging properties of polyhydroxy phenolic compounds present in the plant. Quantum chemical calculations were employed to evaluate the antioxidants employed to evaluate selected polyhydroxy phenolic molecules including flavonoids, hydrocinnamic acid derivatives, and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives from natural sources. Thermochemical parameters of these compounds were calculated by the B3LYP/6-311 G++(d,p) level in both gas and solvent phases to elucidate the radical scavenging mechanism including hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT) and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET). Analysis of A. dictyoprasum extracts obtained via various extraction methods revealed the presence of several major compounds, including dimethyl trisulfide, 3,5-Dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4 H-pyran-4-one, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, Dimethyl phthalate, Methyl palmitate, Methyl oleate, Methyl stearate, (9Z)-9-Octadecenamide. Notably, Malic acid and Quinic acid were identified as major compounds, with concentrations of 43.31 and 17.47 mg kg-1 extract, respectively, based on LC-MS/MS analysis. The total phenolic content of the extract was measured as 17.83 mg gallic acid/mL, while its free radical scavenging activity was 80.89% per mg/mL. Elemental analysis revealed significant levels of Mg, K, Na, Fe, and P, with minor concentrations of elements such as Ti, Tl, B, and Be. Furthermore, A. dictyoprasum exhibited notable antibacterial activity against various bacteria strains, surpassing the efficacy of some commercial antibiotics.

Wild-Edible Allium Species from Highlands of Eastern Anatolia: Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Biological Activities

This study presents the phytochemical composition, antioxidant (hydrogen atom and single-atom transfer mechanisms), and digestive enzyme inhibitory (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase) activities of ethanol-based extractions and traditional preparations (infusion) of the leaves of wild-edible Allium species (A. kharputense, A. affine, A. shirnakiense, and A. akaka) from the highlands of Eastern Anatolia. Among the eight extracts analyzed, ethanol extractions of the A. kharputense and A. akaka leaves exhibited better biotherapeutic activities and had the highest bioactive content. The dominant bioactive profile was composed of mainly allicin and phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, rutin, isoquercitrin, and quercetin) with small amounts of fatty acids. These data were similar to the biological activities and chemical composition of common Allium species and suggest the utilization of the extracts of wild-edible Allium species in the development of Allium-based biotherapeutics or nutraceuticals.

Farm to Fork Stability of Phytochemicals and Micronutrients in Brassica oleracea and Allium Vegetables

Brassica oleracea and Allium vegetables are known for their unique, family specific, water-soluble phytochemicals, glucosinolates, and S-alk(en)yl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, respectively. However, they are also important delivery systems of several other health-related compounds, such as carotenoids (lipid-soluble phytochemicals), vitamin C (water-soluble micronutrient), and vitamin K1 (lipid-soluble micronutrient). When all-year-round availability or transport over long distances is targeted for these often seasonal, locally grown vegetables, processing becomes indispensable. However, the vegetable processing chain, which consists of multiple steps (e.g., pretreatment, preservation, storage, preparation), can impact the nutritional quality of these vegetables corresponding to the nature of the health-related compounds and their susceptibility to (bio)chemical conversions. Since information about the impact of the vegetable processing chain is scattered per compound or processing step, this review targets an integration of the state of the art and discusses needs for future research. Starting with a discussion on substrate-enzyme location within the vegetable matrix, an overview is provided of the impact and potential of processing, encompassing a wide range of (nonenzymatic) conversions.

Ferroptosis: emerging roles in lung cancer and potential implications in biological compounds

Lung cancer has high metastasis and drug resistance. The prognosis of lung cancer patients is poor and the patients' survival chances are easily neglected. Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death proposed in 2012, which differs from apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. Ferroptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death which is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and subsequent plasma membrane ruptures. It has broad prospects in the field of tumor disease treatment. At present, multiple studies have shown that biological compounds can induce ferroptosis in lung cancer cells, which exhibits significant anti-cancer effects, and they have the advantages in high safety, minimal side effects, and less possibility to drug resistance. In this review, we summarize the biological compounds used for the treatment of lung cancer by focusing on ferroptosis and its mechanism. In addition, we systematically review the current research status of combining nanotechnology with biological compounds for tumor treatment, shed new light for targeting ferroptosis pathways and applying biological compounds-based therapies.

Expanding Chemical Frontiers: Approaches for Generating Diverse and Bioactive Natural Product-Like Compounds Libraries from Extracts

The realms of natural products and synthetic compounds exhibit distinct chemical spaces that not only differ but also complement each other. While the convergence of these two domains has been explored through semisynthesis and conventional pharmacomodulation endeavours applied to natural frameworks, a recent and innovative approach has emerged that involves the combinatorial generation of libraries of 'natural product-like compounds' (NPLCs) through the direct synthetic derivatization of natural extracts. This has led to the production of numerous NPLCs that incorporate structural elements from both their natural (multiple saturated rings, oxygen content, chiral centres) and synthetic (aromatic rings, nitrogen and halogen content, drug-like properties) precursors. Through careful selection of extracts and reagents, specific bioactivities have been achieved, and this strategy has been deployed in various ways, showing great promise without reaching its full potential to date. This review seeks to provide an overview of reported examples involving the chemical engineering of extracts, showcasing a spectrum of natural product alterations spanning from simple substitutions to complete scaffold remodelling. It also includes an analysis of the accomplishments, perspectives and technical challenges within this field.

An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological overview of onion (Allium cepa L.)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most widely distributed species within the Allium genus of family Amaryllidaceae. Onion has been esteemed for its medicinal properties since antiquity. It has been consumed for centuries in various indigenous cultures for the management of several ailments including microbial infections, respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and cardio-vascular disorders, diabetes, renal colic, rheumatism, sexual impotence, menstrual pain, and headache. However, so far, there is a scarcity of recent data that compiles the plant chemistry, traditional practices, biological features, and toxicity.

AIM OF THE WORK

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and analytical overview of ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, industrial applications, quality control, and toxicology of onion, to offer new perspectives and broad scopes for future studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information gathered in this review was obtained from various sources including books, scientific databases such as Science Direct, Wiley, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other domestic and foreign literature.

RESULTS

Onion has a long history of use as a traditional medicine for management of various conditions including infectious, inflammatory, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. More than 400 compounds have been identified in onion including flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, peptides, saponins and fatty acids. The plant extracts and compounds showed various pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer, aphrodisiac, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities. In addition to its predominant medicinal uses, onion has found various applications in the functional food industry.

CONCLUSION

Extensive literature analysis reveals that onion extracts and bioactive constituents possess diverse pharmacological activities that can be beneficial for treating various diseases. However, the current research primarily revolves around the documentation of ethnic pharmacology and predominantly consists of in vitro studies, with relatively limited in vivo and clinical studies. Consequently, it is imperative for future investigations to prioritize and expand the scope of in vivo and clinical research. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to direct further research efforts towards toxicity studies and quality control of the plant. These studies will help bridge the current knowledge gaps and establish a solid basis for exploring the plant's potential uses in a clinical setting.

Associations between diet quality, demographics, health conditions and spice and herb intake of adults with chronic kidney disease

Scant literature has been able to demonstrate an association between dietary habits and spice and herb consumption, especially for those who have chronic kidney disease. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the frequency and quantity of spices and herbs consumed and 2) determine the associations between diet quality and its food components, demographics, and health conditions with spice and herb frequency and variety consumption of adults with chronic kidney disease. A cross-sectional online study was conducted with adults with various stages of chronic kidney disease (n = 71). Participants responded to an online demographic, diet and spice and herb questionnaire on RedCap. Diet quality was determined through the diet questionnaire. Descriptives, frequencies and Spearman correlations were conducted using SPSS v28 with a significance of p<0.05. Most participants were in chronic kidney disease stage 3 (42.3%) with a majority (98.6%) self-identifying as non-Hispanic white. On average, participants consumed black pepper more than once daily (47.9%) with the spice quantity at 5 g. The median diet quality score was 38.5 (range 31.5-48.5). Positive associations were identified with overall diet quality scores and certain spices such as basil (r = 0.33; p<0.01) and cinnamon (r = 0.37; p<0.002). Further associations were seen with food groups, self-identifying as white and health conditions with spice frequency and variety of spices and herbs consumed. Overall, positive associations were observed with diet quality and spice and herb intake, in which higher diet quality scores would indicate higher consumption of spices and herbs. Further research should focus on diet quality and spice and herb consumption in reducing progression of this disease.

Heavy metals in onion (Allium cepa L.) and environmental and health risks

This study aimed to determine heavy metal content in soil and selected cultivars of onion. Cd content in soil exceeded the limit 2.43 times. Bioavailable forms of Pb and Cd in soil exceeded the critical value 5.9 times and 1.9 times, respectively. Analysed cultivars were not bioaccumulators of monitored heavy metals. However, Pb and Cd content in cultivars Nanas F1, Kappa and Daytona F1 exceeded the maximum limit set by the EU regulation. For Pb this was also the case for the Spirith cultivar. Based on health risk assessment it could be concluded that moderate consumption of onions from the studied localities does not pose a risk to consumers.

Revitalizing allicin for cancer therapy: advances in formulation strategies to enhance bioavailability, stability, and clinical efficacy

The main objective of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of allicin, a defense molecule in garlic known for its diverse health benefits, and address the key challenges of its bioavailability and stability. The research further aims to evaluate various formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems that can resolve these issues and improve allicin's clinical efficacy, especially in cancer therapy. We conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature and previous studies, focusing on the therapeutic properties of allicin, its bioavailability, stability issues, and novel formulation strategies. We assessed the mechanism of action of allicin in cancer, including its effects on signaling pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor development. We also evaluated the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo studies on different types of cancers, such as breast, cervical, colon, lung, and gastric cancer. Despite allicin's significant therapeutic benefits, including cardiovascular, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and immune-modulatory activity, its clinical utility is limited due to poor stability and unpredictable bioavailability. Allicin's bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract is dependent on the activity of the enzyme alliinase, and its stability can be affected by various conditions like gastric acid and intestinal enzyme proteases. Recent advances in formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems show promise in addressing these challenges, potentially improving allicin's solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Allicin offers substantial potential for cancer therapy, yet its application is hindered by its instability and poor bioavailability. Novel formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems can significantly overcome these limitations, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of allicin. Future research should focus on refining these formulation strategies and delivery systems, ensuring the safety and efficacy of these new allicin formulations. Clinical trials and long-term studies should be carried out to determine the optimal dosage, assess potential side effects, and evaluate their real-world applicability. The comparative analysis of different drug delivery approaches and the development of targeted delivery systems can also provide further insight into enhancing the therapeutic potential of allicin.

Comprehensive metabolite and biological profile of "Sulmona Red Garlic" ecotype's aerial bulbils

"Sulmona Red Garlic" is a well-known Italian traditional product. Bulbs, used for culinary purposes, have been largely investigated for their medicinal properties whereas aerial bulbils are usually removed as waste material. Here, for the first time, chemical composition and biological properties of the hydroalcoholic extract from aerial bulbils were investigated. Complementary information on metabolite composition were obtained using both NMR based untargeted and HPLC-DAD targeted methodologies. The NMR analysis revealed the presence of sugars, organic acids, amino acids, organosulphur compounds (methiin, alliin, allicin and cycloalliin), and other secondary metabolites. In particular, methiin and alliin were identified for the first time in the NMR spectra of aerial bulbil garlic extracts. Polyphenol content was determined by HPLC-DAD analysis: catechin, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid turned out to be the most abundant phenolics. Hydroalcoholic extract blocked cell proliferation of colon cancer cell line HCT116 with an IC50 of 352.07 µg/mL, while it was non-toxic to myoblast cell line C2C12. In addition, it caused seedling germination reduction of two edible and herbaceous dicotyledon species, namely Cichorium intybus and C. endivia. Moreover, the same extract reduced the gene expression of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), HIF1-α (hypoxia-inducible factor), VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor), and transient receptor potential (TRP) M8 (TRPM8) indicating the ability to contrast cancer development through the angiogenic pathway. Final, in silico experiments were also carried out supporting the biological effects of organosulphur compounds, particularly alliin, which may directly interact with TRPM8. The results here reported suggest the potential use of garlic aerial bulbils often considered a waste product as a source in phytotherapeutic remedies.

Effect of an Alliaceae Encapsulated Extract on Growth Performance, Gut Health, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Eimeria spp

This study analyzed the effects of an Alliaceae encapsulated extract (AE-e) on daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), oocysts per gram of feces (OPG), intestinal lesion (LS), and microbiota composition in broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. A total of 4800 one day Cobb-500 were allotted into 10 treatment groups with 12 replicates of 40 birds in a 2 × 4 + 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was non-challenged (NC) or challenged (C), the second was four levels of AE-e added in the basal diet, 0 (AE0), 250 (AE250), 500 (AE500), and 750 mg·kg-1 (AE750), plus two ionophore controls, non-challenged (NC-Ion) and challenged (C-Ion). No interactions were observed between factors (NC0, NC250, NC500, NC750, C0, C250, C500, and C750), while C-Ion improved FCR at 21 d. The challenge affected negatively ADG and FCR and promoted enteropathogens in cecum. AE750 improved FCR in the finisher and cumulative phases, while C-Ion had fewer total OPG than C0 and C250. Likewise, at 21d, C250, C500, and C-Ion had fewer LS than C0, while at 28 d, C750 showed lower than C-Ion. In the cecum microbiota, C500 had more Ruminococcus, Firmicutes b, and Intestinimonas than C-Ion. In summary, AE-e showed beneficial results in broilers infected with Eimeria spp.

Avicenna's pharmacopeia for the treatment of animal bites

Envenomation is a common medical problem. The Canon of Medicine written by Avicenna is one of the reliable sources of Persian medicine. The present study aims to identify Avicenna's clinical pharmacology approach and the pharmacopeia used for the treatment of animal envenomations and also to evaluate the related data in light of the current medicine. The Canon of Medicine was searched using related Arabic keywords for the contents about the treatment of animal bites. A literature search was conducted in scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to obtain relevant data. Avicenna recommended one hundred and eleven medicinal plants for the treatment of bites of vertebrate and invertebrate venomous animals including snakes, scorpions, spiders, wasps, and centipedes. He mentioned different methods of administrating these drugs including oral drugs, lotions, sprayed drugs, slow-dissolving tablets in the mouth, and enemas. Moreover, he paid special attention to pain relief in addition to specific treatments for animal bites. In the Canon of Medicine, Avicenna recommended several medicinal plants alongside analgesics for the management and treatment of animal envenomations. The current research elucidates the clinical pharmacology and pharmacopeia of Avicenna for the treatment of animal envenomations. Further research is encouraged to evaluate the efficacy of these therapeutic agents for the treatment of animal bites.

Risk assessment and environmental consequences of the use of the Allium-derived compound propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) in agrifood applications

The organosulfur compound propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), mainly found in Allium cepa, has a promising use in the agrifood industry. To confirm its safety for livestock, consumers, and environment, toxicological assessment is needed. In this regard, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are in the spotlight of research. Therefore, as part of the risk assessment of PTSO, in the present work, an in vivo study was performed in mice exposed to PTSO to investigate its potential reproductive toxicity considering fertility, genetic and endocrine endpoints. Five-weeks-old CD1 mice (80 males, 80 females) were exposed for 11 or 16 weeks (males or females, respectively) to different doses of PTSO (0, 14, 28 and 55 mg PTSO/kg b.w./day; 20 animals per group and sex) through the food pellets. No clinical observations or mortality and no changes in absolute organ weights and relative organ weights/body weight or brain ratios occurred during the study. The estrous cycle did not undergo any significant toxicologically relevant change. Most of the sex hormones displayed normal values. Some alterations in the expression of some genes related to reproduction is only observed in females, but they do not appear to have consequences in the development of sex organs. Docking results showed the impossibility of stable binding to estrogen and androgen receptors. Considering all the results obtained, the safe profile of PTSO can be confirmed for different agrifood applications at the conditions assayed.

Chromosome-level genomes of three key Allium crops and their trait evolution

Allium crop breeding remains severely hindered due to the lack of high-quality reference genomes. Here we report high-quality chromosome-level genome assemblies for three key Allium crops (Welsh onion, garlic and onion), which are 11.17 Gb, 15.52 Gb and 15.78 Gb in size with the highest recorded contig N50 of 507.27 Mb, 109.82 Mb and 81.66 Mb, respectively. Beyond revealing the genome evolutionary process of Allium species, our pathogen infection experiments and comparative metabolomic and genomic analyses showed that genes encoding enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway of Allium-specific flavor compounds may have evolved from an ancient uncharacterized plant defense system widely existing in many plant lineages but extensively boosted in alliums. Using in situ hybridization and spatial RNA sequencing, we obtained an overview of cell-type categorization and gene expression changes associated with spongy mesophyll cell expansion during onion bulb formation, thus indicating the functional roles of bulb formation genes.

Visible Light-Accelerated Palladium-Catalyzed Thiocarbonylation Using Oxalic Acid Monothioester with Aryl/Alkenyl Sulfonium Salts

Herein, we present a decarboxylative thiocarbonylation of aryl and alkenyl sulfonium salts with oxalic acid monothioethers (OAMs), which can be achieved by visible light-accelerated palladium catalysis. Sulfonium salts are widely available, and OAM is an easily accessible and stored reagent; this mild reaction method can also be used for the synthesis of different types of thioester compounds. The reaction represents a new application of visible light-accelerated palladium catalysis in catalytic decarboxylative cross-couplings.

Identification of in vitro metabolites of an Allium organosulfur compound and environmental toxicity prediction as part of its risk assessment

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is an organosulfur compound found inAllium spp. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, PTSO has been proposed for applications in the agri-food sector, such as feed additive. However, its use with commercial purposes depends on its toxicity evaluation. The present work aimed to perform a pilot-study of toxicokinetic profile of PTSO combining in silico and in vitro techniques, important steps in the risk assessment process. In silico ecotoxicity studies were also performed considering the importance of the environmental impact of the compound before its commercial use. First, an analytical method has been developed and validated to determine the original compound and its metabolites by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The phase I and II metabolism of PTSO was predicted using Meta-Pred Web Server. For the phase I metabolism, rat (male and female) and human liver microsomes were incubated with PTSO and NADPH regeneration system. Furthermore, in the phase II, microsomes were incubated with PTSO and glutathione or uridine 5'- diphosphoglucuronic acid. The analysis revealed the presence of propylpropane thiosulfinate (PTS) originated by redox reaction in phase I, and two conjugates from the phase II: S-propylmercaptoglutathione (GSSP) and S-propylmercaptocysteine (CSSP). Additionally, considering the environmental fate of PTSO and its metabolites, the ADME parameters and the potential ecotoxicity were also predicted using in silico softwares. The results of the ecotoxicity in silico study evidenced that the metabolism induced the formation of detoxified metabolites from the parent compound, except for dimercaprol and 3-mercaptopropane1,2-diol. Further in vivo assays are needed to confirm this prediction.

Development of methods for quantitative determination of the total and reactive polysulfides: Reactive polysulfide profiling in vegetables

Alliaceous and cruciferous vegetables are rich in bioactive organosulfur compounds, including polysulfides, which exhibit a broad spectrum of potential health benefits. Here, we developed novel, accurate, and reproducible methods to quantify the total polysulfide content (TPsC) and the reactive polysulfide content (RPsC) using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, and analyzed the reactive polysulfide profiles of 22 types of fresh vegetables, including onions, garlic, and broccoli. Quantitative analyses revealed that onions contained the largest amounts of polysulfides, followed by broccoli, Chinese chive, and garlic. A strong positive correlation was observed between the TPsC and RPsC, whereas only a moderate positive correlation was found between the total sulfur content and TPsC. These results suggest that reactive polysulfide profiling can be a novel criterion for evaluating the beneficial functions of vegetables and their derivatives, which may lead to an understanding of the detailed mechanisms underlying their bioactivities.

Garlic Extracts: Effect of pH on Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori

The present work studies the influence of pH on the stability of thiosulfinates, compounds responsible for the bacteriostatic properties shown by ethanolic and acetonic garlic extracts (EGE and AGE) against the in vitro growth of Helicobacter pylori (Hp), a bacterium which is implicated in the etiology of diverse gastrointestinal diseases. The influence of pH and time on the stability of thiosulfinates and the microbiological activities of EGE and AGE has been evaluated at human body temperature (37 °C) and in a pH range of 0.9-4.7. A marked decrease in thiosulfinate concentration was observed in a relatively short time at pH values below 2.0. However, at pH values over 2.0, the samples maintained 70% of thiosulfinate concentration for 12 h. The inhibition halo diameters showed a maximum value at pH 2.50, with an inhibition halo of 28.94 ± 0.61 mm. The reduction in the activity at pH values below 2.0 was particularly remarkable. These results suggest that, for medical application, the pH of the selected extracts must only be maintained above 2 to maintain a high level of antibacterial activity. This fact would overcome the need for proton pump inhibitors and/or antibiotics during the treatment of Hp infections in human patients.

Techno-Functional Properties of Burgers Fortified by Wild Garlic Extract: A Reconsideration

The aim of this research was to examine the chemical properties of freshly squeezed wild garlic extract (FSWGE) and its use as an additive in burgers (BU). Technological and sensory properties of such fortified burgers (BU) were determined. LC-MS/MS analyses identified thirty-eight volatile BAC. Allicin prevalence (11.375 mg/mL) is the key parameter determining the amount of FSWGE added in raw BU (PS-I 1.32 mL/kg, PS-II 4.40 mL/kg, and PS-III 8.79 mL/kg). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the FSWGE and evaporated FSWGE (EWGE) were determined against the six microorganisms using a microdilution method. The data indicated that using FSWGE can result in a reduced risk of Serratia marcescens (MIC = 50 mg/mL; MBC = 60 mg/mL), Listeria monocytogenes (MIC = MBC = 90 mg/mL), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 90 mg/mL; MBC ≥ 100 mg/mL), and Salmonella enteritidis and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 100 mg/mL; MBC > 100 mg/mL) in BU. Changes in antioxidant (AOX) capacity were followed during cold storage (up to 10 days) and freezing (90 days). It was shown that PS-III had the highest level of AOX capacity during the entire period of cold storage, revealing 8.79 mL FSWGE/kg BU as the most suitable effective concentration. Adding FSWGE did not negatively affect the technological and physico-chemical properties during both cold and freeze storage. Regarding sensory evaluation, modified BU received mostly higher scores compared to control. The results of this study have demonstrated the great potential of wild garlic extract usage in the creation of safe products with prolonged shelf life.

Antibacterial plant combinations prevent postweaning diarrhea in organically raised piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18

Antibiotics and zinc oxide restrictions encourage the search for alternatives to combat intestinal pathogens, including enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a major cause of postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs. PWD causes important economic losses for conventional and organic farming. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with garlic and apple pomace or blackcurrant on infection indicators and the fecal microbiota of organic-raised piglets challenged with ETEC-F18. For 21 days, 32 piglets (7-weeks-old) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: non-challenge (NC); ETEC-challenged (PC); ETEC-challenged receiving garlic and apple pomace (3 + 3%; GA); ETEC-challenged receiving garlic and blackcurrant (3 + 3%; GB). ETEC-F18 was administered (8 mL; 109 CFU/ml) on days 1 and 2 postweaning. The 1st week, PC had lower average daily gain than those in the NC, GA, and GB groups (P &lt; 0.05). NC pigs showed neither ETEC-F18 shedding nor signs of diarrhea. The PC group had higher diarrhea incidence and lower fecal dry matter than NC (≈5–10 days; 95% sEBCI). The GA and GB groups showed reduced ETEC-F18 and fedA gene shedding, higher fecal dry matter, and lower diarrhea incidence than the PC (≈5–9 days; 95% sEBCI). The NC, GA, and GB had normal hematology values during most of the study, whereas the PC had increased (P &lt; 0.05) red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit on day 7. Haptoglobin and pig-MAP increased in all groups, peaking on day 7, but PC showed the greatest increase (P &lt; 0.05). The fecal microbiota of PC pigs had reduced α-diversity (day 7; P &lt; 0.05) and higher volatility (days 3–14; P &lt; 0.05). Escherichia, Campylobacter, and Erysipelothrix were more abundant in the PC than in the NC, GB, and GA groups (log2FC &gt; 2; P &lt; 0.05), whereas Catenibacterium, Dialister, and Mitsoukella were more abundant in the NC, GB, and GA than in the PC group (log2FC &gt; 2; P &lt; 0.05). Prevotella and Lactobacillus were more abundant in the GB group (log2FC &gt; 2, P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of GA and GB limited ETEC proliferation, reduced PWD, and beneficially impacted the fecal microbiota's diversity, composition, and stability.

Quality Improvement of Garlic Paste by Whey Protein Isolate Combined with High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment

Garlic, one of the most popular spices and medical herbs, has a unique pungent flavor and taste. Conventional homogenization and thermal treatment commonly lead to flavor and color deterioration in garlic paste, because allicin is highly susceptible to degradation and reaction. The present study was to investigate the effects of whey protein isolate (WPI) and different levels of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 MPa) on the quality of garlic paste. Results showed that the addition of WPI in the homogenization of garlic significantly prevented green discoloration. Furthermore, WPI plus HHP under 500 MPa could better protect the color of garlic paste. Higher pressure (600 MPa) led to WPI aggregation, resulting in higher green color chroma of garlic paste. GC-MS results revealed that the application of WPI and HHP in garlic paste increased the relative level of pungent flavor compounds and decreased those of unpleasant odor compounds. The correlation analysis results revealed that WPI efficiently prevented garlic green discoloration, which is attributed to the thiol group in WPI exchanging the sulfonyl groups in allicin. In consideration of the microbial load, flavor and color quality of garlic paste, the optimal processing conditions were found at 500 MPa for 5 min with 2% WPI addition, extending shelf life to 25 days.

In Vitro Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Allium-Derived Compounds Propyl Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO) and Propyl Propane Thiosulfinate (PTS)

Increasing rates of cancer incidence and the side-effects of current chemotherapeutic treatments have led to the research on novel anticancer products based on dietary compounds. The use of Allium metabolites and extracts has been proposed to reduce the proliferation of tumor cells by several mechanisms. In this study, we have shown the in vitro anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effect of two onion-derived metabolites propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) on several human tumor lines (MCF-7, T-84, A-549, HT-29, Panc-1, Jurkat, PC-3, SW-837, and T1-73). We observed that this effect was related to their ability to induce apoptosis regulated by oxidative stress. In addition, both compounds were also able to reduce the levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-6, and IL-17. Therefore, PTS and PTSO may have a promising role in cancer prevention and/or treatment.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Onosma mutabilis: Process Optimization and Chemical Profile of the Extracts

The aboveground and root parts of Onosma mutabilis were extracted using subcritical water and the process was optimized with response surface methodology. The composition of the extracts was determined by chromatographic methods and compared to that of conventional maceration of the plant. The optimum total phenolic contents for the aboveground part and the roots were 193.9 and 174.4 μg/g, respectively. These results were achieved at a subcritical water temperature of 150 °C, an extraction time of 180 min, and a water/plant ratio of 0.1, for both parts of the plant. Principal component analysis revealed that the roots contained mainly phenols, ketones, and diols, with the aboveground part mostly alkenes and pyrazines, whereas the extract from maceration contained mainly terpenes, esters, furans, and organic acids. The quantification of selected phenolic substances showed that subcritical water extraction compared favorably to maceration, especially with respect to pyrocatechol (1062 as compared to 10.2 μg/g) and epicatechin (1109 as compared to 23.4 μg/g). Furthermore, the roots of the plant contained twice as much of these two phenolics compared to the aboveground part. Subcritical water extraction of O. mutabilis is an environmentally friendly method that can extract selected phenolics at higher concentrations compared to maceration.

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.

Analytical Platform for the Study of Metabolic Pathway of Propyl Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium spp

The present work is focused on the development of an analytical platform to elucidate the metabolic pathway of PTSO from onion, an organosulfur compound well-known for its functional and technological properties and its potential application in animal and human nutrition. This analytical platform consisted of the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole with time-of-flight MS (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) in order to monitor volatile and non-volatile compounds derived from the PTSO. For the extraction of the compounds of interest, two different sample treatments were developed: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) for GC-MS and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis, respectively. Once the analytical platform was optimised and validated, an in vivo study was planned to elucidate PTSO metabolisation, revealing the presence of dipropyl disulfide (DPDS) in liver samples with concentrations between 0.11 and 0.61 µg g^-1. The DPDS maximum concentration in the liver was observed at 0.5 h after the intake. DPDS was also present in all plasma samples with concentrations between 2.1 and 2.4 µg mL^-1. In regard to PTSO, it was only found in plasma at times above 5 h (0.18 µg mL^-1). Both PTSO and DPDS were excreted via urine 24 h after ingestion.

Biochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Effects of Different Processed Garlic Products

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a type of agricultural product that is widely used as a food spice, herb and traditional medicine. White garlic (WG) can be processed into several kinds of products, such as green garlic (GG), Laba garlic (LAG) and black garlic (BG), which have multiple health effects. In this study, GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), DPPH (1,1'-diphenyl-2-propionyl hydrazide) radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) in vitro assays were used to compare the composition, antioxidant and antiproliferation effects of different processed garlic extracts. The relationship between the constituents and the bioactivities was analyzed using the principal components analysis (PCA) and heatmap analysis. BG showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.63 ± 0.02 mg/mL) in DPPH radical assays and the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.80 ± 0.01 mg/mL) by hydroxyl radical assay. Moreover, GC-MS results showed that 12 organosulfur compounds were detected in the extracts of four garlic products, and allyl methyl trisulfide showed a positive relation with the anticancer activity on SMMC-7721 cells (hepatocellular carcinoma cells). The results suggested that the processing of garlic had a significant influence on the constituents and antioxidant effects and that GG, LAG and BG might be better candidates for the related functional food products compared to WG.

Starch-based environment friendly, edible and antimicrobial films reinforced with medicinal plants

In the current study, cornstarch-based antimicrobial and edible films were designed using solution-casting methods. The medicinal plants (Acontium heterophyllum, Artemisia annua, and Thymus serpyllum) reinforced the gelatinized solution in different concentrations as fillers. The effect of plant extracts on antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, microstructure, barrier, thermal and mechanical properties of cornstarch-based films (SBFs) was investigated using antimicrobial activity, DPPH free radical scavenging values, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, water vapor transmission rate, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile strength. Likewise, it was depicted that the geometric and crystalline structures of medicinal plants' reinforced films remained the same even after processing. The mechanical tests indicated that the plant extracts effects are associated with reduced elongation, increasing tensile strength, and Young's modulus. Morphological analysis revealed the generation of uniform and the compact surfaces. However, films with 10% concentration of plant extracts have the lowest water vapor permeability values, and emerged better barrier properties. Moreover, these films showed the significant antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity.

Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Studies of Selected Botanical Dietary Supplements Used in the United States

Based on their current wide bioavailability, botanical dietary supplements have become an important component of the United States healthcare system, although most of these products have limited scientific evidence for their use. The most recent American Botanical Council Market Report estimated for 2020 a 17.3% increase in sales of these products when compared to 2019, for a total sales volume of $11,261 billion. The use of botanical dietary supplements products in the United States is guided by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) from 1994, enacted by the U.S. Congress with the aim of providing more information to consumers and to facilitate access to a larger number of botanical dietary supplements available on the market than previously. Botanical dietary supplements may be formulated for and use only using crude plant samples (e.g., plant parts such as the bark, leaves, or roots) that can be processed by grinding into a dried powder. Plant parts can also be extracted with hot water to form an "herbal tea." Other preparations of botanical dietary supplements include capsules, essential oils, gummies, powders, tablets, and tinctures. Overall, botanical dietary supplements contain bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse chemotypes that typically are found at low concentration levels. These bioactive constituents usually occur in combination with inactive molecules that may induce synergy and potentiation of the effects observed when botanical dietary supplements are taken in their different forms. Most of the botanical dietary supplements available on the U.S. market have been used previously as herbal remedies or as part of traditional medicine systems from around the world. Their prior use in these systems also provides a certain level of assurance in regard to lower toxicity levels. This chapter will focus on the importance and diversity of the chemical features of bioactive secondary metabolites found in botanical dietary supplements that are responsible for their applications. Many of the active principles of botanical dietary substances are phenolics and isoprenoids, but glycosides and some alkaloids are also present. Biological studies on the active constituents of selected botanical dietary supplements will be discussed. Thus, the present chapter should be of interest for both members of the natural products scientific community, who may be performing development studies of the products available, as well as for healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the analysis of botanical interactions and evaluation of the suitability of botanical dietary supplements for human consumption.

Natural Phytochemicals for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Mini-Review of Pre- and Clinical Studies

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness that causes significant disability and declining quality of life. An overlap of multiple factors can be involved in the pathophysiology of this mood disorder, including increased inflammation and oxidative stress, change in neurotransmitters, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), activation of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis, and changes in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Although the classic treatment for MDD is safe, it is far from ideal, with delay to start the best clinic, side effects, and a large number of non-responses or partial-responses. Therefore, other alternatives are being studied to improve depressive symptoms, and, among them, the role of phytochemicals in food stands out. This mini-review will discuss the main phytochemicals present in foods with clinical and preclinical studies showing benefits for MDD treatment. In addition, the main mechanisms of action that are being proposed for each of these compounds will be addressed.

Allium vegetable intake associated with the risk of incident gastric cancer: a continuous follow-up study of a randomized intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Allium vegetable components have antibacterial, antioxidative, and immune modulation properties, thus potentially exhibiting antitumor effects. Despite evidence from case-control studies, prospective studies linking allium vegetables with gastric cancer (GC) have been sparse.

OBJECTIVE

In a prospective study, we examined whether allium vegetable intake would change the risk of GC occurrence and whether the associations would be modified by vitamin supplementation, garlic supplementation, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment.

METHODS

The study was conducted on the basis of the Shandong Intervention Trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled, factorial-designed trial (1995-2003) in a well-recognized high-risk area for GC in China. Participants were continuously followed up to December 2017 for 22.3 y (1995-2017). A total of 3229 subjects were included, with information on the intake of allium vegetables (garlic vegetables and scallions), collected by structured questionnaires in 1994. The associations of total and individual allium vegetable intake with the risk of GC were examined, respectively.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 144 incident cases of GC were identified. Garlic vegetable intake was associated with a decreased risk of incident GC (P-trend = 0.02; OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.98, per 1 kg/y increment), whereas scallion intake showed no association (P-trend = 0.80). An inverse association of the risk of GC with total allium vegetable and garlic vegetable intake was particularly stronger among those receiving the placebo for vitamin supplementation or garlic supplementation, indicating potential effect modifications by nutritional supplementation on allium vegetable intake and the risk of developing GC. Similar findings were found for analyses of the combined prevalence of dysplasia or GC.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a significant reduction in the risk of developing GC with increasing dietary intake of allium vegetables, particularly garlic vegetables. The findings add to the literature on the potential inverse association of garlic vegetable intake with the risk of GC, therefore holding public health implications for dietary recommendations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00339768.

Chemical and Biological Investigations of Allium scorodoprasum L. Flower Extracts

This study was designed to investigate the impact of different extraction solvent systems on the chemical composition and biological activities of Allium scorodoprasum L. (Amaryllidaceae)-the medicinal plant that was traditionally used as a remedy in the medieval period in the Balkans. Targeted chemical analysis of nine different extracts was performed by UHPLC(-)HESI-QqQ-MS/MS. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of the extracts were investigated on sixteen clinical isolates of bacteria, yeasts and dermatomycetes, all isolated from infected human skin and corneal formations. Cytotoxicity and wound-healing properties were tested on human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line). Antioxidant activity was assessed by six different assays, while beneficial potential against certain neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes was determined in selected enzyme inhibition assays coupled with molecular modeling. The results showed that the obtained extracts were rich in phenolic compounds, especially flavonoid glycosides such as rutin and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside. All of the extracts showed antimicrobial, wound-healing, antioxidant and anti-enzymatic properties. This study is the first of its kind, linking the medieval medicinal use of wild-growing flowers of A. scorodoprasum with contemporary in vitro scientific approaches.

Evaluation of Garlic Juice Processing Waste Supplementation in Juvenile Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) Diets on Growth Performance, Antioxidant and Digestive Enzyme Activity, Growth- and Antioxidant-Related Gene Expression, and Disease Resistance against Streptococcus iniae

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of various dietary levels of garlic juice processing waste (GJPW) on the growth, feed utilization, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activity, growth- and antioxidant-related gene expression, and resistance to Streptococcus iniae infection of juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). A total of 450 juvenile rockfish were randomly distributed into 30 L rectangular tanks (30 fish per tank). Five experimental diets were prepared in triplicate. The fish were fed experimental diets supplemented with GJPW at concentrations of 0 (GJPW0, control), 2.5 (GJPW2.5), 5 (GJPW5), 7.5 (GJPW7.5), and 10 g kg^-1 (GJPW10) diet. All of the GJPW-supplemented treatments (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g kg^-1) significantly enhanced weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and digestive enzyme activity (amylase, trypsin, and lipase). A decreasing trend was seen in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (AST), and glucose (GLU) content with increasing dietary levels of GJPW. In contrast, plasma lysozyme and antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased with increasing dietary GJPW levels. Furthermore, GJPW administration significantly upregulated the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the liver of rockfish. A challenge test with S. iniae showed significantly higher resistance in the GJPW-supplemented treatments than in the control. In short, dietary supplementation GJPW enhanced growth performance and antioxidant response in juvenile black rockfish, with suitable effects in fish fed with 2.5 g kg^-1 GJPW for 8 weeks.

Functional bioactive compounds in ginger, turmeric, and garlic

Nutrition plays a very important role in the health promotion of individuals and brought about a global paradigm shift from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals. This is due to the high cost, non-availability, and side effects associated with the unregulated consumption of pharmaceuticals. Over the ages, nutraceuticals from food products were reported to contain bioactive compounds with great health and physiological benefits. This report reviews bioactive compounds in selected foods namely ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and garlic (Allium sativum) as potential natural therapeutics for ailments of cancer and heart-related diseases. Analytical profiles, functional activities, and characterization of these compounds were discussed with possible recommendations for the prospective treatment of diseases using these nutraceuticals.

Sulfur-Containing Metabolites from Marine and Terrestrial Fungal Sources: Origin, Structures, and Bioactivities

Organosulfur natural products (NPs) refer to the different kinds of small molecular-containing sulfur (S) elements. Sulfur-containing NPs tightly link to the biochemical processes and play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of S-containing NPs are generally isolated from Alliaceae plants or bacteria, and those from fungi are still relatively rare. In recent years, an increasing number of S-containing metabolites have been discovered in marine and terrestrial fungi, but there is no comprehensive and targeted review to summarize the studies. In order to make it more straightforward to better grasp the fungal-derived S-containing NPs and understand the particularity of marine S-containing NPs compared to those from terrestrial fungi, we summarized the chemical structures and biological activities of 89 new fungal-derived S-containing metabolites from 1929 when the penicillin was discovered to the present in this current review. The structural and bioactive diversity of these S-containing metabolites were concluded in detail, and the preliminary mechanism for C-S bond formation in fungi was also discussed briefly.

Garlic Powder Supplementation Improves Growth, Nonspecific Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Flora of Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir sinensis)

This study was conducted to survey the effects of garlic powder on growth performance, nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora structure of Chinese mitten crabs. Altogether, 216 crabs which originally weigh 20.71 ± 0.13 g were randomly allocated into three treatment groups with 6 replicates of 12 crabs per replicate. The control group (CN) was fed a basal diet, while the other two groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg (GP1000) and 2000 mg/kg (GP2000) garlic powder, respectively. This trial lasted 8 weeks. The results showed that the supplementation of garlic powder improved the final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate of the crabs (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, in serum, better nonspecific immune was confirmed by the enhancement of phenoloxidase and lysozyme levels, with the improvement of phosphatase activities in GP1000 and GP2000 (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidases, and total superoxide dismutase in serum and hepatopancreas were increased (P < 0.05) while malondialdehyde content declined (P < 0.05) as the garlic powder was added to the basal diet. And, catalase in serum also shows an increase (P < 0.05). In both GP1000 and GP2000, genes related to antioxidant and immunity, for instance, Toll-like receptor 1, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, myeloid differentiation factor 88, TuBe, Dif, relish, crustins, antilipopolysaccharide factor, lysozyme, and prophenoloxidase mRNA expression levels, were increased (P < 0.05). The abundance of Rhizobium and Rhodobacter was reduced by adding garlic powder (P < 0.05). This study indicated that dietary addition of garlic powder promoted growth, enhanced nonspecific immunity and antioxidant capacity, activated Toll pathway, IMD pathway, and proPO system, increased antimicrobial peptide expression, while simultaneously improving the intestinal flora of Chinese mitten crabs.

In Vitro Antiparasitic Activity of Propyl-Propane-Thiosulfinate (PTS) and Propyl-Propane-Thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium cepa against Eimeria acervulina Sporozoites

Among the alternatives to control avian coccidiosis, alliaceous extracts stand out due to their functional properties. Despite this, most of the references are focused just on garlic. In this study, we analyze the in vitro effects of propyl-propane thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), two organosulfur compounds from onion, on MDBK cells infected with sporozoites of Eimeria acervulina. To this aim, two different experiments were performed. In the first experiment, sporozoites were previously incubated for 1 h at 1, 5 and 10 µg/mL of PTS or PTSO and added to MDBK cells. In the second experiment, MDBK cells were first incubated for 24 h at different concentrations of PTS or PTSO and then infected with E. acervulina sporozoites. Then, 24 h after inoculation, the presence of E. acervulina was quantified by qPCR. MDBK viability was measured at 72 h post-infection. Sporozoites incubated at 10 µg/mL of PTS and PTSO inhibited the capability to penetrate the cells up to 75.2% ± 6.44 and 71.7% ± 6.03, respectively. The incubation of MDBK with each compound resulted in a preventive effect against sporozoite invasion at 1 µg/mL of PTS and 1 and 10 µg/mL of PTSO. Cells incubated with PTSO obtained similar viability percentages to uninfected cells. These results suggest that the use of PTS and PTSO is a promising alternative to coccidiosis treatment, although further in vivo studies need to be performed.

Antibacterial and Antiparasitic Activity of Propyl-Propane-Thiosulfinate (PTS) and Propyl-Propane-Thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium cepa against Gilthead Sea Bream Pathogens in In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The use of phytogenic extracts is considered a sustainable strategy for the prevention of fish diseases, including Alliaceae as a potential option due to their variety of bioactive compounds. In this study, we analyzed the antibacterial and antiparasitic potential of propyl-propane-thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) from onions. The in vitro activity against Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, Tenacibaculum maritimum, and Photobacterium damselae of both compounds was tested. In addition, the viability of Sparicotyle chrysophrii larvae was evaluated. Moreover, a diet that consisted of a blend of PTS/PTSO (ALLIUM) was used. A total of 90 gilthead sea bream juveniles were tested against P. damselae subsp. Piscicida after 12 weeks of dietary administration. Furthermore, 150 fish with a rate of 10-15 parasites/fish were fed for 21 days and the number of gill parasites was recorded. All strains were sensitive to both compounds. PTSO showed the highest inhibitory effect against all target strains, while PTS showed higher effectiveness against S. chrysophrii. Fish from ALLIUM group presented the highest probability of survival, increasing up to 91.1%, whereas in the control group, the probability of survival was 66.7%. The number of parasites in the gilthead sea bream decreased in the ALLIUM group over time. These results suggest the inclusion of PTS and PTSO in feed as a natural strategy to prevent antibacterial and antiparasitic fish diseases.

Antimicrobial activities and mechanisms of extract and components of herbs in East Asia

Antibacterial drugs face increasing challenges due to drug resistance and adverse reactions, which has created a pressing need for the discovery and development of novel antibacterial drugs. Herbs have played an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases. This review aims to summarize, analyze and evaluate the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of components from popular herbs in East Asia. In this review, we have searched and summarized the scientific papers published during the past twenty-year period from electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. These herbs and their components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, organic acids, coumarins and lignans, display potential antimicrobial effects. Herbal medicine formulas (HMFs) usually show stronger antibacterial activity than single herbs. Herbs and HMFs bring forth antibacterial activities by damaging cell membranes and walls, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and increasing intracellular osmotic pressure. These herbs and their components can be developed as potential and promising novel antibacterial herbal products.

Attenuation of allergenicity of roasted cod with Allium spp.: characterization of principal anti-allergenic constituent and action mechanism

Cod is rich in high-quality proteins and is a popular ingredient in many cuisines. However, it has also been a culprit in many seafood allergy cases. In the present study, the effect of pretreatment with Allium powders on the allergenicity and sensory profile of roasted cod was investigated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed significantly reduced antibody-binding capacity of the Allium-pretreated samples compared with the control. The anti-allergenic effect was further confirmed with indirect ELISA using human sera. Moreover, the Allium pretreatments resulted in lower free sulfhydryl contents and higher surface hydrophobicity of the protein extracts prepared from the roasted cod samples, consistent with structural changes in favor of reduced allergenicity. Among the five Allium spp. evaluated, Chinese chive was the most effective, and mangiferin was identified to be a major anti-allergenic constituent. Docking simulation and mass spectrometry analyses revealed its strong parvalbumin-binding affinity and capability to reduce parvalbumin content in roasted cod, respectively. Finally, sensory evaluation indicated that the attenuation of allergenicity of roasted cod with the Allium spp. powders was accompanied by positive modulation of its flavor and taste profiles. These findings may provide insights for the development of dietary-phytochemical-based strategies for the management of parvalbumin-associated allergies.