Antioxidative effects of the spice cardamom against non-melanoma skin cancer by modulating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and NF-κB signalling pathways

The favorable impacts of cardamom on related complications of diabetes: A comprehensive literature systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Complementary and alternative medicine plays an increasing role in preventing, and regulatory, complications associated with diabetes. There are plenty of polyphenolic compounds found in Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) such as luteolin, limonene, pelargonidin, caffeic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and quercetin which can be used in many metabolic diseases.

METHOD

The objective of this systematic review was to appraise evidence from clinical and in vivo studies on the effects of cardamom on inflammation, blood glucose, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia of diabetes mellitus. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements, the present study was carried out. Studies were conducted by searching databases such as EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, web of sciences, and Cochrane Library from the commencement until April 2022.

RESULTS

All available human and animal studies examining the effects of cardamom on diabetes were published in the form of English articles. Finally, only 14 of the 241 articles met the criteria for analysis. Of the 14 articles, 8 were in vivo studies, and 6 were clinical trial studies. Most studies have indicated the beneficial effects of cardamom on insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation. Cardamom also improved dyslipidemia, but had no substantial effect on weight loss.

CONCLUSION

According to most studies, cardamom supplementation enhanced antioxidant enzyme production and activity in diabetes mellitus and decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. Despite this, the exact mechanism of the disease needs to be identified through more clinical trials.

Exploring the Potent Anticancer Activity of Essential Oils and Their Bioactive Compounds: Mechanisms and Prospects for Future Cancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Fortunately, the last decades have been marked by considerable advances in the field of cancer therapy. Researchers have discovered many natural substances, some of which are isolated from plants that have promising anti-tumor activity. Among these, essential oils (EOs) and their constituents have been widely studied and shown potent anticancer activities, both in vitro and in vivo. However, despite the promising results, the precise mechanisms of action of EOs and their bioactive compounds are still poorly understood. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms, as well as their effectiveness and safety in use. Furthermore, the use of EOs as anticancer drugs is complex, as it requires absolute pharmacodynamic specificity and selectivity, as well as an appropriate formulation for effective administration. In this study, we present a synthesis of recent work on the mechanisms of anticancer action of EOs and their bioactive compounds, examining the results of various in vitro and in vivo studies. We also review future research prospects in this exciting field, as well as potential implications for the development of new cancer drugs.

The effect of green cardamom on blood pressure and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Research shows that herbal spices, including seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, may exert beneficial effects on unhealthy metabolic status. This study is a systematic review of the effect of green cardamom in patients with metabolic syndrome and its related disorders. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify the relevant randomized clinical trials. The data were pooled using the random-effects model, and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as summary effect size. Of 625 clinical trials, eight reports with 595 patients (299 in intervention group and 296 in control group) were included. The findings indicated that green cardamom significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -0.91 mmHg, 95%CI; -1.19, -0.62), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (WMD: -1.21 mg/L, 95%CI; -2.18, -0.24), interleukin 6 levels (WMD: -2.41 ng/L, 95%CI; -4.35, -0.47). However, cardamom supplementation did not significantly affect systolic blood pressure. This meta-analysis demonstrated that green cardamom could improve blood pressure control and exert antiinflammatory effects which could help patients with unhealthy metabolic profile better manage their health. Importantly, there were few eligible randomized trials with quite a low number of participants. Further prospective studies on larger sample sizes and longer duration of supplementation are warranted for its widespread use.

Cardamom Extract Alleviates the Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis Induced during Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Toxicity via Modulating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 Pathway

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most extensively used and safest analgesic and antipyretic drug worldwide; however, its toxicity is associated with life-threatening acute liver failure. Cardamom (CARD), a sweet, aromatic, commonly used spice, has several pharmacological actions. In the current study, we tried to explore the chemical composition and the hepato-protective effect of ethanolic aqueous extract of CARD to mitigate APAP-induced hepatic toxicity and elucidate its underlying mechanism of action. Material and methods: Aqueous CARD extract was subjected to LC-TOF-MS analysis to separate and elucidate some of its components. In vivo animal experiments involved five groups of animals. In the normal and cardamom groups, mice were administered either saline or CARD (200 mg/kg), respectively, orally daily for 16 days. In the APAP group, the animals were administered saline orally daily for 15 days, and on the 16th day, animals were administered APAP (300 mg/kg) IP for the induction of acute hepatic failure. In the CARD 200 + APAP group, mice were administered CARD (200 mg/kg) for 15 days, followed by APAP on the 16th day. Results: The aqueous extract of CARD showed several compounds, belonging to polyphenol, flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives and essential oil components. In the in vivo investigations, APAP-induced impaired liver function, several histopathological alterations, oxidative stress and inflammatory and apoptotic status signified severe hepatic failure. Whereas, pretreatment with the CARD extract prior to APAP administration diminished serum levels of the hepatic function test and augmented Nrf2 nucleoprotein and HO-1 and NQO-1. CARD down-regulated MDA, inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB) and apoptotic markers (caspase 3 and 9 and Bax) and amplified the activities of SOD, catalase, GSH-Px and GSH-R in hepatic tissue samples. Conclusion: CARD extract mitigated the hepatic toxicity induced by APAP. The underlying mechanism of action of such hepato-protective action may be through upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 pathway with subsequent alleviation of the oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis induced by APAP. Many of the compounds identified in the CARD extract could be attributed to this pharmacological action of the extract.

Diversifying the skin cancer-fighting worthwhile frontiers: How relevant are the itraconazole/ascorbyl palmitate nanovectors?

Fighting malignant neoplasms via repurposing existing drugs could be a welcome move for prosperous cancer remediations. In the current work, nanovehiculation and optimization of the repositioned itraconazole (ITZ) utilizing ascorbyl palmitate (AP) aspasomes would be an auspicious approach. Further, the optimized aspasomes were incorporated in a cream and tracked for skin deposition. The in vivo efficacy of aspasomal cream on mice subcutaneous Ehrlich carcinoma model was also assessed. The optimized aspasomes revealed nano size (67.83 ± 6.16 nm), negative charge (-79.40 ± 2.23 mV), > 95% ITZ entrapment and high colloidal stability. AP yielded substantial antioxidant capacity and pushed the ITZ cytotoxicity forward against A431 cells (IC₅₀ = 5.3±0.27 μg/mL). An appealing privilege was the aspasomal cream that corroborated spreadability, contemplated skin permeation and potentiated in vivo anticancer competence, reflected in 62.68% reduction in the tumor weight. Such synergistic tumor probes set the foundation for futuristic clinical translation and commercialization.

Effect of cardamom supplementation on a number of metabolic factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cardamom known as "queen of spice" seems to be an anti-diabetic agent due to its poly phenolic content. Since, recent studies reported controversial results related to its effect on metabolic factors, present meta-analysis examined the effect of cardamom supplementation on glycemic indices and weight profile of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs).

METHODS

A wide search was done on biomedical electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Iranian databases, for all relevant literature published up to May 2021. Our search strategy included: [HbA1C, Blood Sugar, glycemic index, glucose tolerance test, insulin, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, body weight, BMI, body composition, waist circumferences] added to searched queries based on scientific Mesh terms. The included papers required to be RCTs that reported the effect of cardamom on glycemic and weight indices. We excluded studies with: a) non-randomized or non-controlled trials, b) animal studies, c) not available full text articles d) duplicate citations and e) not available full text articles. The risk of bias was assessed based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The effects of cardamom supplementation were assessed using standardized mean difference (SMD) statistics. The SMD of metabolic risk factors were pooled together using random effect meta-analysis method.

RESULTS

Totally, six publications enrolling 410 participants was included in present meta-analysis. Daily 3 g supplementation of cardamom from 8 weeks to 3 months showed no significant effect on BMI (WMD: 0.07; 95% CI: [-0.12, 0.27]; P:0.5), weight (WMD: 0.01; 95% CI: [-0.22, 0.21]; P:0.95) and WC (WMD: 0.09; 95% CI: [-0.34, 0.17]; P:0.63), FBS (WMD: 0.10; 95% CI: [ -0.32, 0.12]; P:0.37), insulin (WMD: 0.83; 95% CI: [-2.07, 0.40]; P:0.19) and QUICKI (WMD: 1.14; 95% CI: [-1.11, 3.39]; P:0.32). However, significant effect occurred on HOMA-IR (WMD: 0.40; 95% CI: [-0.65, -0.15]; P:0.00), and HbA1C (WMD: 0.48; 95% CI: [-0.80, -0.16]; P:0.00).

CONCLUSION

Final findings suggest ameliorative effect of cardamom on metabolism of glucose.

Indian spices: past, present and future challenges as the engine for bio-enhancement of drugs: impact of COVID-19

Spices are natural plant products enriched with the history of being used as herbal medicine for prevention of diseases. India is also known as the 'Land of Spices'. Out of 109 spices recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) more than 52-60 spice crops are grown in India. The major spices exported by India are turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, peppers, etc. The Indian spices are divided into three era viz. early period, middle age and early modern period. Spices are used in beverages, liquors, and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery products. The major issue with spices is their handling and storage. This review article mainly focuses on two aspects: at the outset the handling and storage of the spices is an essential factor as spices are available in different forms like raw, processed, fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried. Therefore, the need of processing, packaging, storage and handling of the spices is important as the deterioration of spices can lead to the loss of therapeutic activity. Furthermore, many herbal constituents have the capability to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. Therefore, an attempt has been made to throw a light on the bioenhancer activity and therapeutic activity along with their mechanism of action of some Indian spices which are regularly used for cooking purpose on a daily basis to enhance the taste of food. The spices suggested by ministry of AYUSH which is relevant to its medicinal and biological property in treatment and prevention from COVID-19 are discussed. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) and its combination with cyclophosphamide on Ehrlich solid tumors

Background

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a spice and exhibits potent antioxidant and biological activities through distinct molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer effect of cardamom was not explored yet in Ehrlich solid tumor (EST)-bearing mice.

Objectives

This investigation was aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of green cardamom (GCar) alone or combined with the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide in an in vivo model to explore its mechanistic role in tumor cell death in EST-bearing mice.

Methods

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were injected in the mice and 5 days later the animals treated with GCar and/or cyclophosphamide for 10 days. Twenty-four hours from the last treatment, animals were sacrificed for the different measurements.

Results

Data recorded for tumor size, percentage of tumor growth inhibition, tumor growth delay and mean survival time of EST-bearing mice demonstrated the effective role of GCar alone or combined with CPO as a promising anti-cancer agent because it reduced tumor size. GCar elevated the mean survival time of EST-bearing mice compared to that of untreated EST and EST + CPO groups. Analysis of qPCR mRNA gene and protein expression revealed that GCar alone or combined with CPO were promising anticancer agents. After the treatment of EST with GCar, the apoptotic-related genes and proteins were significantly modulated. GCar induced markedly significant decreases in oxidative stress biomarkers and a significant increment in glutathione levels and that of antioxidant enzymes. With a marked diminish in liver and kidney function biomarkers.

Conclusion

The results revealed that GCar could serve as an apoptotic stimulator agent, presenting a novel and potentially curative approach for cancer treatment, inducing fewer side effects than those of the commercially used anti-cancer drugs, such as CPO.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03305-2.

Peucedanum ostruthium Inhibits E-Selectin and VCAM-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells through Interference with NF-κB Signaling

Twenty natural remedies traditionally used against different inflammatory diseases were probed for their potential to suppress the expression of the inflammatory markers E-selectin and VCAM-1 in a model system of IL-1 stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). One third of the tested extracts showed in vitro inhibitory effects comparable to the positive control oxozeaenol, an inhibitor of TAK1. Among them, the extract derived from the roots and rhizomes of Peucedanum ostruthium (i.e., Radix Imperatoriae), also known as masterwort, showed a pronounced and dose-dependent inhibitory effect. Reporter gene analysis demonstrated that inhibition takes place on the transcriptional level and involves the transcription factor NF-κB. A more detailed analysis revealed that the P. ostruthium extract (PO) affected the phosphorylation, degradation, and resynthesis of IκBα, the activation of IKKs, and the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit RelA. Strikingly, early effects on this pathway were less affected as compared to later ones, suggesting that PO may act on mechanism(s) that are downstream of nuclear translocation. As the majority of cognate NF-κB inhibitors affect upstream events such as IKK2, these findings could indicate the existence of targetable signaling events at later stages of NF-κB activation.

Effect of green cardamom on lipoproteins, glycemic control and anthropometric parameters: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize all the existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evidence and to evaluate the effects of green cardamom on lipoproteins, glycemic control and anthropometric parameters in healthy and/or with disease types compared with the control.

METHOD

Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until 30th July 2019. RCTs complying with the following criteria were included in this meta-analysis: human trials with either cross-over design or parallel design, trials with data on the effects of green cardamom on serum lipoproteins and glycemic control and anthropometric parameters with standard deviation and related 95% confidence interval for the both intervention and placebo groups. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I²) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size.

RESULT

Seven trials were included in this meta-analysis. Triglycerides were significantly reduced after cardamom supplementation when compared with the control group. Cardamom intake from 3 small studies resulted in a significant increase in BMI when compared with the control group. However, cardamom supplementation did not have any significant effect on total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose and body weight when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that green cardamom intake significantly reduced triglycerides levels which may have played an indirect role in improved clinical symptoms in diseases with metabolic disorders.

Prerequisite of a Holistic Blend of Traditional and Modern Approaches of Cancer Management

Background:

With the advent of changes in lifestyle of people all around the world, cancer cases have been showing an exponential rise. Researchers from varied fields have been trying to solve this tricky issue.

Methods:

We undertook a systematic search of bibliographic databases of peer-reviewed research literature to evaluate the holistic blend of modern and traditional approaches, especially the Ayurvedic perspective of treatment of cancer along with the effect of our diet and lifestyle on the management (both prevention and cure) of cancer.

Results:

On the basis of extensive literature survey, it was found that Ayurveda as one of the ancient medicinal systems had been very well documented for utilizing its best practices for the treatment of various diseases including cancer, by utilization of several herbal plants and dietary interventions as therapeutics. Active components present in various herbs, which interfere with certain molecular targets to inhibit carcinogenesis are also summarized. Further, beneficial effects of yoga and exercise on psychological distress, cancer-related fatigue and global side-effects as well as their mechanism of action are also discussed. In addition, we recapitulate an upcoming field of Ayurgenomics to understand the possible correlation of Prakriti with genetics as well as epigenetics.

Conclusion:

Both genetic as well as environmental factors have shown their linkage with cancer. Substantial advancements in the field of targeted therapies have opened new horizons for the cancer patients. To fight with this grave situation, a combination of ancient and modern medicinal systems seems to be the need of the hour.

Green cardamom increases Sirtuin-1 and reduces inflammation in overweight or obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome. Despite the beneficial health effects of cardamom on dyslipidemia, hepatomegaly, and fasting hyperglycemia, no previous human study has been conducted on the efficacy of cardamom in NAFLD. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of green cardamom (GC) on serum Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), inflammatory factors, and liver enzymes in overweight or obese NAFLD patients.

METHODS

The recruitment of subjects was conducted at the polyclinic of the central hospital of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Tehran. Eighty-seven patients who participated were divided randomly into two groups according to the ultrasonography and eligibility criteria as cardamom (n = 43) or placebo (n = 44). The intervention involves taking two 500 mg capsules three times per day with meals for 3 months. General characteristics, dietary intake and physical activity status, weight and height were determined. In addition, serum Sirt1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured. The degree of fatty liver was determined at beginning and end of the study.

RESULTS

In comparison with placebo, GC significantly increased Sirt1 and decreased hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, ALT, and the degree of fatty liver (P < 0.05). The differences in weight, BMI, and AST were not significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

GC supplementation could improve some biomarkers related to fatty liver including inflammation, ALT, and Sirt1 in overweight/obese NAFLD patients. Further trials on cardamom's potential are suggested.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2015121317254N4. Registered 27/12/2015.

Cardamom supplementation improves inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in hyperlipidemic, overweight, and obese pre-diabetic women: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Several preclinical studies have shown that spices may decrease the risk of chronic diseases. However, it has been suggested that more clinical trials be carried out to strengthen this preclinical evidence. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic, overweight, and obese pre-diabetic women.

METHODS

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 pre-diabetic subjects. They randomly received the cardamom supplement (n = 40, 3 g d^-1 ) or identical inert placebo (n = 40) for 8 weeks. Serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor α, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activity were analyzed at the baseline and after intervention.

RESULTS

After the adjustment of some covariates, cardamom supplementation significantly decreased serum hs-CRP (P = 0.02), hs-CRP:IL-6 ratio (P = 0.008), and MDA (P = 0.009) compared with the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Cardamom could improve some parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress in pre-diabetic subjects. Thus it may be useful in reducing complications associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in these patients. Copyright © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) perinatal exposure effects on the development, behavior and biochemical parameters in mice offspring

Cardamom is a strong antioxidant plant, so it is called the queen of spices. In the present study, we explored the potentials of cardamom on developmental, learning ability and biochemical parameters of mice offspring. Thirty pregnant mice were allocated to three groups of ten animals in each. Groups Π and Ш received pilsbury's Diet containing 10 and 20% of cardamom (w/w) respectively, whereas Group I used as control. Cardomom was administered from the first day of pregnancy and was continued until post-natal day 15 (PD 15) and thereafter the mothers were switched to plain pilsbury's Diet. During the weaning period, three pups in each litter were color marked from the others, and were subjected to various tests (Physical assessment such body weight and eye opening and hair appearance; the neuromaturation of reflexes like righting, rotating, and cliff avoidance reflexes; learning ability and memory retention; estimation of monoamines neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, non-enzymatic oxidative stress such as TBARS and GSH in forebrain at different ages of pups). The results indicated that the body weight gain was declining significantly. Hair appearance and eyes opening were delayed significantly. Righting, rotating, and cliff avoidance reflexes were delayed in treated animals. Exposure to cardamom led to enhance learning and memory retention as compared to control. Monoamines (DA, 5-HT) and GSH were elevated, whereas TBARS was inhibited significantly. In conclusion, perinatal cardamom exposure enhanced learning and memory as compared to control. Cardamom and its benefit compounds were transported via placenta or/and milk during lactation. Cardamom needs more researches to investigate its benefits on other kinds of behavior.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Cardamom (Elettaria repens (Sonn.) Baill) and its phytochemical analysis by 4D GCXGC TOF-MS

Elleteria repens is a large cardamom used in the culinary preparations. In the present study, we have evaluated in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities E. repens hexane extract (ERH) exhibited DPPH and metal chelating activity with IC₅₀ values of 464±28.3μg/ml, 199±7.2μg/ml whereas the reducing power and antioxidant activities are found to be 289±14.6 AAE/mg, 468±22.7 GAE/mg. The observed antioxidant activities could be correlated with metabolites such as polyphenol, flavonoid, and terpenoid group of compounds identified in hexane fraction of E. repens by 4D GCXGC TOF-MS. Further ERH was evaluated for its protective properties against macromolecules such as DNA, protein and lipid damage. The extract showed protection against H₂O₂ induced DNA damage and inhibited AAPH induced protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, ERH administration to rats at 50 and 100mg/kg inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema, and down-regulated cytokines such as COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α and inhibited i-NOS mediated NO generation. E. repens also exhibited antioxidant effects by restoring SOD, catalase, GSH levels and inhibited lipid peroxidation in carrageenan challenged rats. Overall, the results suggest that E. repens may be useful in combating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers

Spices have been widely used as food flavorings and folk medicines for thousands of years. Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spices, which might be related to prevention and treatment of several cancers, including lung, liver, breast, stomach, colorectum, cervix, and prostate cancers. Several spices are potential sources for prevention and treatment of cancers, such as Curcuma longa (tumeric), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Capsicum annum (chili pepper), which contained several important bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarized recent studies on some spices for prevention and treatment of cancers, and special attention was paid to bioactive components and mechanisms of action.

Aged red garlic extract suppresses nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of NF-κB

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor that is involved in inflammatory response. The pathways that activate NF-κB can be modulated by phytochemicals derived from garlic. We recently demonstrated that aged red garlic extract (ARGE), a new formulation of garlic, decreases nitric oxide (NO) generation by upregulating of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in RAW 264.7 cells activated by LPS. However, the effects of ARGE on LPS-induced NF-κB activation are unknown. This study was performed to evaluate whether ARGE regulates LPS-induced NO production by modulation of NF-κB activation in macrophages. The inhibition of NF-κB by Bay 11-7085, an inhibitor of NF-κB, decreased LPS-induced NO production. ARGE treatment markedly reduced LPS-induced NO production and NF-κB nuclear translocation. ARGE downregulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and upregulated expression of HO-1, a cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory protein. However, Bay 11-7085 only reduced iNOS expression. The NO production and iNOS expressions upregulated by suppression of HO-1 were suppressed by treatment with ARGE and Bay 11-7085. These results show that ARGE reduces LPS-induced NO production in macrophages through inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and HO-1 activation. Compared to Bay 11-7085, ARGE may enhance anti-inflammatory effects by controlling other anti-inflammatory signals as well as regulation of NF-κB.