Freshly crushed garlic is a superior cardioprotective agent than processed garlic

Virtual screening of functional foods and dissecting their roles in modulating gene functions to support post COVID-19 complications

COVID-19 has become the focal point since 2019 after the outbreak of coronavirus disease. Many drugs are being tested and used to treat coronavirus infections; different kinds of vaccines are also introduced as preventive measure. Alternative therapeutics are as well incorporated into the health guidelines of some countries. This research aimed to look into the underlying mechanisms of functional foods and how they may improve the long-term post COVID-19 cardiovascular, diabetic, and respiratory complications through their bioactive compounds. The potentiality of nine functional foods for post COVID-19 complications was investigated through computational approaches. A total of 266 bioactive compounds of these foods were searched via extensive literature reviewing. Three highly associated targets namely troponin I interacting kinase (TNNI3K), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were selected for cardiovascular, diabetes, and respiratory disorders, respectively, after COVID-19 infections. Best docked compounds were further analyzed by network pharmacological tools to explore their interactions with complication-related genes (MAPK1 and HSP90AA1 for cardiovascular, PPARG and TNF-alpha for diabetes, and AKT-1 for respiratory disorders). Seventy-one suggested compounds out of one-hundred and thirty-nine (139) docked compounds in network pharmacology recommended 169 Gene Ontology (GO) items and 99 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathways preferably AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, ACE2 receptor signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Among the chosen functional foods, black cumin, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, turmeric, bitter melon, and Indian pennywort were found to modulate the actions. Results demonstrate that aforesaid functional foods have attenuating roles to manage post COVID-19 complications. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Functional foods have been approaching a greater interest due to their medicinal uses other than gastronomic pleasure. Nine functional food resources have been used in this research for their traditional and ethnopharmacological uses, but their directive-role in modulating the genes involved in the management of post COVID-19 complications is inadequately studied and reported. Therefore, the foods types used in this research may be prioritized to be used as functional foods for ameliorating the major post COVID-19 complications through appropriate science.

A review of some common African spices with antihypertensive potential

Hypertension is the most common non-communicable disease, with about 1.28 billion hypertensive people worldwide. It is more prevalent in men than women and more common in the elderly. Hereditary, age, obesity, lifestyle, diet, alcohol, and chronic metabolic diseases are the major risk factors of hypertension. Treating hypertension is a complex process as there are several mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis; hence, a combination of several drugs is used for managing hypertension. Drugs used in managing hypertension are expensive and often come with associated side effects; thus, there is need for alternative means of managing this life-threatening disease. These drugs do not achieve the recommended blood pressure target in most people; more so majority of people with hypertension do not follow the treatment regimen religiously. Some Africans have been reported to become normotensive as a result of dietary consumption of spices. Several spices have been used over the years in Africa to manage hypertension. The aim of this review is to evaluate the ethnomedicinal use, bioactive phytochemical composition, bioactive compounds present, and pharmacological applications of spices commonly used in Africa for managing hypertension. Most of the plants used contained polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinone, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. Dietary supplementation of Xylopia aethiopica and other spices in diet have been proven to significantly reduced plasma angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) than simvastatin (the reference drug). Toxicological, histological, and hematological evaluation revealed that acute and chronic consumption of most of these spices are safe. Studies have also revealed that some of the spices can be used as alternative therapy alongside usual antihypertensive medications. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: The prevalent rate of hypertension is on the increase in both the developed and developing countries. People often skip medication due to their busy schedule and anti-hypertensive potential side effects; however, this is not the case with food/spices as most people consumed them daily. Deliberate, right combinations and consistent incorporation of spices with proven anti-hypertensive potential into our diet may be of great benefit in normalizing blood pressure and mitigate other complications on the heart and vital organs.

Apelin protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic myocardium via inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress through PI3K and p38-MAPK signaling pathways

Among all diabetes mellitus-associated cardiovascular diseases, morbidity of diabetic myocardium with ischemia reperfusion injury (D-IRI) is increasing year by year. We aimed to discover a therapeutic biomarker and investigate its mechanism in D-IRI. High-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats were operated with IRI or sham. Recombined lentiviral vector encoding Apelin was injected into D-IRI rat via tail vein. Cardiac function, infarct size, cellular death and oxidative stress were major outcome measures. Cardiomyocyte ischemia reperfusion injury was more serious in D-IRI rats than in non-diabetes ischemia reperfusion injury (ND-IRI) rats. The secretion of NTproBNP was increased in D-IRI compared with ND-IRI. Bcl-2 expression was decreased, and Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression was increased in D-IRI rats compared with ND-IRI rats, which were reversed after treatment with Apelin. Apelin-upregulation improved cardiomyocyte ischemia reperfusion injury and decreased NT-proBNP levels in D-IRI rats. Apelin overexpression enhanced PI3K and eNOS levels while reduced those of p38-MAPK and iNOS in D-IRI rats. Apelin overexpression protected against D-IRI through inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress via PI3K and p38MAPK signaling pathways in D-IRI rats. These findings provide critical new insight into understanding of Apelin's cardio-protective effects, which may become a novel therapeutic target for the diabetic IRI patients.

Garlic extract in prosthesis-related infections: a literature review

With the increasing use of joint replacement surgery, the prevalence of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) has also increased. However, treating PJI has become a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons because of the prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and the formation of protective biofilms. Numerous studies have shown that garlic extract (GE) has antibacterial activities and might be a good candidate for PJI treatment. This review explores the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of GE and its potential to be used in the treatment of PJI.

Prophylactic Potential of Conventional and Supercritical Garlic Extracts to Alleviate Diet Related Malfunctions

OBJECTIVES

The present research was tailored to explore the prophylactic role of garlic extracts to mitigate some diet related malfunctions. The recent patents regarding antidiabetic agents (US 20140147528 A1) and garlic compositions (US 20110129580 A1) also helped in the study design.

METHODS

Bioevaluation trials were conducted on Sprague Dawley rats by feeding garlic extracts for a period of sixty days. Accordingly, three studies were carried out comprising of normal, hyperglycemic and hypercholesterolemic rats. Drink & feed intakes and weight gain were measured throughout the trial. After sixty days, collected sera from rats were analyzed for serum cholesterol, LDL, HDL & triglyceride levels and glucose & insulin concentrations. Finally, the data obtained were subjected to statistical modeling.

RESULTS

Results concerning the bioevaluation trials revealed that maximum 12.39% reduction was observed in serum cholesterol in Study III (hypercholesterolemic rats) on the provision of garlic supercritical extract (nutraceutical diet) followed by 10.24% decline in rats fed on solvent extract supplemented diet (functional diet). Regarding LDL, maximum decrease (17.02%) was recorded on the administration of diet having garlic supercritical extract to the hypercholesterolemic rats. While in Study II (hyperglycemic rats) maximum decrease of 11.03% in glucose level was recorded in rats fed on supercritical extract containing diet. In the same group maximum increase in insulin (7.95%) was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

From the current investigations, it can be concluded that garlic based designer foods possess the prophylactic perspectives to alleviate the risk of metabolic ailments. Thus, it can be used in the diet based therapeutic interventions as an adjuvant to pharmaceuticals.

Garlic oil polysulfides: H2S- and O2-independent prooxidants in buffer and antioxidants in cells

The health benefits of garlic and other organosulfur-containing foods are well recognized and have been attributed to both prooxidant and antioxidant activities. The effects of garlic are surprisingly similar to those of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is also known to be released from garlic under certain conditions. However, recent evidence suggests that polysulfides, not H2S, may be the actual mediator of physiological signaling. In this study, we monitored formation of H2S and polysulfides from garlic oil in buffer and in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells with fluorescent dyes, 7-azido-4-methylcoumarin and SSP4, respectively and redox activity with two redox indicators redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP) and DCF. Our results show that H2S release from garlic oil in buffer requires other low-molecular-weight thiols, such as cysteine (Cys) or glutathione (GSH), whereas polysulfides are readily detected in garlic oil alone. Administration of garlic oil to cells rapidly increases intracellular polysulfide but has minimal effects on H2S unless Cys or GSH are also present in the extracellular medium. We also observed that garlic oil and diallyltrisulfide (DATS) potently oxidized roGFP in buffer but did not affect DCF. This appears to be a direct polysulfide-mediated oxidation that does not require a reactive oxygen species intermediate. Conversely, when applied to cells, garlic oil became a significant intracellular reductant independent of extracellular Cys or GSH. This suggests that intracellular metabolism and further processing of the sulfur moieties are necessary to confer antioxidant properties to garlic oil in vivo.

The effects of increasing garlic powder and monensin supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth performance and blood parameters of growing calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing garlic powder and monensin supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth performance and blood metabolites of growing calves. Forty Holstein calves (BW = 100 ± 11 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 10) in a complete randomized design. Experimental treatments consisted of the following: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet supplemented with 0.0003% of dietary dry matter (DM) sodium monensin, (iii) low level of garlic powder (Low-GAR; 0.5% of dietary DM) and (iv) high level of garlic powder (High-GAR; 1% of dietary DM). DM intake (DMI) and DM digestibility were (p < 0.05) decreased by High-GAR. However, calves supplemented with Low-GAR had a similar DMI to the control calves and similar DM digestibility to the control and monensin groups. The digestibility of other nutrients were not affected by the treatments. Although supplementing monensin relative to Low-GAR increased the DMI (p < 0.05), average daily gain was similar between Low-GAR and monensin supplemented calves, which were higher than the control and High-GAR groups (p < 0.05). As a result, feed conversion ratio was improved in the Low-GAR group versus other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Administrating garlic powder decreased the blood low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-esterified fatty acids (p < 0.05) without affecting the blood triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein and beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations. In conclusion, the calves fed the Low-GAR showed an improved FCR and blood metabolites without changing the DMI and nutrient digestibility. It suggests that garlic powder could be used as an alternative to monensin for growing calves under the current feeding conditions.

A novel reductive amination method with isotopic formaldehydes for the preparation of internal standard and standards for determining organosulfur compounds in garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a long-cultivated plant that is widely utilized in cooking and has been employed as a medicine for over 4000 years. In this study, we fabricated standards and internal standards (ISs) for absolute quantification via reductive amination with isotopic formaldehydes. Garlic has four abundant organosulfur compounds (OSCs): S-allylcysteine, S-allylcysteinine sulfoxide, S-methylcysteine, and S-ethylcysteine are abundant in garlic. OSCs with primary amine groups were reacted with isotopic formaldehydes to synthesize ISs and standards. Cooked and uncooked garlic samples were compared, and we utilized tandem mass spectrometry equipped with a selective reaction monitoring technique to absolutely quantify the four organosulfur compounds.

Dietary agents and phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of experimental ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), consisting mainly of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are important immune-mediated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology of the disease includes environmental and genetic factors. Its management presents a constant challenge for gastroenterologists and conventional surgeon. 5-Amninosalicylates, antibiotics, steroids, and immune modulators have been used to reduce the symptoms and for maintenance of remission. Unfortunately, long-term usage of these agents has been found to lead to severe toxicities, which are deterrent to the users. Pre-clinical studies carried out in the recent past have shown that certain dietary agents, spices, oils, and dietary phytochemicals that are consumed regularly possess beneficial effects in preventing/ameliorating UC. For the first time, this review addresses the use of these dietary agents and spices in the treatment and prevention of IBD and also emphasizes on the mechanisms responsible for their effects.

Exogenous hydrogen sulfide protects H9c2 cardiac cells against high glucose-induced injury by inhibiting the activities of the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways

Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for the development of diabetic cardiovascular complications, which are associated with the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In this study, we demonstrate the inhibitory effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on the activation of the MAPK pathway. The aim of the present study was to determine whether exogenous H₂S prevents high glucose (HG)-induced injury by inhibiting the activation of the p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 (members of MAPK) pathways in cardiomyoblasts (H9c2 cells). The findings of the present study demonstrated that the treatment of H9c2 cells with HG (35 mM glucose) for 24 h not only significantly induced injury, including cytotoxicity, apoptosis, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), but also upregulated the expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2. The increased expression levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 were markedly reduced by pre-treatment of the H9c2 cells with 400 µM sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; a donor of H2S) prior to exposure to 35 mM glucose. Importantly, pre-treatment of the cells with 400 µM NaHS or 3 µM SB203580 (a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK) or 15 µM U0126 (a selective inhibitor of ERK1/2) attenuated the HG-induced cardiomyocyte injury, leading to an increase in cell viability and a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells, preventing ROS generation, as well as the loss of MMP. In addition, pre-treatment of the cells with 1,000 µM N‑acetyl‑L‑cysteine (a ROS scavenger) prior to exposure to HG ameliorated the HG-induced cytotoxicity. Taken together, the data from the present study demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that exogenous H2S exerts a protective effect against HG‑induced injury by inhibiting the activation of the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways and preventing oxidative stress in H9c2 cells.

Involvement of adenosine and standardization of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) on cardioprotective and cardiodepressant properties in ischemic preconditioning and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion induced cardiac injury

The present study investigated the effect of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) aqueous extracts on ischemic preconditioning and ischemia-reperfusion induced cardiac injury, as well as adenosine involvement in ischemic preconditioning and garlic extract induced cardioprotection. A model of ischemia-reperfusion injury was established using Langendorff apparatus. Aqueous extract of garlic dose was standardized (0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.07%, 0.05%, 0.03%, 0.01%), and the 0.05% dose was found to be the most effective. Higher doses (more than 0.05%) were highly toxic, causing arrhythmia and cardiodepression, whereas the lower doses were ineffective. Garlic exaggerated the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. The cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning and garlic cardioprotection was significantly attenuated by theophylline (1,000 µmol/L) and 8-SPT (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and expressed by increased myocardial infarct size, increased LDH level, and reduced nitrite and adenosine levels. These findings suggest that adenosine is involved in the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of garlic induced cardioprotection and mediated by the modulation of nitric oxide.

Garlic and cardioprotection: insights into the molecular mechanisms

Garlic is widely recognized for its immense therapeutic potential. Garlic has been shown to exert its beneficial effects against a wide spectrum of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and microbial infections, as well as immunological and cardiovascular disorders. Most of the research on garlic has indicated that garlic and its active compounds are effective in reducing cardiovascular and metabolic risk by normalizing abnormal plasma lipids, oxidized low density lipoproteins, abnormal platelet aggregation, high blood pressure, and cardiac injury. Some of the beneficial effects of dietary garlic against cardiovascular disorders are mediated via the generation of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. Garlic has the potential to protect the heart against myocardial infarction, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, arrhythmia, hypertrophy, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. The induction of cardiac endogenous antioxidants and the reduction of lipid peroxidation by garlic has been reported by several different groups. Other mechanisms, such as regulating ion channels, modulating Akt signaling pathways, histone deacetylase inhibition, and cytochrome P450 inhibition, could be responsible for the cardioprotective effect of garlic. Although several mechanisms have been identified for the cardioprotective effect of garlic, there is a need for further research to identify the specific molecular mechanism of cardioprotection in different cardiac diseases.

Allitridi inhibits multiple cardiac potassium channels expressed in HEK 293 cells

Allitridi (diallyl trisulfide) is an active compound (volatile oil) from garlic. The previous studies reported that allitridi had anti-arrhythmic effect. The potential ionic mechanisms are, however, not understood. The present study was designed to determine the effects of allitridi on cardiac potassium channels expressed in HEK 293 cells using a whole-cell patch voltage-clamp technique and mutagenesis. It was found that allitridi inhibited hKv4.3 channels (IC₅₀ = 11.4 µM) by binding to the open channel, shifting availability potential to hyperpolarization, and accelerating closed-state inactivation of the channel. The hKv4.3 mutants T366A, T367A, V392A, and I395A showed a reduced response to allitridi with IC₅₀s of 35.5 µM, 44.7 µM, 23.7 µM, and 42.4 µM. In addition, allitridi decreased hKv1.5, hERG, hKCNQ1/hKCNE1 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells with IC₅₀s of 40.2 µM, 19.6 µM and 17.7 µM. However, it slightly inhibited hKir2.1 current (100 µM, inhibited by 9.8% at −120 mV). Our results demonstrate for the first time that allitridi preferably blocks hKv4.3 current by binding to the open channel at T366 and T367 of P-loop helix, and at V392 and I395 of S6 domain. It has a weak inhibition of hKv1.5, hERG, and hKCNQ1/hKCNE1 currents. These effects may account for its anti-arrhythmic effect observed in experimental animal models.

Physiological implications of hydrogen sulfide: a whiff exploration that blossomed

The important life-supporting role of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has evolved from bacteria to plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and finally to mammals. Over the centuries, however, H(2)S had only been known for its toxicity and environmental hazard. Physiological importance of H(2)S has been appreciated for about a decade. It started by the discovery of endogenous H(2)S production in mammalian cells and gained momentum by typifying this gasotransmitter with a variety of physiological functions. The H(2)S-catalyzing enzymes are differentially expressed in cardiovascular, neuronal, immune, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive, liver, and endocrine systems and affect the functions of these systems through the production of H(2)S. The physiological functions of H(2)S are mediated by different molecular targets, such as different ion channels and signaling proteins. Alternations of H(2)S metabolism lead to an array of pathological disturbances in the form of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes, cirrhosis, inflammation, sepsis, neurodegenerative disease, erectile dysfunction, and asthma, to name a few. Many new technologies have been developed to detect endogenous H(2)S production, and novel H(2)S-delivery compounds have been invented to aid therapeutic intervention of diseases related to abnormal H(2)S metabolism. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, research on H(2)S physiology and medicine is entering an exponential exploration era.

Inhibition of ROS-activated ERK1/2 pathway contributes to the protection of H2S against chemical hypoxia-induced injury in H9c2 cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects. However, the roles of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in H(2)S-induced cardioprotection have not been completely elucidated. In this study, cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)), a chemical hypoxia mimetic agent, was applied to treat H9c2 cells to establish a chemical hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury model. The results showed that pretreatment with NaHS (a donor of H(2)S) before exposure to CoCl(2) attenuated the decreased cell viability, the increased apoptosis rate, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells. Exposure of H9c2 cells to CoCl(2) or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) upregulated expression of phosphorylated (p) ERK1/2, which was reduced by pretreatment with NaHS or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a ROS scavenger. More importantly, U0126, a selective inhibitor of ERK1/2, mimicked the above cytoprotection of H(2)S against CoCl(2)-induced injury in H9c2 cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that H(2)S protects H9c2 cells against chemical hypoxia-induced injury partially by inhibiting ROS-mediated activation of ERK1/2.

Indian spices for healthy heart - an overview

Spices were some of the most valuable items of trade in the ancient and medieval world. Herbalist and folk practitioners have used plant remedies for centuries, but only recently have scientist begun to study the powers of common herbs and spices. In the current set-up, the anti-proliferative, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory effects of spices have overriding importance, as the key health concern of mankind nowadays is diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, arthritis and cancer. Spices or their active compounds could be used as possible ameliorative or preventive agents for these health disorders. Spices are rich in antioxidants, and scientific studies suggest that they are also potent inhibitors of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of blood sugar and circulating lipids. Because spices have very low calorie content and are relatively inexpensive, they are reliable sources of antioxidants and other potential bioactive compounds in diet. This review outlines the role of some spices used in the Indian kitchen for its flavour and taste which are potential to maintain a healthy heart.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Garlic Essential Oil from Garlic

Factors affecting microwave-assisted extraction of garlic essential oil from garlic were investigated experimentally. Suitable conditions for such extraction process were studied by single factor approach to improve the product yield. The product yield under the resultant suitable conditions can reach to 0.478% based on raw garlic cloves. The product yield for microwave-assisted extraction method is as 2.5 times as that for conventional solvent extraction approach.

Control of eotaxin-1 expression and release by resveratrol and its metabolites in culture human pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Population studies suggest that moderate red wine intake correlates with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); cardioprotection may attribute to consumption of red wine polyphenol resveratrol. Since inflammation plays a key role in CVD, we investigated modulation of inflammation by resveratrol and its metabolites by determining the expression and release of chemokine, eotaxin-1, in cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) treated with proinflammatory cytokines IL-13 and TNF-α. Up-regulation of eotaxin-1 gene expression by IL-13 or TNF-α was confirmed by RT-PCR, by reporter assays using eotaxin-1 gene promoter constructs, and by the changes in transcriptional factors STAT6 and NF-κB. Exposure to resveratrol suppressed IL-13 and TNF-α induced eotaxin-1 gene expression as well as attenuated the eotaxin-1 promoter activity, in coordination with inhibition of expression of JAK-1, reduction in phosphorylated-STAT6 and decreased p65 subunit of NF-κB. In addition, quantitative determination of eotaxin-1 release using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed increased eotaxin-1 release in response to treatment by IL-13 and TNF-α, which was effectively inhibited by resveratrol. Whether resveratrol metabolites affected eotaxin-1 was also tested; piceatannol showed potency similar to resveratrol. We propose that control of eotaxin-1 expression and release by proinflammatory cytokines in HPAEC may be considered as an in vitro model for screening and discovering polyphenols with anti-inflammatory activities and cardioprotective potentials.

Aqueous garlic extracts prevent oxidative stress and vascular remodeling in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome

The organosulfur profile and the effect on oxidative stress and vascular remodeling in fructose-fed rats (FFR) were evaluated in Fuego INTA and Morado INTA garlic cultivars. Wistar rats were fed either normal rat chow (control) or the same diet plus 10% fructose in drinking water. During the last 6 weeks of a 12 week period of the corresponding diet, a subgroup of control and FFR received an aqueous extract of Fuego INTA and Morado INTA. Fuego INTA showed higher levels of total thiosulfinates, allicin, and pungency than Morado INTA. FFR showed an increase of systolic blood pressure, aortic NAD(P)H oxidase activity, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and vascular remodeling that was significantly reduced after both garlic administrations. The beneficial effect was slightly higher when Fuego INTA was administered. Both aqueous garlic extracts prevent oxidative stress and vascular remodeling in rats with metabolic syndrome, suggesting the existence of slight differences among cultivars.