Protection against Helicobacter pylori and other bacterial infections by garlic

Antimicrobial Properties of Newly Developed Silver-Enriched Red Onion-Polymer Composites

Simple low-cost, nontoxic, environmentally friendly plant-extract-based polymer films play an important role in their application in medicine, the food industry, and agriculture. The addition of silver nanoparticles to the composition of these films enhances their antimicrobial capabilities and makes them suitable for the treatment and prevention of infections. In this study, polymer-based gels and films (AgRonPVA) containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced at room temperature from fresh red onion peel extract ("Ron"), silver nitrate, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Silver nanoparticles were synthesized directly in a polymer matrix, which was irradiated by UV light. The presence of nanoparticles was approved by analyzing characteristic local surface plasmon resonance peaks occurring in UV-Vis absorbance spectra of irradiated experimental samples. The proof of evidence was supported by the results of XRD and EDX measurements. The diffusion-based method was applied to investigate the antimicrobial activity of several types of microbes located in the environment of the produced samples. Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC BAA 747, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442; yeasts Candida parapsilosis CBS 8836 and Candida albicans ATCC 90028; and microscopic fungi assays Aspergillus flavus BTL G-33 and Aspergillus fumigatus BTL G-38 were used in this investigation. The greatest effect was observed on Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, defining these films as potential candidates for antimicrobial applications. The antimicrobial features of the films were less effective against fungi and the weakest against yeasts.

Potential Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on the Performance, Immunity, Gut Health, Anti-Oxidant Status, Blood Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Poultry: An Updated Comprehensive Review

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters or for the prevention of some poultry diseases has faced global concern and serious criticism. Their addition to poultry feed has shown hazardous effects, including the development of antimicrobial resistance and a potentially harmful effect on human health. To eliminate these threats, there is increasing interest in natural alternatives. Plant derivatives such as garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its derivatives are presently extensively used in the poultry production system. The dietary supplementation of broilers and layers with garlic induced improvement in the production parameters, carcass quality, and intestinal integrity. The modulation of the immune response against some important viral diseases has resulted from the supplementation of poultry with garlic. Moreover, garlic has been shown to modulate gut health through antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. Treatment with garlic can also mitigate oxidative stress and reduce free-radical production. The reduction of cholesterol levels and improvement of some liver and blood parameters were also reported following the dietary inoculation of garlic. This review was designed to investigate the influence of garlic as a dietary additive on the performance, immunity, gut health, anti-oxidant status, blood parameters, and intestinal microbiota of poultry.

Geographical differentiation of garlic based on HS-GC-IMS combined with multivariate statistical analysis

Garlic is famous for its unique flavor and health benefits. An effective means of authenticating garlic's origin is through the implementation of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) scheme. However, the prevalence of fraudulent behavior raises concerns regarding the reliability of this system. In this study, garlic samples from six distinct production areas (G1: Cangshan garlic, G2: Qixian garlic, G3: Dali single clove garlic, G4: Jinxiang garlic, G5: Yongnian garlic, and G6: Badong garlic) underwent analysis using HS-GC-IMS. A total of 26 VOCs were detected in the samples. The differences in VOCs among the different garlic samples were visually presented in a two-dimensional topographic map and fingerprint map. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to demonstrate the capacity of the HS-GC-IMS method for effectively distinguishing garlic samples from different geographical sources. Further screening based on the p-value and VIP score threshold identified 12 different aroma substances, which can be utilized for the identification of garlic from different producing areas. The fusion of HS-GC-IMS with multivariate statistical analysis proved to be a rapid, intuitive, and efficient approach for identifying and categorizing garlic VOCs, offering a novel strategy for ascertaining garlic origin and ensuring quality control.

Effect of in vitro simulated digestion on the anti-Helicobacter Pylori activity of different Propolis extracts

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is among the most common pathogens causing infection in humans worldwide. Oxidative stress and gastric inflammation are involved in the progression of HP-related gastric diseases, and they can be targeted by integrating conventional antibiotic treatment with polyphenol-enriched natural products. In this work, we characterised three different propolis extracts and evaluated their stability under in vitro simulated gastric digestion, compared to their main constituents alone. The extract with the highest stability to digestion (namely, the dark propolis extract, DPE) showed a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) lower than 1 mg/mL on HP strains with different virulence factors. Finally, since urease is one of the virulence factors contributing to the establishment of a microenvironment that promotes HP infection, we evaluated the possible inhibition of this enzyme by using molecular docking simulations and in vitro colorimetric assay, showing that galangin and pinocembrin may be involved in this activity.

Prediction of the mechanism for the combination of diallyl trisulfide and cisplatin against gastric cancer: a network pharmacology study and pharmacological evaluation

Background: In this research, we aimed to explore the efficacy of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) combined with cisplatin (DDP) for gastric cancer treatment and its underlying mechanism based on network pharmacology. Methods: First, the pharmacological mechanism by which DATS combined with DDP acts against gastric cancer was predicted using network pharmacology. The TTD, GeneCards, and OMIM databases were used to extract drug and disease targets. The David Bioinformatics Resources 6.8 database was used to conduct GO and KEGG analyses. We investigated the efficacy of DATS combined with DDP against gastric cancer in SGC7901 cells and a xenograft model. Furthermore, the specific mechanism of DATS combined with DDP, inferred by network pharmacology, was identified by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: The combination of DDP and DATS significantly increased cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis compared to the DATS or DDP treatment group in vitro. In addition, continuous intraperitoneal injection of DATS markedly improved the tumor inhibitory effect of DDP in the SGC-7901 tumor-bearing mouse model. Furthermore, network pharmacology and experimental validation studies revealed that the combination of DATS and DDP synergistically enhanced antitumor activity by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibiting STAT3/PKC-δ and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our study showed that the combination of DATS and DDP could exert outstanding therapeutic effects in gastric cancer. Moreover, network pharmacology coupled with experimental validation revealed the molecular mechanisms of combination therapy for gastric cancer. This study offers a new adjuvant strategy based on DATS and DDP for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Association between Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

(1) Background: Although studies have suggested that dietary interventions may have potential benefits over conventional medical treatments, research on the association between dietary patterns and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in pregnant women is scarce. (2) Methods: To explore the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of HG, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Xi'an, China from April 2021 to September 2022. Dietary intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire, and then factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns. HG was defined as persistent and severe nausea and vomiting with weight loss ≥ 5%, pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis (PUQE) score ≥ 13, or hospitalization due to vomiting. Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for HG according to dietary pattern scores. Stratified analyses and tests for interaction were performed by potential confounders. (3) Results: Of the 3122 pregnant women enrolled, 2515 individuals (mean age: 31.2 ± 3.4 years) were included in the final analysis. In total, 226 (8.9%) pregnant women were identified as having HG. Five dietary patterns were identified. After adjusting for covariates, the highest quartile of the "fish, shrimp and meat" and "egg, milk and water drinking" patterns was associated with a 37% and 58% lower risk of HG compared with the lowest quartile, respectively (p-trend < 0.05). Conversely, the highest quartile of the "beverage" pattern was associated with a 64% higher risk of HG compared with the lowest quartile (p-trend = 0.02). Furthermore, significant interactions were observed between the "egg, milk and water drinking" pattern and parity, employment status and nutritional supplement use (p-interaction < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: A diet rich in eggs, milk, seafood and unprocessed poultry and animal meat may be a protective factor against HG, while a diet high in beverages may be detrimental to HG. These associations may vary by parity, employment status and nutritional supplement use.

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.

Antibiotics in avian care and husbandry-status and alternative antimicrobials

Undoubtedly, the discovery of antibiotics was one of the greatest milestones in the treatment of human and animal diseases. Due to their over-use mainly as antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in livestock farming, antimicrobial resistance has been reported with increasing intensity, especially in the last decades. In order to reduce the scale of this phenomenon, initially in the Scandinavian countries and then throughout the entire European Union, a total ban on the use of AGP was introduced, moreover, a significant limitation in the use of these feed additives is now observed almost all over the world. The withdrawal of AGP from widespread use has prompted investigators to search for alternative strategies to maintain and stabilize the composition of the gut microbiota. These strategies include substances that are used in an attempt to stimulate the growth and activity of symbiotic bacteria living in the digestive tract of animals, as well as living microorganisms capable of colonizing the host’s gastrointestinal tract, which can positively affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota by exerting a number of pro-health effects, i.e., prebiotics and probiotics, respectively. In this review we also focused on plants/herbs derived products that are collectively known as phytobiotic.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects Induced by Allium sativum L. Extracts on an Ex Vivo Experimental Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic and multifactorial inflammatory conditions of the colonic mucosa (ulcerative colitis), characterized by increased and unbalanced immune response to external stimuli. Garlic and its bioactive constituents were reported to exert various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a hydroalcoholic (GHE) and a water (GWE) extract from a Sicilian variety of garlic, known as Nubia red garlic, on an ex vivo experimental model of ulcerative colitis, involving isolated LPS-treated mouse colon specimens. Both extracts were able to counteract LPS-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), and interleukin (IL)-6 gene expression in mouse colon. Moreover, the same extracts inhibited prostaglandin (PG)E₂, 8-iso-PGF_2α, and increased the 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid/serotonin ratio following treatment with LPS. In particular, GHE showed a better anti-inflammatory profile. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects induced by both extracts could be related, at least partially, to their polyphenolic composition, with particular regards to catechin. Concluding, our results showed that GHE and GWE exhibited protective effects in colon, thus suggesting their potential use in the prevention and management of ulcerative colitis.

Bioactive compounds, antibiotics and heavy metals: effects on the intestinal structure and microbiome of monogastric animals – a non-systematic review

The intestinal structure and gut microbiota are essential for the animals‘ health. Chemical components taken with food provide the right environment for a specific microbiome which, together with its metabolites and the products of digestion, create an environment, which in turn is affects the population size of specific bacteria. Disturbances in the composition of the gut microbiota can be a reason for the malformation of guts, which has a decisive impact on the animal‘ health. This review aimed to analyse scientific literature, published over the past 20 years, concerning the effect of nutritional factors on gut health, determined by the intestinal structure and microbiota of monogastric animals. Several topics have been investigated: bioactive compounds (probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and herbal active substances), antibiotics and heavy metals (essentaial minerals and toxic heavy metals).

Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum), a popular food spice and flavoring agent, has also been used traditionally to treat various ailments especially bacterial infections for centuries in various cultures around the world. The principal phytochemicals that exhibit antibacterial activity are oil-soluble organosulfur compounds that include allicin, ajoenes, and allyl sulfides. The organosulfur compounds of garlic exhibit a range of antibacterial properties such as bactericidal, antibiofilm, antitoxin, and anti-quorum sensing activity against a wide range of bacteria including multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains. The reactive organosulfur compounds form disulfide bonds with free sulfhydryl groups of enzymes and compromise the integrity of the bacterial membrane. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the development of antibiotic resistance as a global health concern and emphasizes antibiotic stewardship along with the urgent need to develop novel antibiotics. Multiple antibacterial effects of organosulfur compounds provide an excellent framework to develop them into novel antibiotics. The review provides a focused and comprehensive portrait of the status of garlic and its compounds as antibacterial agents. In addition, the emerging role of new technologies to harness the potential of garlic as a novel antibacterial agent is discussed.

Thiosulfinate-Enriched Allium sativum Extract as an Adjunct to Antibiotic Treatment of Sepsis in a Rat Peritonitis Model

Up to now, there are no studies that have shown a decrease in morbidity and mortality in the context of sepsis and septic shock, except for antibiotic therapy and the objective-guided resuscitation strategy. The goal was to evaluate the use of thiosulfinate-enriched Allium sativum extract (TASE) as an adjuvant in the management of sepsis. An experimental in vivo study was carried out with male Sprague Dawley® rats. Animals were randomized in three treatment groups: the control group (I), antibiotic (ceftriaxone) treatment group (II) and ceftriaxone plus TASE treatment group (III). All animals were housed and inoculated with 1 × 1010 CFU/15 mL of intraperitoneal Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Subsequently, they received a daily treatment according to each group for 7 days. Clinical, analytical, microbiological, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Statistically significant clinical improvement was observed in the ceftriaxone plus TASE vs. ceftriaxone group in weight, ocular secretions, whiskers separation and physical activity level (p ≤ 0.05). When comparing interleukins on the third day of treatment between II and III, we found statistically significant differences in IL-1 levels (p < 0.05). Blood and peritoneal liquid cultures of group I were positive for multisensitive E. coli. Group II and III cultures were negative for E. coli, although an overgrowth of Enterococcus faecalis was found. In conclusion, TASE used as an adjuvant to antibiotic treatment in the management of sepsis could improve response profiles with sepsis attenuation, thus reducing overall mortality after an animal peritonitis model.

Comparative study of allicin-containing quadruple therapy vs. bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Bismuth has antimicrobial activity and can improve the efficacy of triple Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) therapy. Allicin added to conventional therapy for H. pylori infection also improves H. pylori eradication rates. Thus, this study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of allicin-containing quadruple therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy and to investigate the factors that affect the eradication rates.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty H. pylori-infected patients were included and randomly (1:1) assigned to 14-day quadruple therapy: ilaprazole (5 mg bid), doxycycline (100 mg bid), and furazolidone (100 mg bid) with an allicin soft capsule (40 mg of DATS tid) (IDFA) or colloidal bismuth tartrate (220 mg of elemental bismuth bid) (IDFB). Eradication was confirmed by urea breath tests. Symptom improvement, adverse events, and adherence were assessed by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates for IDFA and IDFB groups were 87.5% (70/80) vs. 86.3% (69/80, P = 0.815) and 91.9% (68/74) vs. 91.8% (67/73, P = 0.980) as first-line therapies; 83.3% (25/30) vs. 83.3% (25/30, P = 1) and 89.3% (25/28) vs. 88.9% (24/27, P = 1) as second-line therapies. Symptom improvement rates were 96.1% and 97.0% for IDFA and IDFB (P = 1). The adverse event rates were 10.9% in IDFA and 14.5% in IDFB groups (P = 0.418). Nausea occurred frequently in IDFB than IDFA (1.8% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.030). Smoking and sharing utensils significantly affected the efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Allicin-containing quadruple therapy might be regarded as a promising alternative to bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in H. pylori eradication.

Effects of dietary Korean garlic extract aged byLeuconostoc mesenteroidesKCCM35046 on growth performance, digestibility, blood profiles, gas emissions, and microbiota in weanling pigs

A total of 150 crossbred pigs [(Duroc × Yorkshire) × Landrace; body weight (BW) = 5.74 ± 1.15 kg; weaned at day 21 after birth] were assigned to one of five dietary treatments (six pens per treatment and five pigs per pen) by BW and sex (two barrows and three gilts) for a 6 wk experiment. The pen was considered the experimental unit in the statistical model. Treatments were corn–soybean meal diets supplemented with 0.0033% tiamulin as well as 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, or 0.20% fermented garlic (FG). The average daily gain, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio were linearly (p < 0.05) increased by FG inclusion during days 21–42 and days 0–42. Dietary supplementation of FG linearly increased (p < 0.05) the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy as well as blood immunoglobulin G concentration during week 6. The fecal ammonia (NH3), total mercaptan emissions, and Escherichia coli counts were linearly (p < 0.05) reduced by FG in the diet. Dietary supplementation of FG increased (p < 0.05) ADFI during days 21–42 and days 0–42 and reduced (p < 0.05) fecal NH3emissions compared with pigs fed tiamulin. In conclusion, the results indicate that FG can enhance growth performance and digestibility, and reduce fecal E. coli counts as well as fecal gas emissions in weanling pigs.

Cost Effective Use of a Thiosulfinate-Enriched Allium sativum Extract in Combination with Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer

In this work, we sought to investigate the effects of a thiosulfinate-enriched garlic extract, co-administered with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or oxaliplatin chemotherapy, on the viability of colon cancer cells (Caco-2 and HT-29). We also addressed the economic feasibility of a new combined treatment of this thiosulfinate-enriched garlic extract, with oxaliplatin that could reduce the dosage and costs of a monotherapy. The thiosulfinate-enriched garlic extract not only enhanced the impact of 5-FU and oxaliplatin (500 µM) in decreasing Caco-2 and HT-29 viability, but also showed a higher effect than standard 5-FU and oxaliplatin chemotherapy as anti-cancer agents. These results provided evidences for the combination of lyophilized garlic extract and 5-FU or oxaliplatin as a novel chemotherapy regimen in colon cancer cells that may also reduce the clinical therapy costs.

Dietary addition of garlic straw improved the intestinal barrier in rabbits1

Weanling rabbits frequently exhibit diarrhea or flatulence. Our experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of garlic straw on the performance and intestinal barrier of rabbits. Hyla rabbits (60 d, n = 160) with similar body weight were divided into 4 groups (4 replicates per group and 10 rabbits per replicate): fed a basal diet (control) or fed an experimental diet with 5%, 10%, or 15% garlic straw powder supplement. The results showed that the dietary addition of garlic straw increased significantly the average daily gain and average daily feed intake. Compared with the control, dietary addition of 10% and 15% garlic straw decreased significantly the death rate of rabbit. Rabbits in 10% garlic straw group had a higher secretory immunoglobulins A and immunoglobulins G concentration in jejunum and ileum than control while lower tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) concentration in jejunum. Compared with the control, dietary addition of 10% garlic straw increased significantly genes expression of zonula occluden protein 2 (ZO2) in jejunum and ileum and mucin4 in ileum while did not alter the genes expression of junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2), JAM3, ZO1, occluding, claudin1, mucin1, mucin6, and toll-like receptor 4 in jejunum and ileum and mucin4 in jejunum. In conclusion, dietary supplement of garlic straw modulates immune responses and enhances intestinal barrier, meanwhile inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokine of TNFα. Besides, our experiment offers positive evidence in improving rabbit health of garlic instead of antibiotics.

Effect of dietary supplementation of fermented garlic by Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM35046, on growth performance, blood constituents, nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and fecal scores in sows and their piglets

Eighteen lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were used in an experiment to determine the effects of fermented garlic by Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM35046 on growth performance, blood constituents, nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and fecal scores in sows and their piglets. The experiment was started before farrowing 30 d to weaning, and sows were randomly assigned to the following dietary treatments: control basal diet (CON) and the CON + 0.1% or 0.2% fermented garlic (FG). During the lactation period, sows had free access to feed and water. At farrowing day and weaning (day 28), body weight (BW) loss of sows reduced linearly (P = 0.042; P = 0.006, respectively) in FG diets. There was a linear improvement in piglets’ BW with increasing dietary FG levels at weaning (P = 0.033). Piglets fed the diets with the FG linearly increased the average daily gain (ADG) at the 3rd and 4th weeks (P = 0.041; P = 0.002, respectively). Overall, the ADG of piglets linearly increased when lactating sows fed the diets with FG supplementation (P = 0.004). Red blood cell concentrations linearly decreased (P = 0.004) in sows fed dietary FG supplementation at the weaning day. Dietary inclusion of the FG tended to increase the fecal Lactobacillus population and decrease Escherichia coli population of piglets at weanling day (P = 0.075; P = 0.051, respectively). In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that dietary supplementation of FG (0.1% and 0.2%) improved growth performance in sows and their piglets.

Effects of Feeding Garlic Powder on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and the Health Status of Lambs Infected by Gastrointestinal Nematodes

Simple Summary

Non-chemical strategies to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) infection are urgently needed to support the sustainable development of the livestock industry. The potential anti-parasitic properties in garlic powder to control sheep GINs was investigated in this study. The key finding of this study was that feeding garlic powder increased growth performance of lambs infected with GINs by decreasing fecal egg counts and improving feed digestion, rumen fermentation, and the health status of lambs.

Abstract

For the study, forty lambs were weighed and assigned into two treatments to determine the effects of feeding garlic powder on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and the health status of lambs infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). The lambs were fed with a basal diet without or with 50 g/kg garlic powder for 84 d. Data were analyzed by a general linear or mixed model of SAS software and differences were considered statistically significant if p ≤ 0.05. Results showed that garlic powder supplementation increased the lambs’ average daily gain (p = 0.025), digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.019), and crude protein (p = 0.007). No significant changes were observed on the dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, as well as the apparent digestibility of lipid and fiber. An interactive effect between treatment and feeding day was observed on ruminal pH (p < 0.001) and ammonia nitrogen concentration (p < 0.001). Ruminal pH (p < 0.001) and ammonia nitrogen concentration (p < 0.001) decreased with garlic powder supplementation, while ammonia nitrogen concentration increased (p = 0.001) with the extension of the feeding period. Garlic powder supplementation increased the total volatile fatty acid concentration (p < 0.001) in the rumen fluid, the molar proportion of acetic acid (p = 0.002), propionic acid (p < 0.001), and isovaleric acid (p = 0.049), but it decreased the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p = 0.015). The lambs’ fecal egg count decreased (p < 0.001), but the packed cell volume and body condition scores of lambs increased (p < 0.001) with garlic powder supplementation. In conclusion, feeding garlic powder increased growth performance, feed digestion, rumen fermentation, and the health status of lambs infected with GINs.

Bioactive 2-(Methyldithio)Pyridine-3-Carbonitrile from Persian Shallot (Allium stipitatum Regel.) Exerts Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity

Antibiotic resistance is a problem that continues to challenge the healthcare sector, especially in clinically significant pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Herein is described the isolation and structure elucidation of a bioactive compound from Allium stipitatum with antimicrobial activity. Crude Allium stipitatum dichloromethane extract (ASDE) was subjected to systematic purification by chromatographic procedures to afford various bioactive fractions. A fraction that exhibited anti-MRSA activity (4 µg·mL-1) was further characterized to determine the structure. The structure of the compound was elucidated as 2-(methyldithio)pyridine-3-carbonitrile (2-Medpy-3-CN). The 2-Medpy-3-CN compound, which was screened for antimicrobial activity, exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 0.5 to >64 µg·mL-1 for tested bacterial species and 0.25 to 2 µg·mL-1 for Candida spp. Further studies are important to confirm the drug target and mechanism of action.

The association of garlic with Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Garlic may be protective against Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer development. We conducted this study to quantitatively update evidence on garlic intake and gastric cancer with the inclusion of most recent cohort studies and qualitatively summarize epidemiological studies of garlic consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were searched on April 2018. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether garlic intake reduced gastric cancer risk using random-effect models and a systematic review to summarize evidence on the association between garlic consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection. Risk of bias was assessed using tools of Cochrane risk of bias and Robins-I for randomized and nonrandomized studies, respectively.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of 18 studies (142 921 subjects) demonstrated high garlic consumption (as comparing the highest category to the lowest) was associated with a reduced gastric cancer risk (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.44-0.57). This association became nonsignificant if only derived from the prospective studies (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.66-1.24). Thirteen studies (4889 participants) were included in the systematic review for garlic consumption and Helicobacter pylori infection; ten of which found no significant results. The majority of these studies were poor in quality given the small sample size and high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled evidence, mainly from case-control studies, suggested a significant inverse association of garlic intake with gastric cancer risk. Given the limitations of included studies, current epidemiological evidence is not sufficient to reach any definite conclusion regarding the association of garlic with Helicobacter pylori infection.

In Vitro and In Vivo Immunomodulator Activities of Allium sativum L

Allium Sativum L. (garlic), which is a species of the onion family, Alliaceae, is one of the most used plants in traditional medicine worldwide. More than 200 chemicals with diverse properties have been found in garlic extracts. Several garlic compounds were suggested to be efficient in improving various pathologies including certain types of cancer. This paper is an overview of data about garlic biological activities in vitro and/or in vivo on immune cells, on the development of certain inflammatory diseases, and on different types of carcinomas and sarcomas. Garlic and its compounds were found to have notable antioxidant properties. Garlic therapeutic potential has also been studied in several inflammatory diseases such as allergic-airway inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritic rheumatism, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, garlic was found to be able to maintain the immune system homeostasis and to exhibit beneficial effects on immune cells especially through regulation of proliferation and cytokine gene expression. Finally, we will show how major garlic components such as sulfur compounds and polyphenols might be responsible for the garlic biological activities revealed in different situations. If identified, specific compounds present in garlic could potentially be used in therapy.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs

A 12-week trial with 120 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (45.65 ± 1.93 kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture (HM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of three treatments with 0, 0.025% (HM1) and 0.05% (HM2) HM supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 10 replications with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Dietary HM resulted in a higher G:F (p < 0.05) than CON group during weeks 7 to 12 and the overall periods. Pigs fed HM2 diet had higher ADG than pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed HM2 supplementation diet led to a higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) than pigs fed CON diet at week 6, while the supplementation of HM led to a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than pigs fed CON diet at week 12. The faecal E. coli counts were reduced, and Lactobacillus counts were increased by increasing HM supplementation (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HM1 diet had higher (p < 0.05) WBC concentration than those fed CON and HM2 diets at week 6. Pigs fed HM-supplemented diet had higher (p < 0.05) IgG and IgA concentrations than those fed CON diet at week 12. Pigs fed HM diet noted better (p < 0.05) meat colour and redness value than pigs fed CON diet. Pig fed HM2 reduced (p < 0.05) the lightness value compared with CON group. In conclusion, dietary HM supplementation exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbial balance (increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), immune response and meat quality.

Allium sativum L. regulates in vitro IL-17 gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Background

Allium sativum L. (A.S.) “garlic”, one of the most interesting medicinal plants, has been suggested to contain compounds that could be beneficial in numerous pathological situations including cancer. In this work, we aimed to assess the immunomodulatory effect of A.S. preparation on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals.

Methods

Nontoxic doses of A.S. were identified using MTT assay. Effects on CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocyte proliferation were studied using flow cytometry. The effect of A.S. on cytokine gene expression was studied using qRT-PCR. Finally, qualitative analysis of A.S. was performed by HPLC approach. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA test.

Results

The nontoxic doses of A.S. preparation did not affect neither spontaneous nor TCR-mediated CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocyte proliferation. Interestingly, A.S. exhibited a statistically significant regulation of IL-17 gene expression, a cytokine involved in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In contrast, the expression of IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was unaffected. Qualitative analysis of A.S. ethanol preparation indicated the presence of three polyphenol bioactive compounds, which are catechin, vanillic acid and ferulic acid.

Conclusion

The specific inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-17 without affecting cell proliferation in human PBMCs by the Allium sativum L. preparation suggests a potential valuable effect of the compounds present in this plant for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer, where IL-17 is highly expressed. The individual contribution of these three compounds to this global effect will be assessed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1365-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of crude N-acetylneuraminic acid isolated from glycomacropeptide of whey

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa of about half of the world's population, causing chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. An increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant H. pylori arouses demand on alternative non-antibiotic-based therapies. In this study, we freshly prepared crude N-acetylneuraminic acid obtained from glycomacropeptide (G-NANA) of whey through a neuraminidase-mediated reaction and evaluated its antibacterial ability against H. pylori and H. felis. Overnight cultures of the H. pylori were diluted with fresh media and different concentrations (1-150 mg/mL) of crude G-NANA were added directly to the culture tube. Bacterial growth was evaluated by measuring the optical density of the culture medium and the number of viable bacteria was determined by a direct count of the colony forming units (CFU) on agar plates. For the in vivo study, mice were orally infected with 100 µL (5×10(8) cfu/mL) of H. felis four times at a day's interval, accompanied by a daily administration of crude G-NANA or vehicle. A day after the last infection, the mice were daily administered the crude G-NANA (0, 75, and 300 mg/mL) for 10 days and euthanized. Their stomachs were collected and bacterial colonization was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Crude G-NANA inhibited H. pylori's growth and reduced the number of viable bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, crude G-NANA inhibited bacterial colonization in the mice. These results showed that crude G-NANA has antibacterial activity against Helicobacter and demonstrated its therapeutic potential for the prevention of chronic gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis induced by Helicobacter infection in humans.

The redox-active drug metronidazole and thiol-depleting garlic compounds act synergistically in the protist parasite Spironucleus vortens

Spironucleus vortens is a protozoan parasite associated with significant mortalities in the freshwater angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare. Control of this parasite is especially problematic due to restrictions on the use of the drug of choice, metronidazole (MTZ), on fish farms. Use of garlic (Allium sativum) is undergoing a renaissance following experimental validations of its antimicrobial efficiency. Ajoene ((E,Z)-4,5,9-trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene 9-oxide), is a stable transformation product of allicin, the primary biologically active component of garlic. In the current study, an ajoene oil crude extract had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40μg/ml against S. vortens. GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy revealed this ajoene extract contained a mixture of the (E) and (Z)-ajoene isomers along with diallyl disulphide (DADS) and diallyl trisulphide (DATS). The only component of the ajoene crude oil found to substantially inhibit S. vortens growth by optical density monitoring (Bioscreen C Reader) was (Z)-ajoene (MIC 16μg/ml). Ajoene oil acted in synergy with MTZ in vitro, reducing the individual MIC of this drug (4μg/ml) by 16-fold, and that of ajoene oil by 200-fold with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.263. This synergistic interaction was confirmed in vivo. S. vortens-infected Pterophyllum scalare angelfish dosed orally with 0.5% (v/w) MTZ combined with 0.05% (v/w) ajoene displayed a significant reduction in faecal trophozoite count, whilst those fed on 0.5% MTZ flakes (half the recommended oral dose) alone did not. This study demonstrates for the first time the synergistic interaction between the synthetic drug MTZ and natural ajoene oil both in vitro and in vivo. Future work should evaluate the potential synergy of ajoene and MTZ against MTZ-resistant bacteria and protists.

Garlic Lowers Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals, Regulates Serum Cholesterol, and Stimulates Immunity: An Updated Meta-analysis and Review

BACKGROUND

Garlic has been shown to have cardiovascular protective and immunomodulatory properties.

OBJECTIVES

We updated a previous meta-analysis on the effect of garlic on blood pressure and reviewed the effect of garlic on cholesterol and immunity.

METHODS

We searched the Medline database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1955 and December 2013 on the effect of garlic preparations on blood pressure. In addition, we reviewed the effect of garlic on cholesterol and immunity.

RESULTS

Our updated meta-analysis on the effect of garlic on blood pressure, which included 20 trials with 970 participants, showed a mean ± SE decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 5.1 ± 2.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001) and a mean ± SE decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 2.5 ± 1.6 mm Hg (P < 0.002) compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis of trials in hypertensive subjects (SBP/DBP ≥140/90 mm Hg) at baseline revealed a larger significant reduction in SBP of 8.7 ± 2.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001; n = 10) and in DBP of 6.1 ± 1.3 mm Hg (P < 0.001; n = 6). A previously published meta-analysis on the effect of garlic on blood lipids, which included 39 primary RCTs and 2300 adults treated for a minimum of 2 wk, suggested garlic to be effective in reducing total and LDL cholesterol by 10% if taken for >2 mo by individuals with slightly elevated concentrations [e.g., total cholesterol >200 mg/dL (>5.5 mmol/L)]. Garlic has immunomodulating effects by increasing macrophage activity, natural killer cells, and the production of T and B cells. Clinical trials have shown garlic to significantly reduce the number, duration, and severity of upper respiratory infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that garlic supplements have the potential to lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, to regulate slightly elevated cholesterol concentrations, and to stimulate the immune system. Garlic supplements are highly tolerated and may be considered as a complementary treatment option for hypertension, slightly elevated cholesterol, and stimulation of immunity. Future long-term trials are needed to elucidate the effect of garlic on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds

The benefits of garlic to health have been proclaimed for centuries; however, only recently have Allium sativum and its derivatives been proposed as promising candidates for maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. The complex biochemistry of garlic makes it possible for variations in processing to yield different preparations with differences in final composition and compound proportion. In this review, we assess the most recent experimental results, which indicate that garlic appears to enhance the functioning of the immune system by stimulating certain cell types, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and eosinophils, by mechanisms including modulation of cytokine secretion, immunoglobulin production, phagocytosis, and macrophage activation. Finally, because immune dysfunction plays an important role in the development and progress of several diseases, we critically examined immunoregulation by garlic extracts and compounds isolated, which can contribute to the treatment and prevention of pathologies such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disorders, gastric ulcer, and even cancer. We concluded that A. sativum modulates cytokine secretion and that such modulation may provide a mechanism of action for many of their therapeutic effects.

Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study

Objectives:

To assess and compare the antimicrobial effect of garlic extract and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash solution against oral salivary microorganisms.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty six salivary samples were obtained in dry plastic vials. Collected saliva samples were centrifuged. Each vial was mixed completely on a shaker after which 1 ml of saliva was added to 9 ml of ethanol by a sterile pipette and mixed. A volume of 1 ml of garlic hydro-alcoholic extract and 1 ml of mouthwash was added to 1 ml each case specimen and was transferred to culture medium of Trypticase Soy Agar. Agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h to allow for microbial growth. Microbial colonies were counted by independent interpreter to evaluate the result.

Statistical Analysis:

Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. P < 0.001 was considered statistically significant.

Result:

Result of the study shows that mean colony count of salivary microbial population was (1984 ± 400) 1127 in saline group (negative control), (50 ± 4) 27 in (0.12%) CHX group (positive control), (700 ± 200) 469 in garlic extract (5%) group (case control).

Conclusion:

Mouthwash containing garlic extract can be used as an alternative to CHX mouthwash.

Antimicrobial activity of natural products against Helicobacter pylori: a review

Throughout the genetic and physiological evolution of microorganisms, the microbiological sciences have been expanding the introduction of new therapeutic trials against microbial diseases. Special attention has been paid to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which induces gastric infections capable of causing damage, ranging from acute and chronic gastritis to the development of gastric cancer and death. The use of compounds with natural origins has gained popularity in scientific research focused on drug innovation against H. pylori because of their broad flexibility and low toxicity. The aim of this study was to describe the use of natural products against H. pylori in order to clarify important parameters for related fields. The study demonstrated the vast therapeutic possibilities for compounds originating from natural sources and revealed the need for innovations from future investigations to expand the therapeutic arsenal in the fight against H. pylori infection.

Gastric cancer and allium vegetable intake: a critical review of the experimental and epidemiologic evidence

There are suggestions of an anticancerogenic effect of allium vegetables and their associated organosulfur components against several cancer types, including gastric cancer, but the issue remains open to discussion and quantification. The present critical review discussed the history, the health properties, the chemistry, the anticancerogenic evidences from experimental studies, and the anticancer mechanisms of allium vegetables. We also summarized findings from epidemiological studies concerning the association between different types of allium vegetables and gastric cancer risk, published up to date. Available data, derived mainly from case-control studies, suggested a favorable role of high intakes of allium vegetables, mainly garlic and onion, in the etiology of gastric cancer. In particular, of 10 studies, 7 suggested a favorable role of high intake of total allium vegetables and gastric cancer. All 14 studies on garlic and most studies on onion (more than 80%) reported a beneficial role of these allium types against gastric cancer. However several limitations, including possible publication bias and the difficulty to establish a dose-risk relationship, suggest caution in the interpretation. Evidences on other types of allium vegetables, as well as on the influence of different gastric cancer anatomical and histological types, are less consistent.

Nontraditional therapies to treat Helicobacter pylori infection

The Gram-negative pathogen Helicobacter pylori is increasingly more resistant to the three major antibiotics (metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin) that are most commonly used to treat infection. As a result, there is an increased rate of treatment failure; this translates into an overall higher cost of treatment due to the need for increased length of treatment and/or the requirement for combination or sequential therapy. Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, the complicated treatment regime, and issues related to patient compliance that stem from the duration and complexity of treatment, there is clearly a pressing need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat H. pylori infection. As such, researchers are actively investigating the utility of antimicrobial peptides, small molecule inhibitors and naturopathic therapies. Herein we review and discuss each of these novel approaches as a means to target this important gastric pathogen.

Alternative therapies for Helicobacter pylori: probiotics and phytomedicine

Helicobacter pylori is a common human pathogen infecting about 30% of children and 60% of adults worldwide and is responsible for diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. Treatment against H. pylori is based on the use of antibiotics, but therapy failure can be higher than 20% and is essentially due to an increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which has led to the search for alternative therapies. In this review, we discuss alternative therapies for H. pylori, mainly phytotherapy and probiotics. Probiotics are live organisms or produced substances that are orally administrated, usually in addition to conventional antibiotic therapy. They may modulate the human microbiota and promote health, prevent antibiotic side effects, stimulate the immune response and directly compete with pathogenic bacteria. Phytomedicine consists of the use of plant extracts as medicines or health-promoting agents, but in most cases the molecular mode of action of the active ingredients of these herbal extracts is unknown. Possible mechanisms include inhibition of H. pylori urease enzyme, disruption of bacterial cell membrane, and modulation of the host immune system. Other alternative therapies are also reviewed.

Effects of fermented garlic powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs

One hundred pigs (BW=50.7 ± 1.89 kg) were used to investigate the effects of fermented garlic powder (FGP) in growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were allotted to one of five treatments, included: (i) NC (basal diet); (ii) PC (NC+44 mg/kg of Tylosin); (iii) FGP1 (NC + 1 g/kg FGP); (iv) FGP2 (NC + 2 g/kg FGP); and (v) FGP4 (NC+4 g/kg FGP). Supplemental FGP increased average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio compared with those fed NC diet throughout the experiment (P<0.05, linearly). Dietary PC treatment increased the ADG and average daily feed intake during the first 6 weeks (P<0.05). The inclusion of FGP2 and FGP4 treatments had higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (P<0.05) than those in the NC treatment. Dietary NC treatment exhibited lower (P<0.05) lymphocyte count (6 and 12 weeks) and immunoglobulin G (12 weeks) than those in the other treatments. Marbling scores were higher (P<0.05) in FGP treatment groups than the NC treatments. Pigs fed on FGP2 and FG4 diets evidenced lower 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (P<0.05) than those in the NC and PC treatments. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FGP at a level of 2 or 4 g/kg improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

Investigating antibacterial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) concentrate and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds on Campylobacter jejuni by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the cell injury and inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni from exposure to antioxidants from garlic. C. jejuni was treated with various concentrations of garlic concentrate and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds in growth media and saline at 4, 22, and 35°C. The antimicrobial activities of the diallyl sulfides increased with the number of sulfur atoms (diallyl sulfide < diallyl disulfide < diallyl trisulfide). FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed that organosulfur compounds are responsible for the substantial antimicrobial activity of garlic, much greater than those of garlic phenolic compounds, as indicated by changes in the spectral features of proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides in the bacterial cell membranes. Confocal Raman microscopy (532-nm-gold-particle substrate) and Raman mapping of a single bacterium confirmed the intracellular uptake of sulfur and phenolic components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to verify cell damage. Principal-component analysis (PCA), discriminant function analysis (DFA), and soft independent modeling of class analogs (SIMCA) were performed, and results were cross validated to differentiate bacteria based upon the degree of cell injury. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) was employed to quantify and predict actual numbers of healthy and injured bacterial cells remaining following treatment. PLSR-based loading plots were investigated to further verify the changes in the cell membrane of C. jejuni treated with organosulfur compounds. We demonstrated that bacterial injury and inactivation could be accurately investigated by complementary infrared and Raman spectroscopies using a chemical-based, "whole-organism fingerprint" with the aid of chemometrics and electron microscopy.

Diet before pregnancy and the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (hyperemesis), characterised by severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, has an unknown aetiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate food and nutrient intake before pregnancy and the risk of developing hyperemesis in women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. From 1999 to 2002, a total of 7710 pregnant women answered a FFQ about their diet during the 12 months before becoming pregnant and a questionnaire about illnesses during pregnancy, including hyperemesis. Only women who were hospitalised for hyperemesis were included as cases. Nutrient intakes during the year before pregnancy did not differ between the ninety-nine women who developed hyperemesis and the 7611 who did not. However, the intake of seafood, allium vegetables and water was significantly lower among women who developed hyperemesis than among women in the non-hyperemesis group. Relative risks of hyperemesis were approximated as OR, and confounder control was performed with multiple logistic regression. Women in the upper tertile of seafood consumption had a lower risk of developing hyperemesis than those in the lower tertile (OR 0·56, 95 % CI 0·32, 0·98), and women in the second tertile of water intake had a lower risk of developing hyperemesis than those in the first tertile (OR 0·43, 95 % CI 0·25, 0·73). The findings suggest that a moderate intake of water and adherence to a healthy diet that includes vegetables and fish are associated with a lower risk of developing hyperemesis.