Evaluation of synergism between Cefotaxime and Allium sativum against Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and Ambler class C co-producers

The present study evaluates the synergistic association between Cefotaxime and aqueous garlic (Allium sativum)extract (AGE) on extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and Ambler Class C (AmpC) co-producing Escherichiacoli strains from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Ceftazidime-resistant E. coli strains were screened for betalactamase production by phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test (PCDDT) and E-test. Antibacterial activity ofAGE was examined by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cefotaximeand AGE was determined. The synergistic association between Cefotaxime and AGE was evaluated by calculatingthe fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index, time-kill kinetics assay (TKA), and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The zone of inhibition by AGE against the 27 E. coli co-producers of ESBL and AmpC ranged from 17 to 30mm. The average MIC of Cefotaxime and AGE was found to be 570 μg/ml and 0.86% (4.28 mg/ml), respectively. TheFIC index obtained by the checkerboard method established a synergistic association between Cefotaxime and AGEin 10 (37%) test strains, which was confirmed by TKA. The SEM analysis revealed complete cell degradation at 8hours on the treatment with Cefotaxime-AGE combination. It can be stated that the AGE may aid Cefotaxime in thetreatment of beta-lactamase producing E. coli strains from SSTIs.

Evaluation of synergism between Cefotaxime and Allium sativum against Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and Ambler class C co-producers

The present study evaluates the synergistic association between Cefotaxime and aqueous garlic (Allium sativum)extract (AGE) on extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and Ambler Class C (AmpC) co-producing Escherichiacoli strains from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Ceftazidime-resistant E. coli strains were screened for betalactamase production by phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test (PCDDT) and E-test. Antibacterial activity ofAGE was examined by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cefotaximeand AGE was determined. The synergistic association between Cefotaxime and AGE was evaluated by calculatingthe fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index, time-kill kinetics assay (TKA), and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The zone of inhibition by AGE against the 27 E. coli co-producers of ESBL and AmpC ranged from 17 to 30mm. The average MIC of Cefotaxime and AGE was found to be 570 μg/ml and 0.86% (4.28 mg/ml), respectively. TheFIC index obtained by the checkerboard method established a synergistic association between Cefotaxime and AGEin 10 (37%) test strains, which was confirmed by TKA. The SEM analysis revealed complete cell degradation at 8hours on the treatment with Cefotaxime-AGE combination. It can be stated that the AGE may aid Cefotaxime in thetreatment of beta-lactamase producing E. coli strains from SSTIs

MIC, MBIC, MBEC analyses of garlic extract (Allium sativum) from Indonesian variety against Streptococcus mutans

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for traditional medicine since ages. It has many uses such as an antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-aging, reduce the risk of heart disease, and antibacterial1. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the inhibition and eradication ability for garlic against Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that cause dental caries. Methods: Garlic extract was obtained from Ciwidey garlic maseration process in etanol 96%. MIC was a test to measure the inhibition ability of garlic extract against Streptococcus mutans in planktonic form, and MBIC in biofilms form. MBEC was a test to measure the eradication ability of garlic extract against Streptococcus mutans in biofilms form. Statistic analysis using ANOVA followed by post hoc with ρ value <0.05. Results: The garlic extract showed MIC value at 9.39 % and MBIC value at 37.5 % but was not observed to have eradication activity against Streptococcus mutans in biofilms form up to concentration 37.5%. Conclusion: Garlic extract inhibit Streptococcus mutans both in planktonic and biofilm form. Garlic extract has no eradication activity against Streptococcus mutans in biofilms form up to concentration 37.5% (AU)

Aged garlic extract and S-allylcysteine prevent apoptotic cell death in a chemical hypoxia model

BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract (AGE) and its main constituent S-allylcysteine (SAC) are natural antioxidants with protective effects against cerebral ischemia or cancer, events that involve hypoxia stress. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) has been used to mimic hypoxic conditions through the stabilization of the α subunit of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) and up-regulation of HIF-1α-dependent genes as well as activation of hypoxic conditions such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. The present study was designed to assess the effect of AGE and SAC on the CoCl2-chemical hypoxia model in PC12 cells. RESULTS: We found that CoCl2 induced the stabilization of HIF-1α and its nuclear localization. CoCl2 produced ROS and apoptotic cell death that depended on hypoxia extent. The treatment with AGE and SAC decreased ROS and protected against CoCl2-induced apoptotic cell death which depended on the CoCl2 concentration and incubation time. SAC or AGE decreased the number of cells in the early and late stages of apoptosis. Interestingly, this protective effect was associated with attenuation in HIF-1α stabilization, activity not previously reported for AGE and SAC. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results show that AGE and SAC decreased apoptotic CoCl2-induced cell death. This protection occurs by affecting the activity of HIF-1α and supports the use of these natural compounds as a therapeutic alternative for hypoxic conditions

Some Results of the Study on the Technology of Suppository with Garlic Extract / Монголын эм зүй, эм судлал

Background: In the world there are 400 million people affected by pinworm disease and children aged 5-12 comprise of 10-90% in the epidemic center. Purpose: Main goal is to process the technology of the suppository with garlic extract. Materials and methods:130.0 gram Uliastai sort garlic with red husk (Allium sativium, Liliaceae) and 70 percent ethyl spirit 1:1. The experiment determined suppository bioavailability prepared from 3 types of base rated with cacao paraffin (80:20), cacao: paraffin (70:30), cacao from garlic extract on the turning basket equipment in the condition (pH=8) and measured it UV mini-1240 spectrometer in 240 nm. Results: From the results, we noticed that as for suppository bioavailability cacao base with 5 percent garlic extract prepared from 3 different bases, was 1.37 times more than cacao: paraffin base (70:30) and 5.23 times more than (80:20). We processed the technology scheme of suppository with 5 percent garlic extract. Suppository bioavailability cacao: paraffin (70:30), prepared from cacao base was better than cacao: paraffin base (80:20). Key words: garlic extract, suppository, bioavailability

Anti-microbial efficacy of Allium sativum extract against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm and its penetration into the root dentin: An in vitro study.

Introduction: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has long been the most preferred root canal irrigant in endodontic treatment, but besides being an effective anti‑microbial agent, it is highly cytotoxic. Thus, a search for an alternative herbal irrigant which would be more biocompatible but equally effective led to this study. Aim: To assess the anti‑microbial efficacy of garlic extract (GE) against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm and its ability to penetrate into root dentin. Materials and Methods: E. faecalis was cultured and treated with the test agents ‑ normal saline, 5.25% of NaOCl, and the three different concentrations of GE (10%, 40%, and 70%). The experiment was done in four groups namely, 24‑h Co‑treatment group, 24‑h biofilm treatment group, 1‑week biofilm group, and 3‑week biofilm group. These groups were subjected to microbial viability assay and fluorescence microscopic analysis. The most effective concentration of garlic (70%) was further tested and compared with 5.25% NaOCl for its dentin penetration property using 0.2% alizarin red under a fluorescence microscope. Results: The findings revealed that GE was able to disrupt as well as prevent the formation of biofilm produced by E. faecalis. All the concentrations of GE displayed considerable anti‑microbial efficacy where 70% concentration was most effective and exhibited similar anti‑microbial efficacy as 5.25% NaOCl. In terms of dentin penetration, no significant difference was found between GE and NaOCl. Conclusion: The results indicate that GE has a potential to serve as an alternative herbal root canal irrigant being an effective and biocompatible anti‑microbial agent with good dentinal penetration property.

Effect of aged garlic extract on immune responses to experimental fibrosarcoma tumor in BALB/c mice.

BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract (AGE) has many biological activities including radical scavenging, antioxidative and immunomodulative effects. AIM: In this research work, the antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of AGE against fibrosarcoma implanted tumor were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: WEHI‑164 fibrosarcoma cells were implanted subcutaneously on day 0 into the right flank of 40 BALB/c mice at age of 8 weeks. Mice were randomly categorized in two separate groups: First received AGE (100 mg/kg, IP), second group as the control group received phosphate buffered saline. Treatments were carried out 3 times/week. Tumor growth was measured and morbidity was recorded. Subpopulations of CD4+/CD8+ T cells were determined using flow cytometry. WEHI‑164 cell specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes and in vitro production of interferon gamma (IFN‑γ) and interleukin‑4 cytokines were measured. RESULTS: The mice received AGE had significantly longer survival time compared with the control mice. The inhibitory effect on tumor growth was seen in AGE treated mice. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio and in vitro IFN‑γ production of splenocytes were significantly increased in AGE group. WEHI‑164 specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes from AGE mice was also significantly increased at 25:1 E: T ratio. CONCLUSION: Administration of AGE resulted in improved immune responses against experimentally implanted fibrosarcoma tumors in BALB/c mice. AGE showed significant effects on inhibition of tumor growth and longevity of survival times.

Aqueous extract of Allium sativum L bulbs offer nephroprotection by attenuating vascular endothelial growth factor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 expression in diabetic rats.

To investigate the nephroprotective effect of garlic and elucidate the mechanism by which it prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic rats, diabetes was induced by a single ip injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight). Garlic extract (500 mg/kg body weight) and aminoguanidine (1 g/L) were supplemented in the treatment groups. Histopathological examination using H&E, PAS staining and the immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) expression were performed on kidney sections at the end of 12 weeks. Significant change in both, the urine and serum biochemistry confirmed kidney damage in diabetic animals which was further confirmed by the histological changes such as mesangial expansion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, glycosuria and proteinuria. However, the diabetic animals treated with garlic extract showed a significant change in urine and serum biochemical parameters such as albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to that of diabetic rats. Further, the garlic supplemented diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and ERK-1 compared to diabetic rats, attenuating mesangial expansion and glomerulosclerosis. Thus, garlic extract rendered nephroprotection in diabetic rats.

Antibacterial effect of different concentrations of garlic (Allium sativum) extract on dental plaque bacteria.

Background: Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, exhibits antibacterial effects against a wide range of bacteria. Aim: The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the antibacterial effect of different concentrations of garlic extract against human dental plaque microbiota. Materials and Methods: Antibacterial activities of four different concentrations of garlic extract (5%, 10%, 20%, and 100%) were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and lactobacillus spp. using the disk diffusion method. Papers soaked in 0.2% concentration chlorhexidine gluconate and saline were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple comparisons test at a 5% significance level. Results: All bacterial strains were inhibited by all test materials. The inhibition zones of the different concentrations of garlic extract were not significantly different for S. mutans, S. sanguis, and S. salivarius. For P. aeruginosa and lactobacillus spp. the inhibition zones of 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations were not significantly different from one another, but they were significantly more than that of the 100% extract. Conclusion: The 5%, 10%, 20%, and 100% concentrations of garlic extract had similar effects, so further studies seem to be indicated on the usefulness of the 5% extract.

Aged garlic extract enhances exercise-mediated improvement of metabolic parameters in high fat diet-induced obese rats

Aged garlic extract (AGE) is known to have a protective effect against immune system, endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammation. We examined the effects of exercise with and without aged garlic extract administration on body weight, lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress marker in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a HFD (HFD, n = 40) or a normal diet (ND, n = 5) for 6 weeks and thereafter randomized into ND (n = 5), HFD (n = 10), HFD with AGE (n = 10), HFD with Exercise (n = 10), or HFD with Exercise+AGE (n = 10) for 4 weeks. AGE groups were administered at a dose of 2.86 g/kg.body weight, orally. Exercise consisted of running 15-60 min 5 days/week with gradually increasing intensity. AGE (P < 0.01), Exercise, and Exercise+AGE (P < 0.001) attenuated body weight gain and food efficiency ratio compared to HFD. Visceral fat and liver weight gain were attenuated (P < 0.05) with all three interventions with a greater effect on visceral fat in the Exercise+AGE than AGE (P < 0.001). In reducing visceral fat (P < 0.001), epididymal fat (P < 0.01) and liver weight (P < 0.001), Exercise+AGE was effective, but exercise showed a stronger suppressive effect than AGE. Exercise+AGE showed further additive effects on reducing visceral fat and liver weight (P < 0.001). AGE significantly attenuated the increase in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared with HFD (P < 0.05). Exercise+AGE attenuated the increase in triglycerides compared with HFD (P < 0.05). Exercise group significantly decrease in C-reactive protein (P < 0.001). These results suggest that AGE supplementation and exercise alone have anti-obesity, cholesterol lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects, but the combined intervention is more effective in reducing weight gain and triglycerides levels than either intervention alone.

Independent beneficial effects of aged garlic extract intake with regular exercise on cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of a 12 weeks aged garlic extract (AGE) regimen with regular exercise on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in postmenopausal women. A total of 30 postmenopausal women (54.4 +/- 5.4 years) were randomly divided into the following four groups: Placebo (Placebo; n = 6), AGE intake (AGEI; n = 8), exercise and placebo (Ex + Placebo; n = 8), exercise and AGE (Ex + AGE; n = 8) groups. The AGE group consume 80 mg per day, and exercise groups performed moderate exercise (aerobic and resistance) three times per week. After 12 weeks of treatment, body composition, lipid profile, and CVD risk factors were analyzed. Body weight was significantly decreased in AGEI, Ex + Placebo, and Ex + AGE groups compared to baseline. Body fat % was significantly decreased in the AGEI and Ex + Placebo groups. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly decreased in the AGEI, Ex + Placebo, and Ex + AGE groups. Fat-free mass was significantly decreased in the AGEI group. Total cholesterol (TC) was significantly lower in the Ex + Placebo compared to the Placebo group. AGE supplementation or exercise effectively reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C). Triglyceride (TG) was significantly increased in the AGEI group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in the AGEI, Ex + Placebo, and Ex + AGE compared to the placebo group. AGE supplementation reduced homocysteine levels regardless of whether the women also exercised. The present results suggest that AGE supplementation reduces cardiovascular risk factors independently of exercise in postmenopausal women.

Modulatory effects of garlic extract against the cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent which is used in the treatment of wide range of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Besides that it is a well known carcinogen. In this study by using chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) assays method, the modulatory effects exerted by the extract of garlic against the CP induced genotoxicity in the human lymphocyte cultures in vitro were tested. Three different doses of garlic extract were tested for their modulatory capacity on the mutagenecity exerted by 100 µg ml-1 of CP. The results indicate a significant decrease in the frequency of CA and SCE suggesting that the garlic extract modulates the CP induced genotoxicity in a dose dependent manner. These findings provide the future directions for the research on design and development of possible modulatory drugs containing garlic extract.

Parâmetros microcirculatórios e clínicos em pacientes com lipodistrofia ginoide tratadas topicamente com alho (15 ppM) / Microcirculatory and clinical parameters in patients with gynoid lipodystrophy treated with topical garlic (15PPM)

Introdução: Lipodistrofi a ginoide, popularmente conhecida como celulite, é considerada por milhões de mulheres como problema estético preocupante. Estudos recentemente publicados demonstraram que o extrato de alho pode ter utilidade para melhorar a lipólise e diminuir a lipogênese. Objetivo: O objetivo primário foi determinar se a aplicação tópica de uma loção contendo alho (15 ppm) melhoraria os parâmetros de celulite. Material e Métodos: 50 mulheres foram tratadas topicamente com uma loção contendo 15 ppm de alho. Todas as pacientes trataram uma perna, não trataram a outra e foram avaliadas (mensuração do diâmetro da coxa) antes do início do tratamento e depois em intervalos quinzenais, até oito semanas depois do início do tratamento. Em oito das participantes, os parâmetros microcirculatórios [velocidade dos eritrócitos nas arteríolas e vênulas (mm/s), densidade capilar funcional (DCF), diâmetro da papila dérmica (µm) e diâmetro do capilar (µm)] foram medidos por Cytoscan®. O exato local na coxa para essas mensurações foi marcado numa folha transparente como garantia de que todas as medidas seriam tomadas no mesmo lugar. Seis mulheres participantes do grupo de exame por Cytoscan® também foram avaliadas por ultrassom, para determinar a espessura do tecido subcutâneo. Resultados: Depois do tratamento com alho, ocorreu redução de 1,62 cm no diâmetro da coxa tratada (p < 0,001) sem mudanças signifi cativas nos diâmetros da papila e dos capilares, mas a DCF melhorou signifi cativamente (p < 0,03), tendo ocorrido redução na espessura da epiderme e da derme depois do tratamento tópico com alho. Conclusões: O uso de extrato de alho na concentração de 0,0015% resultou em melhora clínica, microcirculatória e ultrassonográfi ca signifi cativa da celulite.

Introdução: Gynoid lipodystrophy, popularly known as cellulite, is regarded as an issue of cosmetic concern to millions of women. Recent studies have shown that garlic extract can be useful to enhance lipolysis and decrease lipogenesis. Objective: The primary objective was to determine if topical application of a lotion containing garlic (15 ppm) would improve cellulite parameters. Material and Methods: 50 women were treated topically with a lotion containing 15 ppm of garlic. All patients treated one leg, did not treat the other one and were evaluated (measurement of thigh diameter) before and in biweekly intervals up to 8 weeks after the onset of treatment. On eight of these subjects, microcirculatory parameters [red blood cell velocity in arterioles and venules (mm/s), functional capillary density (FCD), diameter of the dermal papilla (µm) and capillary diameter (µm)] were measured using the Cytoscan®. The exact thigh local for these measurements was marked in a transparent sheet, to assure that all of them were performed on the same place. Six women that performed the Cytoscan® exam group were also evaluated by ultrasound to determine the thickness of subcutaneous tissue. Results: after garlic treatment, there was a reduction of 1.62 cm on the diameter of the treated thigh (p < 0.001) without signifi cant changes on papilla and capillary diameters, but FCD improved signifi cantly (p < 0.03) and epidermis and dermis thickness decreased after topical garlic treatment. Conclusions: Garlic extract at a concentration of 0.0015% showed signifi cant clinical, microcirculatory and ultrasonographic improvement of cellulite.

Effects of allyl sulfur compounds and garlic extract on the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 in non small cell lung cancer cell lines

Allyl sulfur compounds play a major role in the chemoprevention against carcinogenesis. The present study compared the antiproliferative effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and garlic extract on p53-wild type H460 and p53-null type H1299 non small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). The DAS and DADS treatment of both H460 and H1299 cells resulted in the highest numbers of cells in apoptotic state as measured by acridine orange staining, however, garlic extract treatment did not induce any significant apoptotic cells by MTT assay. DADS was found to be more effective in inducing apoptosis on NSCLC. The level of p53 protein in H460 cell was increased following DADS treatment. DAS and garlic extract treatment of H460 cells induced a rise in the level of Bax and a fall of Bcl-2 level. These results demonstrate that DAS, DADS and garlic extract are effective in reduction of anti-proliferative gene in NSCLC and suggest that modulation of apoptosis-associated cellular proteins by DAS, DADS and garlic extract may be the mechanism for apoptosis which merit further investigation as potential chemoprevention agents.

Effect of organosulfur compounds on the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and thyroid hormone level in TCDD-treated rats

In this study, we investigated the effect of organosulfur compounds including, diallyl sulfide (DAS), garlic extract, and dially disulfide (DADS) on inducible expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1) and thyroid hormone level in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-treated rats. We measured UGT1 gene expression in rat liver and lung tissues after treatments. We found that a correlation was found to exist between UGT1 gene expression and active T-4 concentrations. The total concentration of plasma T-4 decreased in TCDD-alone treated male and female rats compared to control animals (TCDD-alone < control). Plasma T-4 concentration in TCDD + DAS, TCDD + garlic extract and TCDD + DADS treated groups were moderately higher than in TCDD alone animals, but lower than control animals. TCDD + DAS, TCDD + garlic extract and TCDD + DADS moderately increased T-4 glucuronidation and moderately reduced total T-4. The nonthyroidal nature of thyroid hormone reduction observed in this study extends the evidence for microsomal enzyme inducers as indirect thyroid tumor promoters in rats. Furthermore, the results of present study suggest protective effects of DAS, garlic extract, or DADS on TCDD-induced changes.