Immunomodulatory effects of aged garlic extract

J Nutr. 2001 Mar;131(3s):1075S-9S. doi: 10.1093/jn/131.3.1075S.

Abstract

Using various kinds of models, we examined the effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on immune functions. In the immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated allergic mouse model, AGE significantly decreased the antigen-specific ear swelling induced by picryl chloride ointment to the ear and intravenous administration of antitrinitrophenyl antibody. In the transplanted carcinoma cell model, AGE significantly inhibited the growth of Sarcoma-180 (allogenic) and LL/2 lung carcinoma (syngenic) cells transplanted into mice. Concomitantly, increases in natural killer (NK) and killer activities of spleen cells were observed in Sarcoma-180--bearing mice administered AGE. In the psychological stress model, AGE significantly prevented the decrease in spleen weight and restored the reduction of anti-SRBC hemolytic plaque-forming cells caused by the electrical stress. These studies strongly suggest that AGE could be a promising candidate as an immune modifier, which maintains the homeostasis of immune functions; further studies are warranted to determine when it is most beneficial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Garlic / chemistry
  • Garlic / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immunity / drug effects
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Plant Extracts / immunology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Stress, Physiological / immunology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Plant Extracts
  • Immunoglobulin E