Ajoene is one of the major natural compounds derived from garlic through the conversion of alliin into allicin by an alliinase-induced cleavage Since the 1980s, science has been discovering that garlic does, have numerous medicinal properties. The two most reported compounds from garlic that have shown antibacterial activity are allicin and ajoene. These compounds have shown to have effective antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of both bacteria and fungi.
Ajoene is a potent antiplatelet compound isolated from alcoholic extracts of garlic (Allium sativum). Ajoene reversibly inhibits in vitro platelet aggregation as well as release reaction induced by all known agonists. From studies done, results indicate that ajoene prevents thrombus formation both at a low and high shear rate in citrated whole blood. The inhibitory effect of ajoene on platelet-thrombus formation seems to be dependent on its inhibition of fibrinogen binding since significantly higher concentrations of ajoene are needed to affect von Willebrand factor binding to GPIIb/IIIa receptors. Further, ajoene does not impair Ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination, mediated by GPIb.
Ajoene, an unsaturated sulfoxide disulfide, is the principal chemical responsible for garlic’s anticoagulant properties. Ajoene is currently being developed as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of blood clotting disorders. As a naturally occurring “nutraceutical”, this potent phytochemical might reduce the risk of cardiovascular stroke and heart disease.
Ajoene is a natural product with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-like properties. Ajoene was shown to dose-dependently inhibit the release of prostaglandin E(2) in macrophages. This effect was found to be due to an inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity by ajoene. These data suggest that ajoene works by a mechanism of action similar to that attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Volatile garlic organosulfur compounds, such as the thiol-reactive allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) exert strong antimicrobial activity against various respiratory pathogens. Here, we investigated the antiviral activity of allicin against SARS-CoV-2 in infected lung cells. Allicin abrogated the ISG host response and reverted the host cellular pathways confirming the antiviral and immunomodulatory activity of allicin in the host proteome. Thus, biocompatible doses of garlic could be promising for the protection of lung cells against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, some benefits in reducing the risk of strokes, respiratory infections, tremors and possible brain tumors (glioblastoma multiforme).
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