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PubMed2006

Allium vegetable diet can reduce the exercise-induced oxidative stress but does not alter plasma cholesterol profile in rats.

AIMS AND METHODS: This study investigated the effect of Allium vegetable intake on the antioxidative activity and on the plasma cholesterol profile during exercise in rats. Ninety rats were fed either a control diet or a diet with added Allium sativum (AS), Allium cepa (AC), Allium fistulosum (AF), or Allium tuberosum (AT) for 4 weeks and were then subdivided into three groups: before exercise (BE), during exercise (DE), and after exercise (AE). The DE group was exercised on a treadmill for 1 h immediately before being sacrificed. Animals in the AE group were allowed to take a rest for 2 h after having been exercised like the DE group. The antioxidative activity of the Allium vegetables was evaluated with the activities of catalase in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. The plasma concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also compared. RESULTS: In AS, AC, AF and AT animals, the ratios of GSH/GSSG were significantly higher than those of the control animals in BE and AE. The level of liver MDA was lower than that of control animals in AE. Compared to control animals, catalase activity of AS animals was higher in BE but was lower in AE while SOD activity of AS animals was lower in both BE and AE. Catalase activity of AC animals was higher in BE and DE while SOD activity of AC animals was higher in DE. There were no differences between AF and control in catalase activities regardless of exercise. There were no differences between control animals and AT animals in SOD activities regardless of exercise. Plasma cholesterol profiles were not significantly different in rats fed different Allium vegetable diets. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that Allium vegetable diets have antioxidative activities and can reduce the oxidative stress that results from exercise in rats but do not alter the plasma cholesterol profile.

Allium↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Allium vegetables in cancer prevention: an overview.

The Allium genus includes approximately 500 species. Commonly used allium vegetables include garlic, onion, leeks, chives, scallions which are used all over the world in different delicacies. Some allium vegetables have been employed for millenia in the traditional medical practice to treat cardiovascular diseases. They have been shown to have applications as antimicrobial, antithrombotic, antitumor, hypolipidaemic, antiarthritic and hypoglycemic agents. In recent years, extensive research has focused on the anticarcinogenic potential of allium vegetables and their constituents, viz., allylsulfides and flavonoids (particularly quercetin which is present abundantly in onion). Epidemiological studies have shown that higher intake of allium products is associated with reduced risk of several types of cancers. These epidemiological findings are well correlated with laboratory investigations. Organosulfur compounds present in Allium vegetables, are considered to be responsible for the beneficial effects of these herbs. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the cancer-preventive effects of Allium vegetables and related organosulfur compounds. These include inhibition of mutagenesis, modulation of enzyme activities, inhibition of DNA adduct formation, free-radical scavenging, and effects on cell proliferation and tumor growth. Although there is a large body of evidence supporting these mechanisms, they are still speculative, and further research is needed to support causality between such properties and cancer-preventive activity in experimental animals. This article reviews current knowledge concerning allium vegetables and cancer prevention.

Allium↗
PubMed2000

Molecular and morphological evidence for an origin of the aberrant genus Milula within himalayan species of Allium (Alliacae).

Phylogenetic relationships between Allium and the monotypic Himalayan genus Milula were analyzed using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and of the intergenic spacers from the chloroplast trnD(GUC)-trnT(GGU) region. Both marker systems unambiguously placed Milula spicata within Allium subgenus Rhizirideum, close to A. cyathophorum. Morphologically, the main difference between Allium and Milula is the conspicuous spicate inflorescence of Milula vs the mostly capitate or umbellate inflorescences in Allium. Anatomical investigations of leaf characters support a close relationship of Milula with A. cyathophorum and A. mairei, whereas root characters are distinctive from other species of section Cyathophora. To maintain Allium as monophyletic, Milula has been included as A. spicatum in Allium subgenus Rhizirideum.

Allium↗
PubMed2005

Bioactive S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the genus Allium: the chemistry of potential therapeutic agents.

S-Alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are odourless, non-protein sulfur amino acids typically found in members of the family Alliaceae and are the precursors to the lachrymatory and flavour compounds found in the agronomically important genus Allium. Traditionally, Allium species, particularly the onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (A. sativum), have been used for centuries in European, Asian and American folk medicines for the treatment of numerous human pathologies, however it is only recently that any significant progress has been made in determining their mechanisms of action. Indeed, our understanding of the role of Allium species in human health undoubtedly comes from the combination of several academic disciplines including botany, biochemistry and nutrition. During tissue damage, S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are converted to their respective thiosulfinates or propanethial-S-oxide by the action of the enzyme alliinase (EC 4.4.1.4). Depending on the Allium species, and under differing conditions, thiosulfinates can decompose to form additional sulfur constituents including diallyl, methyl allyl, and diethyl mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexasulfides, the vinyldithiins and (E)- and (Z)-ajoene. Recent reports have shown onion and garlic extracts, along with several principal sulfur constituents, can induce phase II detoxification enzymes like glutathione-S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) and quinone reductase (QR) NAD(P)H: (quinine acceptor) oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2) in mammalian tissues, as well as also influencing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in numerous in vitro cancer cell models. Moreover, studies are also beginning to highlight a role of Allium-derived sulfur compounds in cardiovascular protection. In this review, we discuss the chemical diversity of S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the context of their biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms.

Allium↗
PubMed1985

The genus Allium--Part 1.

Alliums have been grown for many centuries for their characteristic, pungent flavor and medicinal properties. The present review, which includes references published up to the middle of 1984, is primarily concerned with the chemical composition, flavor, and physiological properties of these crops, their extracts, and processed products. Special emphasis is placed upon the relationship between the organoleptically and biologically active components of onion and garlic. Following a brief historical introduction, current production of commercially important alliums is described and their botanical origins and interrelationships are explained. Following consideration of the major economic diseases and pests of alliums, the agronomic, husbandry, and practices associated with their cultivation are described, particular emphasis being placed upon the storage and processing of onion and garlic. The detailed, overall chemical composition and nutritional value of members of the genus Allium are presented in Section 7; after an outline of the origin and nature of flavor components and precursors, the flavor volatiles of individual members are presented. The effects of agronomic, environmental, and processing practices on chemical and flavor content and quality are considered in Section 9. The following section deals critically with the human and animal studies which have been conducted into the medical and therapeutic properties of alliums, emphasis being placed upon the studies into the antiatherosclerotic effect of onion and garlic and their essential oils. After a study of antimicrobial properties of alliums and their effects on insects and animals, an overview is presented which highlights unexplored or inadequately studied areas and suggests rewarding areas for future research.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1985

The genus Allium. Part 2.

Allium is a genus of some 500 species belonging to the family Liliaceae. However only a few of these are important as food plants, notably onion, garlic, chive, leek, and rakkyo. Such plants have been used for many centuries for the pungency and flavoring value, for their medicinal properties, and, in some parts of the world, their use also has religious connotations. The flavors of members of the genus Alliums, in addition to having certain characteristics, are also complex, being derived enzymically from a number of involatile precursors. In addition to there being variation of flavor between different alliums, there are also considerable changes that occur as a result of cooking and processing. Of course, these are of importance to the consumer and food technologist-processor. The review will introduce the subject by an historical perspective and will set this against data on the present cultivation and usage of commercially cultivated alliums. The chemical composition of these plants will be discussed, emphasis being given to nonvolatile constituents which are, perhaps, less often considered. Discussion of the volatile constituents, which will include mention of the methods currently used for their analysis and for the determination of "flavor strength", will be mainly concerned with literature taken from the last 5 years. In considering the extent and nature of allium cultivation and processing, factors affecting the nutritional value and quality will be highlighted. The medicinal properties of garlic and onion oils have been much studied over the last decade and the review will include critical assessment of this area and also will touch on the more general properties (antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal) of these oils. Finally mention will be made of the antinutritional, toxic, or otherwise undesirable effects of alliums, for example, as inadvertent components of animal diets, tainting of milk and other food products. It is our intention to review the literature up to mid-1984.

Allium↗
PubMed1985

The genus Allium--Part 3.

Allium is a genus of some 500 species belonging to the family Liliaceae. However, only a few of these are important as food plants, notably onion, garlic, chive, leek, and rakkyo. Such plants have been used for many centuries for their pungency and flavoring value, for their medicinal properties, and in some parts of the world, their use also has religious connotations. The flavors of members of alliums, in addition to being characteristic, are also complex, being derived enzymically from a number of involatile precursors. As well as there being variation of flavor between different alliums there are also considerable changes that occur as a result of cooking and processing. These are, of course, of importance to the consumer and food technologist/processor. The review will introduce the subject by an historical perspective and will set against this data on the present cultivation and usage of commercially cultivated alliums. The chemical composition of these plants will be discussed, emphasis being given to nonvolatile constituents which are, perhaps, less often considered. Discussion of the volatile constituents, which will include mention of the methods currently used for their analysis and for the determination of "flavor strength," will be mainly concerned with literature taken from the last 5 years. In considering the extent and nature of allium cultivation and processing, factors affecting the nutritional value and quality will be highlighted. The medicinal properties of garlic and onion oils have been extensively studied over the last decade and the review will include critical assessment of this area; it will also touch on the more general properties (antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal) of these oils. Finally, mention will be made of the antinutritional, toxic, or otherwise undesirable effects of alliums, for example, as inadvertant components of animal diets, tainting of milk, and other food products. It is our intention to review the literature up to mid-1984.

Allium↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of the Allium anaphase-telophase test in relation to genotoxicity screening of industrial wastewater.

The Allium anaphase-telophase test was evaluated to find out if it could be recommended in the screening of wastewater for genotoxicity. Five mutagenic or carcinogenic chemicals usually found in wastewater were tested in the Allium anaphase-telophase test. Sodium dichromate (25 microM), benzene (100 microM), dichloromethane (175 microM) and 1,1,1-trichloromethane (175 microM) increased the frequency of chromosome aberrations in the root cells, whereas formaldehyde (1 mM) was found to be non-mutagenic in this test system. Other studies where chemicals were tested in the Allium test were reviewed. For 15 chemicals the results were compared with results from the Ames test, the Microscreen assay, and carcinogenicity tests in rodents. The sensitivity of the Allium test was calculated to be 82%. In conclusion the Allium test is recommended for the screening of wastewater because it has a high sensitivity, is cheap, rapid, easy to handle, and because it can be used on wastewater without pretreatment of the sample.

Allium↗
PubMed2026

Characterization and comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of twelve Allium species from Kazakhstan.

The genus Allium L. represents one of the largest and taxonomically complex groups of monocots, with Central Asia recognized as a major center of its diversity. Despite the high species richness of Allium in Kazakhstan, genomic data for many native taxa remain limited. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of 12 Allium species from Kazakhstan. All chloroplast genomes exhibited a conserved quadripartite structure, with genome sizes ranging from 152,029 to 153,521 bp and a uniform gene content of 137 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs, 8 rRNAs, and 3 pseudogenes. Comparative analyses revealed high structural conservation, with most sequence divergence concentrated in intergenic regions. Several highly variable regions, including ycf1, matK, rpoC2, and ycf2, were identified as potential molecular markers. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast genome sequences using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches recovered three major chloroplast genome-based lineages within Allium, largely consistent with previous phylogenomic studies. Divergence-time analyses suggested that major chloroplast lineage diversification events within the genus occurred during the early Eocene (ca. 47.97 Mya). Overall, this study expands the currently available chloroplast genomic resources for Allium from Kazakhstan, provides insights into chloroplast genome evolution and chloroplast genome-based relationships, and establishes a valuable foundation for future phylogenetic, taxonomic, and evolutionary studies of this diverse genus.

Genome, Chloroplast↗
PubMed2001

Antiproliferative effects of allium derivatives from garlic.

There is increasing evidence that allium derivatives from garlic have significant antiproliferative actions on human cancers. Both hormone-responsive and hormone-unresponsive cells lines respond to these derivatives. The effects shown by allium derivatives include induction of apoptosis, regulation of cell cycle progression and modification of pathways of signal transduction. Allium derivatives appear to regulate nuclear factors involved in immune function and inflammation, as well as in cellular proliferation. Our own studies indicate that allium derivatives inhibit proliferation of the human prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP) and the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms of inhibition of cellular proliferation by allium derivatives and to explore their potential application to cancer prevention and control.

Allium↗
PubMed1982

Chromosome aberration assays in Allium. A report of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gene-Tox Program.

The common onion (Allium cepa) is an excellent plant for the assay of chromosome aberrations after chemical treatment. Other species of allium (A. cepa var. proliferum, A. carinatum, A. fistulosum and A. sativum) have also been used but to a much lesser extent. Protocols have been given for using root tips from either bulbs or seeds of Allium cepa to study the cytological end-points, such as chromosome breaks and exchanges, which follow the testing of chemicals in somatic cells. It is considered that both mitotic and meiotic end-points should be used to a greater extent in assaying the cytogenetic effects of a chemical. From a literature survey, 148 chemicals are tabulated that have been assayed in 164 Allium tests for the clastogenic effect. Of the 164 assays which have been carried out, 75 are reported as giving a positive reaction (i.e., causing chromosome aberrations), 49 positive and with a dose response, 1 positive and temperature-related, 9 borderline positive, and 30 negative; 76% of the chemicals gave a definite positive response. It is proposed that the Allium test be included among those tests routinely used for assessing chromosomal damage induced by chemicals.

Chromosome Aberrations↗
PubMed2005

Allium cepa derived EROD as a potential biomarker for the presence of certain pesticides in water.

Allium cepa root length inhibition test is a well recommended bioassay for the evaluation of the toxicity of various polluted waters. The utility of EROD (7-ethoxy resorufin O-deethylase) as a potential biomarker of pesticide pollution was investigated using the Allium cepa system. Onion bulbs exposed to model water samples containing any of the six pesticides viz. 2,4-D, HCB, malathion, carbaryl, DDT and endosulphan were analyzed for EROD activity. The pesticide treatment resulted in the enhanced activity of the enzyme, with carbaryl and HCB causing 63- and 53-fold induction respectively with respect to the control at a dose of 1.2 ppb. The industrial wastewater samples from Ghaziabad city of Northern India resulted in about a 68-fold rise in the EROD activity, whereas the Aligarh samples did not exhibit any change within the statistical limit. These results suggest the presence of the test pesticides in the Ghaziabad sample and their absence in the Aligarh sample. Pesticide analysis in the test water samples by HPLC supported this to a large extent. Presence of cycloheximide in the test system brought down the EROD activity, equal to that of control, suggesting the de novo synthesis of the enzyme following the exposure of Allium cepa to pesticides. These studies suggest that the Allium cepa derived EROD can act as a potential biomarker of certain pesticides since even 1ppb of total/individual pesticides brought about >10-fold induction of EROD. We recommend the assay of EROD in the Allium cepa system as a presumptive test for the detection of these pesticides before using analytical techniques like HPLC.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1999

An investigation into the antioxidant activity of Allium nutans L.

Antioxidants are important species which possess the ability to protect the body from damage caused by free radical-induced oxidative stress. There is currently much interest in the antioxidant role of fruit, vegetables, wines and teas. In this study the antioxidant activity of leaf, bulb and root of Allium nutants L. was investigated. Biochemical parameters were also determined: activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase), quantities of malonyldialdehyde, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and reduced glutathione and contents of total flavonoids, chlorophylls a and b carotenoids, vitamin C and soluble proteins. Our results indicated that Allium nutants L. exhibits antioxidant ability in all investigated plant organs. The highest antioxidant ability was observed in the leaves where all investigated antioxidant enzymes were active and quantities of malonyldialdehyde and OH. low. Reduced glutathione, pigments and carotenoids present in the leaves contribute to the high antioxidant activity. ESR investigation conducted with Allium nutans L. phosphate buffer (pH 7) extract showed that the signal DMPO-OH spin adducts in the presence of Allium nutans L. extract was reduced by 78.48%.

Allium↗
PubMed1998

Differentiation of Allium carlaviruses isolated from different parts of the world based on the viral coat protein sequence.

Common primers which amplify the 3' terminal genomic RNAs of Allium carlaviruses were designed based on the nucleotide sequence of shallot latent virus (SLV), garlic latent virus (GLV) and garlic common latent virus (GCLV). A total of fifteen cDNAs encoding the coat protein (CP) of the carlaviruses, including the biologically identified isolates SLV, GLV and GCLV as well as viruses from infected Allium plants cultivated in different parts of the world, were amplified by RT-PCR with the common primers. The cDNAs were then cloned and sequenced. The predicted viral CP amino acid sequence as well as the nucleotide sequence revealed that SLV and GLV, previously considered as separate viruses on the basis of their biological and physical properties, belong to the same species of the genus Carlavirus. Both viruses are clearly differentiated from GCLV. In addition, every SLV and GLV isolate from the Allium plants in Taiwan showed characteristic and common variations in their CP sequences, suggesting the possible presence of geographical variants. However, no apparent sequence variations of SLV and GLV related to their host plant species, including A. sativum, A. wakegi, A. chinense, A. fistulosum, A. cepa and A. ampeloprasum, were observed. These findings suggested that the sequence variations observed in the respective virus isolates do not correlate with the specificity of their infectivities for Allium species.

Allium↗
PubMed1988

The Allium test--an alternative in environmental studies: the relative toxicity of metal ions.

Among the test systems suitable for toxicity monitoring, the Allium test (A. cepa) is well known and commonly used in many laboratories. The onions are easy to store and to handle, and the root tip cells constitute a convenient system for macroscopic (growth, EC50 values) as well as for microscopic parameters (c-mitosis, stickiness, chromosome breaks). Since the cells possess important plant activation enzymes, the Allium test has a wide area of application. Furthermore, results from the Allium test have shown good agreement with results from other test systems, eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic. A modified version of the test method, comprising series of onions for each concentration of the test liquids, was applied to salts of eight metals: Hg (as methyl mercury chloride (MMC) and as HgCl2), Cu, Ni, Cd, Be, Al (diluted in tap water and distilled water), Mn and Li. The highest toxicity, in EC50 values, was caused by Hg (for MMC 9.0 X 10(-7) M, for HgCl2 3.3 X 10(-6) M), Cu (2.7 X 10(-6) M), Ni (1.7 X 10(-5) M) and Cd (3.1 X 10(-5) M); medium toxicity was caused by Be (4.8 X 10(-4) M) and Al (in tap water 8.0 X 10(-4) M, in distilled water 2.8 X 10(-5) M), and low toxicity by Mn (5.2 X 10(-3) M) and Li (2.0 X 10(-2) M). Some of the metals induced specific microscopic effects, requiring particular mention: thus, Ni treatment induced an unusual form of c-mitosis with the c-mitotic chromosomes remaining on the equatorial plate, Be treatment induced a type of 'banded' or 'fragmented' chromosomes. Treatment with Al led to the development, in the cytoplasm of certain root tip cells, of two oblong hyaline structures formed by material extruded from the nucleus. Chromosome breaks were mainly observed as fragments at mitotic anaphase. The metal ions tested here caused only low amounts of fragments, usually in less than 1% of the cells; only Be caused a higher frequency (4.1%). It was not possible to group the few metals tested here according to their cytological effects. The standard parameters, such as the most commonly occurring c-mitosis or stickiness, showed no correlation to atomic weight or to ion charge of the metals. Still, they gave valuable information in relation to environmental screening; thus, the finding of c-mitosis may indicate risks of aneuploidy. Generally speaking, the Allium test is a very useful tool for evaluating and ranking environmental chemicals with reference to their toxicity.

Allium↗
PubMed1999

Genotoxicity of wastewater samples from sewage and industrial effluent detected by the Allium root anaphase aberration and micronucleus assays.

The genotoxicity of wastewater samples from sewage, and industrial effluent from the Amritsar, India, area were investigated using the Allium micronucleus and anaphase aberration assays. Raw sewage samples and acetone extracts of the dehydrated sewage were use for treatment of the Allium roots. Industrial effluents were collected and stored in the form of sludge (semi-dried matter). The acetone extracts of the sludge samples were also used for treatment of the Allium roots. From the Allium root micronuclei tests on the sewage extracts, no significant increase in the number of micronuclei was found in comparison with negative controls. All the other extracts from industrial effluent showed positive responses both in the micronucleus and anaphase aberration assays.

Allium↗
PubMed1996

The evaluation of waste, surface and ground water quality using the Allium test procedure.

The bulbs of Allium cepa were grown in test liquids of various pollution levels as follows: undiluted industrial and municipal waste water; biological treatment plant output water; water from the Drava river upstream and downstream of the city of Maribor; and non-chlorinated drinking water as a negative control test. The paper presents the response of the Allium cepa genetic material to the presence of potential cytotoxic and genotoxic substances in test liquids and the suitability of the Allium cepa testing procedure as a method for short-term determination of water pollution level. The suitability of the Allium test procedure as a system for environmental monitoring is presented. The influence of water pollution on macroscopic and cytologic parameters of the common onion by application of the biological testing method was examined. The macroscopic parameter was inhibition of root growth. The cytological parameters were: aberrant cells in metaphase and anaphase, index of micronuclei appearance and inhibition of cell division. The possibility of categorization the different polluted test liquids into quality classes is presented according to the influence of the test liquids on macroscopic and cytologic parameters. Test liquids are divided into 8 quality classes: the first class is the least polluted surface waters, the second and the third classes are more polluted surface water, the fourth and the fifth classes are biological treatment plant output waters, the sixth till the eighth quality classes are untreated waste waters. The most polluted test liquids (untreated industrial and municipal waste waters) caused sublethal and even lethal effects. The most polluted tested liquids cause the inhibition of root growth over 50% (even up to 74%), decrease of mitotic index over 36% (even up to 66%), increase of presence of interphase cells with micronuclei over 3% and increase of presence of aberrant cells for more than 10 times in comparison to control test.

Allium↗
PubMed1999

Inhibitory effect of seven Allium plants upon three Aspergillus species.

Antifungal activity and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of extracts of garlic, bakeri garlic, Chinese leek, Chinese chive, scallion, onion bulb and shallot bulb against Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and A. fumigatus were examined. These Allium plants possessed antifungal activity, with garlic showing the lowest MFC. With the exception of scallion, the inhibitory effect of Allium plants against three Aspergillus species decreased with increasing incubation and heating temperature (P < 0.05). Acetic acid treatments of the extracts increased the inhibitory effect for all plants against three fungi (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in this effect among the three pH (2, 4, 6) treatments (P > 0.05) investigated. Acetic acid, at pH = 4, plus heat treatments of the extracts resulted in a greater inhibitory effect for all Allium plants against the three fungi than heat treatment alone (P < 0.05). Treatments of the extracts with NaCl, at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 M, did not affect the inhibitory effect of the plant extracts. The combination of acetic acid plus Allium plants was indicated to be an effective way to inhibit fungal growth.

Acetates↗