Antitumoral activity of allicin from garlic [Actividad antitumoral de alicina de ajo]

Abstract

Epidemiological studies link increased garlic consumption with a reduced incidence of cancer in various human populations. Experimental carcinogenesis studies in animal models and in cell culture systems indicate that several allium-derived compounds exhibit inhibitory effects. To provide a better understanding of the effects of allium derivatives on the prevention of cancer, we examined allicin, the major component of garlic, for their effects on antitumoral activity in vitro and in L5178Y lymphoma bearing mice. We found that allicin decreased the growth of tumor cells whereas in vivo, the compound shown an antitumor effect in murine L5178Y lymphoma. Allicin enhanced the secretion of IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha cytokines from mouse plasma. These cytokines are associated with the beneficial Th1 antitumor response, which is characteristic of effective cancer immunotherapies. © 2011 Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas.