INHIBITION OF ADENOSINE-DEAMINASE BY EXTRACTS OF GARLIC (ALLIUM-SATIVUM L)

Aqueous extracts of fresh garlic (Allium sativum L.) inhibited efficie ntly the activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) of cultivated endotheli al cells. The IC50 value (range between 6 and 120 mu g per mi) depende d on the origin and storage time of the fresh garlic. The aqueous extr action of dried garlic powder showed also an inhibition if ADA activit y, but the IC50 value was in the range of 2.5 mg per ml indicating tha t parts of the active principle were lost during the preparation of th e garlic powder. The inhibition of endothelial ADA by garlic extracts seems to contribute to the hypotensive activity and vessel protective effects of A. sativum L.