Immunomodulatory effects of aged garlic extract

Using various kinds of models, we examined the effects of aged garlic extra ct (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 administrat ion of antitrinitrophenyl antibody. In the transplanted carcinoma cell mode l, AGE significantly inhibited the growth of Sarcoma-180 (allogenic) and LL /2 lung carcinoma (syngenic) cells transplanted into mice. Concomitantly, i ncreases 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 an d 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 homeostas is of immune functions; further studies are warranted to determine when it is most beneficial.