Abstract
Epidemiological studies link increased garlic (Allium sativum) 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 and that the underlying mechanisms may involve apoptosis. To provide a better understanding of the effects of allium derivatives regarding prevention of cancer, we examined antitumoral activity of allicin, a major component of garlic, in L5178Y lymphoma bearing mice. For in vitro studies, we utilized cell proliferation and apoptosis in the same tumor cell line. We found that allicin inhibited the growth of tumor cells at doses two fold superior to that in normal splenocytes. Allicin also induced apoptosis, and this was associated with an increase in caspase3 activity.
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