Allicin from garlic strongly inhibits cysteine proteinases and cytopathic effects of Entamoeba histolytica

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1997 Oct;41(10):2286-8. doi: 10.1128/AAC.41.10.2286.

Abstract

The ability of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites to destroy monolayers of baby hamster kidney cells is inhibited by allicin, one of the active principles of garlic. Cysteine proteinases, an important contributor to amebic virulence, as well as alcohol dehydrogenase, are strongly inhibited by allicin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cricetinae
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Disulfides
  • Entamoeba histolytica / drug effects*
  • Entamoebiasis / pathology*
  • Garlic / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Sulfinic Acids / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Disulfides
  • Sulfinic Acids
  • allicin
  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase