Garlic Research Articles

Optimum intra-row spacing and clove size for the economical production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract Garlic is one of the most important cash crops cultivated by smallholder farmers throughout Ethiopia. However, due to inappropriate agronomic practices including clove size and intra-row spacing, the productivity of the crop is low in the country. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2019 main cropping season under rain feed conditions to identify the optimum clove size and intra-row spacing for the economical production of garlic in Lay Gayint district, Northwestern Ethiopia. Local garlic cultivar obtained from farmers was used as a test crop. A factorial combination of three clove sizes and four intra-row spacings was used in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main as well as the interaction effects of clove size and intra-row spacing influenced most of the tested growth and yield parameters of garlic. The longest plant height (73.77 cm) was recorded from garlic plants grown at 5 cm intra-row spacing, while the shortest plant height (66.98 cm) was from plants grown at 12.5 cm. The treatment combination of large-sized clove and 12.5 cm intra-row spacing recorded the longest leaf length (61.07 cm), the highest leaf number (7.79), bulb diameter (4.98 cm), bulb weight (33.83 g), and clove weight (2.71 g) of garlic. However, the treatment combination of large-sized cloves and 7.5 cm intra-row spacing produced the highest marketable (13.44 t ha−1) bulb yield. Based on the partial budget analysis, however, medium-sized cloves (1.5–1.99 g) planted at 10 cm intra-row spacing recorded the highest net benefit (723,205 Eth-Birr ha−1) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (3277.3%). Therefore, growing garlic using medium-sized cloves (1.5–1.99 g) at 10 cm intra-row spacing is recommended for economical production of garlic by smallholder farmers in the study area and areas with similar agroecology.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activities, total phenolic and elemental contents of common herbs and spices (Moringa oleifera leaves, Allium sativum (Garlic) and Momordica charantia (ejinrin) leaves) in South-West Nigeria

Abstract Natural remedies are being widely utilized in some disease’s conditions including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The therapeutic intervention of medicinal plants and spices cannot be overemphasized in the management and control of diseases but the exact modes of action of these herbs and plants have not been fully elucidated. This research work was designed to study the expression of selected elements, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd); the phytochemical and the in vitro antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves, Allium sativum (Garlic) and Momordica charantia (ejinrin) leaves for their potential involvement in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and cancer through different chemical methods. In vitro antioxidant properties were assayed by investigating 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals scavenging potentials and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP); total phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the elemental contents of these extracts was investigated through the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). All tests were run in triplicates and analysed. Our results revealed that the ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaves, A. sativum (Garlic) and M. charantia (ejinrin) leaves possess significant antioxidant activities and express important and beneficial elements (in marginal and trace amounts) and phytochemicals. These results suggest that the medicinal attributes of these plants may be linked to the radical scavenging abilities, beneficial elements and phytochemicals expression of their ethanolic extracts which may likely be a good direction in the area of drug discovery and development.

A Systematic Review of Herbal Interventions for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden, necessitating diverse approaches for effective management. Herbal interventions have gained attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional therapies due to their perceived safety and therapeutic potential. This structured abstract provides a comprehensive review of herbal interventions for the management of CVDs, summarising key findings, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of various herbal interventions employed for managing cardiovascular diseases. We conducted an extensive literature search across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to 2022. Studies were included if they investigated the use of herbal remedies for preventing or treating CVDs. Data extraction and synthesis focused on botanical sources, active compounds, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes. Numerous herbal interventions have demonstrated promising cardiovascular benefits. A number of medicinal herbs well identified to treat CVD are Moringaoleifera, Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Celosia argentea, Gongronematrifolium, Gynostemmapentaphyllum, Bombaxceiba, Gentianalutea, Allium sativum, Crataegusspp, Curcuma longa, Camellia sinensis, and Zingiberofficinale. Mechanistic insights reveal that herbal interventions often target multiple pathways involved in CVD pathogenesis. These mechanisms encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, and lipid-lowering effects. Additionally, some herbs enhance endothelial function, promote nitric oxide production, and exert vasodilatory effects, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have provided evidence of the efficacy of certain herbal interventions in reducing CVD risk factors and improving patient outcomes. However, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish their long-term safety and effectiveness. It is crucial to consider potential herb-drug interactions and standardise dosages for reliable therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of herbal interventions as valuable adjuncts or alternatives for managing cardiovascular diseases. Herbal remedies offer diverse mechanisms of action, targeting key CVD risk factors and pathways. While promising, their clinical utility warrants further investigation through well-designed trials to establish their safety and efficacy, paving the way for integrated approaches to cardiovascular disease management. Healthcare providers and patients should engage in informed discussions about the use of herbal interventions alongside conventional therapies in the context of CVD prevention and treatment.

Gas chromatography-stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry prior solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: development and optimization of analytical methods to analyse garlic (Allium sativum L.) volatile fraction

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is not only appreciated for its flavour and taste, but it is also recognized for various health properties. The European Commission, through the attribution of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification mark, has officially recognized some specific varieties of garlic. To protect not only the commercial value but also the reputation of this appreciated product, effective tools are therefore required. For the first time, a new compound specific isotope analysis method based on carbon stable isotopic ratio measurement of the three major volatile garlic compounds allyl alcohol (AA), diallyl disulphide (DD) and diallyl trisulphide (DT) through head-space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) was developed. A within-day standard deviation (Srwithin-day) of 0.3‰, 0.4‰ and 0.2‰ for δ(13C) and a between-day standard deviation (Srbetween-day) of 0.8‰, 1.0‰ and 0.6‰ of AA, DT and DD was estimated. For the first time, the ranges of isotopic variability for the three volatile compounds of red garlic from two neighbouring Italian regions (Abruzzo and Lazio) were defined analysing 30 samples. The same dataset was also considered in analysing the percentage composition of the previously mentioned three volatile compounds through gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The two analytical approaches were combined in this explorative study, aiming to provide potential parameters to discriminate garlic samples based on their geographical origin.

Development of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) essential oil encapsulates by ionic gelification and evaluation of antioxidant activity

Development of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) essential oil encapsulates by ionic gelification and evaluation of antioxidant activity

Antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles in diabetic rats.

Metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and obesity are often associated with diabetes mellitus. Health problems related to these disorders are on a rise globally. Although nanotechnology based approaches have been explored for diabetes treatment, specific information on alleviation of the associated health problem is scanty. Here we report the beneficial effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuOnpls) for the control of hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress caused due to diabetes. Wistar rats were fasted overnight and type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of freshly prepared nicotinamide followed by streptozotocin. Induction of diabetes was confirmed by estimation of blood glucose levels of the animals. Estimation of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) from the serum was carried out for ascertaining hyperlipidemia. Biogenic CuOnpls (spherical, 88.25nm diameter) capped with bud extract of Syzygium aromaticum and α-tocopherol were administered in the animals per-oral route. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined to evaluate antioxidant activity of CuOnpls. The nanoparticles were characterized for surface chemical groups by SEM and HRLC-MS. The nanoparticles revealed novel surface groups responsible for site-specific delivery and beneficial effects. Diabetic rats showed enhanced serum BG, TC, TG and LDL levels and reduction in levels of HDL-c, SOD, CAT and GSH. Administration of CuOnpls caused significant reversion of the effects of diabetes on lipid profile and oxidative stress enzymes. The results pointed to the beneficial effects of CuOnpls for management of post-diabetes complications.

Physical and Engineering Parameter of Garlic

Garlic is nature's most versatile medicinal plant and it is primarily used as a flavoring agent in cooking. It is the second most important spice after the onion. The physical parameter of garlic performs a crucial role in context designing of conveying systems and metering units. This research was carried out in the department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P.  The prime aim of study was to evaluate the physical and engineering parameters of garlic cloves. The physical parameters garlic cloves found in terms of average length, width, thickness, Geometric mean diameter, sphericity and bulk density were 27.78 mm, 11.60 mm, 9.26 mm, 14.23 mm, 0.52 and 554 to 592 kg/m3. The weight of thousand garlic clove was found as 1540.5g. The Angle of repose for garlic clove was found as 45.6 and 36.8o for wood and G.I. sheet.

Potentiation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Oxytetracycline Combined with Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, and Red Thyme Essential Oils against MDR Salmonella enterica Strains.

Tetracyclines have a high resistance percentage in Salmonella spp. of both human and animal origin. Essential oils, such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and red thyme (Thymus zygis), have shown bactericidal activity against this bacterium. However, in many cases, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) exceeds the cytotoxicity limits. The objective of this study was to assess the in vitro efficacy of combining oxytetracycline with essential these oils against field multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica strains. The MIC of each product was determined using the broth microdilution method. The interaction was evaluated using the checkerboard method, by means of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICindex) determination. The results showed a positive interaction (synergy and additivity) between oxytetracycline and the four oils tested, resulting in a reduction in both products' MICs by 2 to 4 times their initial value, in the case of oils, and by 2 to 1024 times in the case of the antibiotic. The combination of oxytetracycline and cinnamon achieved the best results (FICindex 0.5), with a decrease in the antibiotic effective concentration to below the sensitivity threshold (MIC of the combined oxytetracycline 0.5 µg/mL). There was no antagonistic effect in any case, although differences in response were observed depending on the bacterial strain. The results of this study suggest that combining oxytetracycline with cinnamon oil could be an effective alternative for controlling tetracycline-resistant strains of Salmonella. However, its individual use should be further evaluated through in vitro susceptibility tests.

Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with essential oils: a strategy against SARS-CoV-2

This work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils (EOs) encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors through virucidal activity assessment. We developed anionic and cationic NLCs loaded with the EOs and assessed their physicochemical properties and SARS-CoV-2 virucidal activity, focusing on the effects of EO type and the NLCs composition. The NLCs exhibited particle sizes of 141.30 to 160.53 nm for anionic and 109.30 to 138.60 nm for cationic types, with PDIs between 0.16 and 0.25. High zeta potentials (>29.0 in modulus) indicated stable formulations. The NLCs effectively encapsulated the EOs, achieving encapsulation efficiencies between 84.6 to 100% w/w of marker compound. The EOs-loaded NLCs reduced the SARS-CoV-2 virion count, exceeding 2 logs over the control. NLCs loaded with Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum EOs represent an innovative strategy for combating SARS-CoV-2.

Controlling Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Pest through the Use of Ginger, Garlic, and Chili Powder on Growing Mustasa Plant (June 2023)

Growing in popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly method of food production is organic agriculture. Organic pesticides have come to light as alternatives to traditional chemical-based pesticides as a result of this trend. Moreover, organic pesticides offer a sustainable method of crop protection that is consistent with organic farming's guiding principles. Because of this, there is rising interest in researching alternative pest management strategies, such as using organic insecticides made from natural ingredients. Allium sativum (garlic), ginger (Gingiber officinale), and chile (capsicum spp.) are well known for their therapeutic and anti- fungal uses. Its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly pest management method has recently come to light in research. This study was carried out with the intention of repelling and preventing infestations using organic materials in terms of leaves produce, crops yield, and plant survival. The researchers concluded that the level of effectiveness of the preferred concentration was 95% of ginger extract, 5% of garlic extract, and 5% of chili powder is effective with the weighted mean of 6 leaves produce and 30 bunches of crops yield and plant survival

Antifungal efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on selected crop seed-borne fungi

This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effectiveness of garlic products on fungi associated with cowpea, sorghum, maize, and groundnut seeds. The in-vivo evaluation involved a seed culture bioassay treated with garlic aqueous extract, while the in vitro antifungal activity of the extract on the radial growth of isolated fungi was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The treatments included garlic powder, garlic paste, garlic powder + molasses, garlic aqueous extracts at 100%, garlic aqueous extracts + adjuvant, and Thiram® (a synthetic fungicide). On untreated cowpea seeds, Aspergillus niger was the most frequently isolated fungal species, with an incidence of 61.5%. Cowpea seeds treated with 100% garlic extracts showed zero incidence of fungal colonies, whereas sorghum seeds + garlic aqueous extract displayed only A. niger. The in vitro study revealed that the inhibitory effect of 100% garlic aqueous extracts + adjuvant on the radial growth inhibition of A. niger, A. flavus, and P. chrysogenum was 78.86%, 70.40%, and 67.36%, respectively. In contrast, the inhibition by garlic powder + molasses and the control was significantly lower (p≤0.05) than other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that garlic extracts could be a potential source of organically-based natural fungicides for safeguarding crop seeds.

Control of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Post-Harvest Rot Agents of Groundnut using Plant Extracts

Post-harvest losses due to fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, affecting both food security and economic stability. In this study, we investigated the potential of plant extracts as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of groundnut. Four plant species, including neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and turmeric (Curcuma longa), were selected based on their known antimicrobial properties. Crude extracts were prepared from these plants and evaluated for their antifungal activity against common post-harvest rot agents, including Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp. The agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of the plant extracts against the fungal pathogens. Additionally, a control trial was conducted using leaf extracts of neem and drumstick (Moringa oleifera), with phytochemical analysis performed to determine the composition of bioactive compounds. The results revealed significant antifungal activity of all tested plant extracts, with neem extract exhibiting the highest efficacy against fungal pathogens. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in the leaf extracts, highlighting their potential as sources of natural bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that plant extracts offer promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling post-harvest rot pathogens in groundnut. Further research is warranted to optimize the efficacy of plant extracts and elucidate their mechanisms of action for practical applications in groundnut storage and processing facilities.

Evaluation of the sanitary and physiological quality of corn seeds (Zea mays) submitted to treatment with bioextracts and their binary combinations

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the application of bioextracts on seeds of creole corn, regarding their physiological and sanitary quality. The bioextracts of garlic (Allium sativum L), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), cloves (Caryophilus aromaticus), ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe), and their binary combinations were evaluated. Regarding the physiological quality of the seeds, the following parameters were evaluated: first germination (G1), germination (G), dry mass and seedling length (aerial and root). Regarding sanitary control, in vitro tests were carried out for the pathology of the seeds for Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. The results of physiological quality showed a germination rate between 90.8-76.4% of the creole corn seeds treated with bioextracts and their combinations did not differ significantly from the control (84.9%), except when clove alone (3.0% of germination) was used. The results of dry mass, length of shoots and root plants followed a similar trend to that observed for germination analysis. Regarding sanity, the best result was obtained with clove bioextract, which completely inhibited the occurrence of Penicillium sp. Therefore, these studies allow to affirm that bioextracts can be efficient in controlling pathogens and maintaining the physiological quality of creole corn seeds.

Armamentarium of wart control by using Allium sativum, malus and pumila mill

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of warts. The virus induces the top layer of skin (epidermis) to create an overabundance of the hard protein keratin. A wart has a harsh, gritty texture due to the excess keratin. Skin warts are microscopic growths brought on by a viral infection. It can be treated with over the counter medications. These are usually rough, tiny growths that can develop on the hands, feet, or genitalia, among other regions of the body. Garlic extract, which has a wide range of possible health advantages, is made from garlic cloves. It is a metabolite-rich, disease-preventive nutraceutical spice that is enhanced with polyphenols and organosulfur. It contains chemicals with antibacterial and antioxidant effects, including allicin. Because apple cider vinegar extract has so many potential benefits, it is frequently used for skin care. Because it lowers oil and bacteria on the skin, it has been used to treat acne. By reducing inflammation, it might also be beneficial for skin disorders like eczema.

Phytosanitary problems in elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum var. holmense) in the “Val di Chiana” area (Central Italy), and evaluation of potential control strategies

Allium ampeloprasum var. holmense (elephant garlic) is traditionally cultivated in “Val di Chiana”, an area between Umbria and Tuscany regions of Central Italy, under the name “Aglione della Valdichiana”. This product has recently increased in importance, becoming a key economic resource for local farmers. In 2019, phytosanitary problems of elephant garlic cloves ready for transplanting emerged in this cultivation area. Symptom/sign observations and fungal isolations were performed for cloves divided into four components (tunic, basal plate, reserve tissue and shoot) from six farms in the “Val di Chiana” area. Isolates obtained were identified, using partial β-tubulin (BenA) and calmodulin (CaM) or translation elongation factor 1α (tef1α) genes sequences, as belonging to Penicillium [P. allii (95%), P. citrinum (4%), P. brevicompactum (1%)] or Fusarium [F. oxysporum (81%), F. proliferatum (19%)]. Fusarium spp. were mainly associated with clove tunics and basal plates, while Penicillium spp. with basal plates, reserve tissues and shoots. Fungi often also developed from asymptomatic components, but a correlation was found between isolated pathogens and disease symptoms. Pathogenicity and virulence towards elephant garlic cloves were verified for a representative isolate of each identified species, and Penicillium allii was the most virulent. Strategies to control Fusarium and Penicillium spp. on cloves were assessed, including chemicals, a biocontrol agent, surface sterilization and heat treatment. Among these, treatments with Patriot Gold® (active ingredient [a.i.] Trichoderma asperellum TV1, approved in organic farming on crops similar to elephant garlic), or Signum® (a.i. boscalid + pyraclostrobin, approved for Integrated Pest Management systems on crops similar to elephant garlic), were effective in simultaneous reduction of Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. Transplanting of asymptomatic cloves combined with the use of the above treatments showed promising effects for pathogens control, and to assist elephant garlic crop establishment.

Antibacterial Screening of Medicinal Plant Extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Herbal remedies are crucial for treating bacterial infections due to antibiotic resistance, with numerous studies demonstrating their antibacterial properties against various harmful species. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of an aqueous extract from 40 medicinal plants in vitro, assessing their effectiveness against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The well diffusion method was employed to assess the antibacterial activity. Six plants exhibit antibacterial properties against the two bacterial strains among these extracts. Guava (Psidium guajava) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)cold water extracts were the most effective plant extracts against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zones of 6.2 mm and 5.2 mm, respectively. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) leaves and Sana makki (Cassia angustifolia) leaves cold water extracts were the most effective plant extracts against Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibitory effect with inhibition zones of 6.9 mm and 5.9 mm respectively. The plant extracts differ in antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli. However, Extracts of Senna alata, Tamarindus indica, Psidium guajava, Syzygium aromaticum, and Cassia angustifolia showed inhibitory activity against both of the microorganisms tested. These potentially useful plant extracts can be utilized as natural alternatives to preventive measures for food poisoning and preservation, thereby avoiding the health risks associated with chemically antibacterial agents. These antibacterial properties encourage future research into new chemical compositions that can help treat or cure some diseases.

Oxidative Stability in Meat (Pectoralis major) of Broiler orally Supplemented with Essential Oils of Allium sativum, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale and Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Abstract Lipid oxidation is a normal process in living muscles, but is escalated post-mortem due to the loss of inherent antioxidant defense, which causes quality deterioration of meat. This study investigates the effects of essential oil (EO) supplementation added to the drinking water of broiler chicken on physical properties, antioxidants and lipid oxidation in Pectoralis major during frozen storage. Two hundred one day-old chicks of arbo acre were allocated to 5 groups; control (T1) and the groups supplemented with: Allium sativum (T2), Curcuma longa (T3), Zingiber officinale (T4) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (T5) at the level of 300ml/L into drinking water throughout a 49-day study. Thereafter, birds were slaughtered and breast meat excised for assessments during a 28-day storage period at 40C using standard procedure. The results show that cooking loss of Pectoralis major from T1 birds was not significantly (P>0.05) different from that of T4, and were significantly higher than those of T2, T3 and T5 birds. Meat from T5 birds showed the lowest drip lossThe results for total antioxidant activity are not similar among sampling days. In general, control group showed inferior values, but T2 and T4 had greater values on day 0 and 28. The rate of lipid peroxidation increased with time; however, EOs administration markedly reduced the peroxidation rates compared to controls. The catalase activity of breast meat was significantly declined from day fourteen, but was enhanced as an effect of essential oil consumption especially in group T5 at 21 and 28 days. . Supplementation of garlic, turmeric and cinnamon essential oils to broiler chickens increased glutathione peroxidase in breast meat on days 21 and 28, while turmeric EO enhanced superoxide dismutase upto 7 days. In conclusion, essential oils are valuable supplements for broiler chickens and potent in enhancing meat quality and prolong the shelf life.

Rapid discrimination of geographical origin of garlic (Allium sativum L.): A metabolomic approach applied to paper spray mass spectrometry data.

Distinguishing and categorizing the origin of garlic are highly significant, considering its widespread use as a flavoring agent. With billions of dollars annually in global trade, garlic is frequently susceptible to fraudulent practices. Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) was employed to quickly analyze garlic samples from distinct geographic origins: China and Brazil. The so-generated PS-MS data were treated with metabolomic multivariate approaches, and the garlic samples from these different geographic regions were easily discriminated. Brazilian garlic was characterized to contain higher levels of amino acids, such as arginine, proline, and valine, and organosulfur compounds, such as allicin, alliin, and l-γ-glutamil-S-allyl-l-cysteine, compared to Chinese garlic. The PS-MS data were treated employing multivariate approaches, typically used in the metabolomics field, and this protocol was promptly able to discern among both types of samples. Hence, this combined strategy holds promise not only as an effective tool for the authentication of the geographical origin of garlic but also as a powerful means for biomarker discovery.

A comparative study on the synergistic activities of fractions and crude essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum

BackgroundSyzygium aromaticum has been used for over a century because it has biological qualities for several health-related problems, and the crude essential oils are known to contain several components that could be responsible for synergistic or antagonistic potentials in relation to their biological uses. The study was designed to compare the biological activities of the crude essential oil from the bud of Syzygium aromaticum and fractions obtained from column chromatography.Materials and methodsThe essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and two prominent fractions, C1 and C2, were obtained from the column chromatography separation of the crude essential oil. The quantitative phytochemical analysis was done by standard methods, the antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging assays. The antifungal activities were assessed by the agar diffusion method, while the anti-inflammatory activity was done using a lipoxygenase inhibitory assay. The major component observed in the crude and fractions was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis.ResultsThe phytochemical analysis showed that phenolic acid, tannin, saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids were present in variable quantities in all of the fractions and crude essential oil. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for DPPH scavenging activity ranged from 226.1 to 301.2 µg/mL while that of ABTS scavenging activity ranged from 211.0 to 316.0 µg/mL. The lowest value of IC50 for both DPPH and ABTS was observed in fraction C1. The crude essential oil with a minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value of 8.00 mg/mL was the most efficient against Candida albicans, Aspergillus penicillum, and Aspergillus niger. The anti-inflammatory assay showed C1 to have the lowest value of IC50 for the lipoxygenase assay. The major component observed in the crude essential oil as well as fraction C1 was eugenol, while fraction C2 had β-caryophyllene as the major component.ConclusionsThe result showed that all fractions as well as the crude essential oil exhibited antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities, and the crude essential oil was synergic only with respect to its antifungal activity, while fraction C1 was more efficient as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Management of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) on Kiwifruit Seedlings using Different Plant Extracts, Biocontrol Agents, and Chemical Nematicides

Root-knot nematodes (RKN), (Meloidogyne spp.), are the major biotic factor responsible for the limiting production of Kiwifruit in Nepal including Kiwifruit orchard of Warm Temperate Horticulture Center, Nepal. Hence, there is a pressing demand for nematicides that are both easily accessible and cost-effective while being environmentally friendly. A screenhouse experiment was conducted in the Summer of 2023 with an objective to evaluate the effects of different plant extracts, bio-control agents, and chemical nematicides against RKN on Kiwifruit seedlings. The experiment was set up in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications and eight treatments which include the extracts of Allium sativum and Lantana camara, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Cartap hydrochloride, Fosthiazate, Inoculated control and Uninoculated control. The results revealed that Trichoderma viride proved to be the most effective in reducing the nematode population, displaying a low root gall index of 3.11, a minimal reproductive factor of 0.24, and a high percentage of nematode control at 91.71%. It was also found to be efficient in promoting the growth parameters of Kiwifruit seedlings. Additionally, regression analysis exhibited a significantly positive interaction between root gall index and reproductive factor, while indicating a negative interaction between reproductive factor and growth parameters. Therefore, T. viride (@ 20 gm per 2000 cm3 of soil) should be soil drenched before the seedlings are transplanted into the main field for effective and sustainable management of RKN. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of T. viride in infested roots of Kiwifruit trees in field condition of Kiwifruit orchard.