Allium sativum constituents: effect on free radical generation from rat neutrophils

Reactive oxygen species formation or respiratory burst by the neutrophils helps to remove the invaded pathogens and thus constitute a major defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Production of these radicals by activated neutrophils at the site of inflammation however inflicts damage to the host tissue. Modulation of the neutrophil respiratory burst is therefore important in determining the balance between immune defense and host tissue injury during inflammatory conditions. Garlic extracts and various compounds isolated from garlic have been found to possess various activities, however no report is available on their effect on neutrophil free radical generation. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the effect of garlic aqueous extract, alcoholic extract and various fractions on the free radical generation from neutrophils. Among the tested fractions, chloroform fraction of garlic seems to be very potent in attenuating the free radical generation from rat neutrophils, which could be beneficial in the inflammation associated pathological conditions.