Stimulation of cell growth and proliferation in NIH-3T3 cells by onion and garlic oils

Onion and garlic oil were seen to shorten the cell-doubling time and stimulate the growth and proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells. Following treatment with either onion or garlic oil, an increase in the growth rate and almost a 2-fold increase in cell number over the control was observed within a 24-hour period. Phorbol myristate acetate when given simultaneously with either oil appeared to nullify both effects. Following exposure to low doses (less than 10 micrograms/ml) of either oil, an increase in cell survival, not seen with the oil control tricaprylin, was observed following a 5-day exposure period. At higher concentrations cell survival decreased proportionately in all cases. The appearance of multinucleated cells, which increased with dose and time, was also observed following treatment with both garlic and onion oil.