The effects of aged and unaged garlic on cell aging processes via enzymatic and oxidative pathways were examined in this cell-free in vitro study. Aged and unaged garlic, quercetin, and S-allyl cysteine inhibited collagenase and elastase dose-dependently. Quercetin and unaged garlic showed stronger collagenase inhibition and weaker elastase inhibition than S-allyl cysteine and aged garlic. Quercetin and aged garlic scavenged radicals more effectively than unaged garlic and S-allyl cysteine. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly augmented by quercetin and unaged garlic when compared to aged garlic and S-allyl cysteine. Aged garlic contained higher amounts of S-allyl cysteine, total flavonoid and polyphenols, and lower quercetin content when compared to unaged garlic. Aged and unaged garlic exerted different effects on cellular aging by modulating collagenase, elastase, and superoxide dismutase activities. The different effects can potentially be attributed to different organosulfur and phenolic compositions.
One size does not fit all: developing a cell-specific niche for in vitro study of cell behavior
