Black Garlic and Cancer Prevention: A Promise from Nature

Black Garlic and Cancer Prevention: A Promise from Nature

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Research has shown how black garlic, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can act effectively in cancer prevention. Its bioactive compounds, such as S-allylcysteine (SAC) and S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), are at the center of numerous scientific studies.

Oxidative Stress and Cancer

Oxidative stress, caused by an excess of free radicals, damages DNA and promotes mutations that can lead to tumor development. Black garlic helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of malignant transformation [Ahmed & Wang, 2021][Park et al., 2014].

Direct Mechanisms: Apoptosis and Proliferation Blockage

The SAC and SAMC compounds in black garlic directly influence tumor cells through:

• Induction of apoptosis: SAC activates proteins such as Bax and caspase-3, promoting programmed cell death in tumor cells [Park et al., 2014].
• Proliferation blockage: Black garlic inhibits the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways, which are essential for tumor cell growth [Shin et al., 2010].

Indirect Mechanisms: Metastasis Inhibition

Black garlic reduces the expression of metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, enzymes involved in the spread of tumor cells. In this way, it also acts on metastasis prevention [Ahmed & Wang, 2021].

Scientific Evidence

Preclinical studies on cell lines of colon, stomach, and breast cancer demonstrate that black garlic extract reduces the proliferation of malignant cells and improves survival in animal models.

Thanks to these properties, black garlic confirms itself as a natural promise in cancer prevention, with potential applications in the therapeutic field as well.

To learn more about the benefits of fermented black garlic, visit the Health section.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Valentina Vecchi for her contribution to black garlic research, to Prof. Monica Borgatti for academic guidance, and to the University of Ferrara for its constant commitment to scientific research.

SOURCES

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