Allicin from garlic strongly inhibits cysteine proteinases and cytopathic effects of Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

The ability of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites to destroy monolayers of baby hamster kidney cells is inhibited by allicin, one of the active principles of garlic. Cysteine proteinases, an important contributor to amebic virulence, as well as alcohol dehydrogenase, are strongly inhibited by allicin.