Comparing selected biological properties of garlic (Allium sativum L.) from Poland and China

Abstract

Although there are numerous scientific publications to confirm health benefits of garlic and its preparations, only few data are available in the reference literature on the country-of-origin depending properties of that species. In this study, there were compared selected properties of aqueous extracts of the garlic from Poland (its variety is ‘Harnaś’) and from China (unknown variety), because the Chinese garlic is widespread and common in the Polish market. Compared to the aqueous extract of the Polish garlic, the aqueous extract of the Chinese garlic was characterized by a higher DPPH• and ABTS•+ free radical scavenging activity and by a higher ability to chelate Cu(II) ions. On the other hand, the substances contained in the aqueous extract of the Polish garlic chelated the Fe(II) ions more effectively. The assessment of anti-fungal properties of garlic against Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast proved that the aqueous extract of the Chinese garlic stronger inhibited the growth of that yeast than the extract of the Polish variety. In summary, it may be concluded that the samples of garlic studied are characterized by diversified antioxidant and anti-fungal activities.