This study was performed to investigate and compare the antiinflammatory
effects of two kinds of raw garlic extracts (RGEs),
fresh RGE (FRGE) and heat-treated RGE (HRGE). Our findings show
that both FRGE and HRGE reduce LPS-induced NO production and
the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the upregulation
of HO-1 activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, the
anti-inflammatory effect was greater in FRGE than in HRGE. Allicin,
which regulates NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and HO-1, is
responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of FRGE.