Aged garlic extract and its constituents inhibit Cu(2+)-induced oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein.

Oxygen radical injury and lipid peroxidation have been suggested as major causes of atherosclerosis, cancer, liver disease, and the aging process. More specifically, oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been recognized as an important process of atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the effects of aged garlic extract (AGE), four of its constituents, and a metabolite on Cu(2+)-induced oxidative modification of LDL using an in vitro system. All these compounds were shown to inhibit oxidative modification of LDL.