Immunomodulatory activity of aged garlic extract against implanted fibrosarcoma tumor in mice

BACKGROUND: Garlic is known as a medicinal herb with broad therapeutic properties ranging from antibacterial to anticancer and even anticoagulant. AIM: Current study was designed to evaluate antitumor effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on fibrosarcoma tumor in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cells were implanted subcutaneously on day zero into right flank of 40 BALB/c mice aged eight weeks. Mice were randomly categorized in two separate groups: 1(st) received AGE (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), 2(nd) group as control received phosphate buffered saline, (PBS). Treatments were done three times per week. Tumor growth was measured and morbidity was recorded. Subpopulations of CD4+/CD8+ T cells were determined using flow cytometry. WEHI-164 cell specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes and in vitro production of gamma-interferon, (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-4, (IL-4) cytokines were measured. RESULTS: The mice received AGE had significantly longer survival time compared to control mice. The inhibitory effect on tumor growth was seen in AGE treated mice. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio and in vitro IFN-γ production of splenocytes were significantly increased in AGE group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of AGE resulted in improved immune responses against experimentally implanted fibrosarcoma tumors in BALB/c mice. AGE showed significant effects on inhibition of tumor growth and longevity of survival times.