Prevention of liver damage by aged garlic extract and its components in mice

The hepato-protective effects of aged garlic extract (GE), S-allyl cysteine (SAC) and S-allylmercapto cysteine (SAMC) were evaluated, using mice with acute hepatitis, induced by hepatotoxins. These substances reduced the rise of serum enzyme levels and liver necrosis caused by paracetamol or carbon tetrachloride. It was found that the protective effect of SAMC upon the liver cells were far superior than that of SAC and the other chemicals tested.