Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)
Standardized garlic extract (SAC/SAMC) that induces mitochondrial apoptosis, suppresses NF-κB/COX-2 and angiogenesis, boosts NK activity; small human signals (adenomas, immune).
Forms: Standardized aged garlic extract (SAC-quantified) · S-allylcysteine (SAC) capsule (derived from AGE)
Simple Summary
This standardized garlic extract pushes cancer cells toward programmed death, starves tumors by cutting off new blood vessels, and supports immune attack (NK cells). A small clinical trial suggests it can slow growth of colon polyps, but direct tumor-shrinkage evidence in people is still limited.
Evidence at a glance
Small RCTs/controlled studies for adenoma prevention and immune activation; strong mechanistic and animal data; direct oncology efficacy remains to be proven.
How it may work
AGE is enriched in stable, water-soluble organosulfurs—especially S-allylcysteine (SAC) and S-allyl-mercaptocysteine (SAMC)—that trigger mitochondrial apoptosis (Δψm loss, Bax↑/Bcl-2↓ → caspase-9/-3 activation), arrest the cell cycle, and suppress pro-tumor pathways (NF-κB, COX-2). It inhibits angiogenesis (↓VEGF/VEGFR2; impaired endothelial migration/tube formation) and reduces invasion in colorectal and other models. In humans, AGE increased natural-killer (NK) cell number/activity in advanced digestive-cancer patients and, in a randomized trial, slowed the growth/number of colorectal adenomas (precancerous lesions).
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Curcumin: Convergent NF-κB/COX-2↓ and apoptosis↑.
- Green tea (EGCG): Additive anti-angiogenic and NF-κB↓ signals.
Overlapping mechanisms
- Angiogenesis ↓, Inflammation ↓: Avoid stacking many agents with strong VEGF/NF-κB suppression unless intentional.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- anticoagulants_rxMonitorModerateTheoreticalAdditive antiplatelet/bleeding risk.
- antiplatelets_rxMonitorModerateTheoreticalAdditive antiplatelet effects.
- antihypertensives_rxDose AdjustMinorTheoreticalPotential mild BP-lowering → monitor.
- ROS-dependent chemotherapy/radiationSeparateTheoreticalAntioxidant/DNA-damage↓ effects—avoid blunting planned ROS waves.
Timing
- With-meal: Improves GI tolerance; may reduce reflux.
- AM
- PM
References
- J Nutr 2006: AGE suppressed size/number of colorectal adenomas (RCT).
- Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2004: Double-blind study of AGE doses in colorectal adenomas.
- J Nutr 2006: In advanced digestive cancers, AGE increased NK cell number/activity.
- J Nutr 2006: AGE inhibited angiogenesis and proliferation in colorectal cancer models.
- Exp Ther Med 2020: AGE/SAC induce mitochondrial apoptosis via Δψm depolarization.
- Oncol Lett 2014: SAMC triggers mitochondrial apoptotic pathway (Bax↑, Bcl-2↓, caspase-9/-3).
- Oxid Med Cell Longev 2012: AGE chemistry; SAC stability, standardization, antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions.
- Biomed Pharmacother 2020: Review—SAC anticancer mechanisms (multi-pathway).
- Nutr Res Pract 2021: Systematic review—garlic & cancer; RCT evidence for adenomas with AGE; overall human cancer efficacy remains inconclusive.
Research
No published studies for Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 600–2400 mg (oral) Standardized AGE; divide BID–TID; verify SAC mg per serving, Human trials commonly use 1.2–2.4 g/day AGE equivalents; SAC content varies by brand..
Trials studying Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →