Aged garlic extract protects against disease, say scientists at MMDR-9
KARACHI: Aged garlic extract may offer significant protection against a range of disease processes, including oxidative stress, glycation, cancer treatment toxicity, and metabolic complications, according to leading scientists speaking at the 9th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (MMDR) at the University of Karachi.
The global scientific gathering, attended by around 600 researchers including 42 international participants, opened with new evidence underscoring the therapeutic potential of aged garlic extract and other biologically active natural compounds.
Aged garlic extract shows antiglycation, antioxidant, cardioprotective benefits
Delivering the first lecture of the day, Prof. Dr. Nessar Ahmed (UK) explained that aged garlic extract is produced by aging raw garlic for 20 months, resulting in an odorless extract rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds.
He said his laboratory’s findings show that aged garlic extract:
- Demonstrates antiglycation activity
- Exhibits strong antioxidant properties
- Protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
- May help reduce advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in diabetic patients
Prof. Ahmed emphasized that the extract deserves greater scientific attention for its potential role in protecting cancer patients from heart damage caused by chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin.
Experts discuss tumour complexity, brain cancer challenges, and natural compound therapies
In another session, Dr. Ikram Burney highlighted that tumours vary significantly between body regions and evolve over time. This variability, he said, makes large or repeated biopsies difficult for clinicians and taxing for patients.
Prof. Dr. Luciana Dini described glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to its rapid growth and limited therapeutic options.
Prof. Dr. Zhen-Feng Chen discussed the wide biological activity of alkaloids used in traditional Chinese medicine. He also introduced an emerging therapeutic approach that combines a potent natural product with a hypoglycemic drug to treat cancer patients who also suffer from diabetes.
UNESCO Chairs Summit focuses on science for peace, cross-border collaboration
A parallel event titled “The UNESCO Chairs Summit of Scientific Solidarity – Building Bridges Across Borders” was also held during MMDR-9.
Participants included:
- Prof. Bilquees Gul
- Prof. Dr. Adnan Noor Mian (UNESCO Chair holder)
- Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (UNESCO Chair holder)
- Prof. Dr. Syed Javaid Zaidi (UNESCO Chair holder)
Speaking at the summit, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director ICCBS and UNESCO Chair Holder at ICCBS, welcomed delegates and emphasized the role of scientific collaboration in advancing peace, sustainability, and inclusive development.
He noted that the summit supports the proposal to designate 2028 as the International Year of Science for Peace and Sustainable Development, recommended for inclusion in the agenda of UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference.
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