Effects of aged garlic extract on aging‑related changes in gastrointestinal function and enteric nervous system cells

Dysmotility of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is commonly seen in elderly individuals, where it causes significant morbidity and can lead to more severe conditions, including sarcopenia and frailty. Although the precise mechanisms underlying aging-related GI dysmotility are not fully understood, neuronal loss or degeneration in the enteric nervous system (ENS) may be involved. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been shown to have several beneficial effects in the GI tract; however, it is not known whether AGE can improve GI motility in older animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of AGE on the ENS and gut motility in older mice and elucidate potential mechanisms of action. An AGE-formulated diet was given to 18-month-old female mice for 2 weeks. Organ bath studies and cell culture demonstrated that AGE: i) Altered gut contractile activity; ii) enhanced viability of ENS cells; and iii) exhibited neuroprotective effects on the ENS via reduction in oxidative stress. These findings suggest that AGE could be used to develop novel dietary therapeutics for aging-related GI dysmotility by targeting the associated loss and damage of the ENS.