Cytocompatibility of Aqueous Garlic Extract on Human Cell Lines: Implications for Sustainability Utilization

Pesticides are widely recognized as hazardous chemicals with potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Directive 2009/128/EC establishes a framework for the European Union to promote the sustainable use of pesticides and the adoption of alternative agricultural techniques. Specifically, aqueous extracts are complex mixtures of various chemical compounds, such as terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and phenols, that have potential herbicidal, insecticidal, and fungicidal properties. Therefore, they can be used as an alternative to pesticides. This study examined the cytocompatibility of 100, 10, 1 and 0.1% Allium sativum L. aqueous extract (ASE) on human cell lines. The aim was to evaluate its effects on viability and cell metabolic activity through in vitro testing to verify the absence of adverse effects for operators who, when using garlic extract in agriculture, may be exposed via dermal contact or inhalation. The results showed that 1 to 0.1% do not significantly affect cell proliferation or viability in all examined cell models, while higher concentrations (≥10%) induced cell line-dependent reductions in viability. In summary, the results suggest the potential use of garlic aqueous extract as a potential low-risk alternative to synthetic pesticides and support its safety for occupational exposure of agricultural workers.