Physical stability, antioxidative properties, and photoprotective effects of a functionalized formulation containing black garlic extract

When garlic is fermented, certain aspects of its bioactivity are changed. Black garlic is a type of fermented garlic used as a food ingredient in Asian cuisine. Black garlic’s popularity has spread around the world as it has become a sought-after ingredient used in high-end cuisine. The formulations containing 10% black garlic extract or 10% normal garlic extract showed stable pH, color, precipitation, and organoleptic features, although these characteristics changed slightly. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of the black garlic formulation were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to those of the base formulation and normal garlic formulation. Mice treated with the black garlic formulation (119.63 μM/g) had significant (p < 0.05) decreases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels by lipid peroxidation compared to ultraviolet B (UVB)-control mice (142.37 μM/g). Moreover, significant (p < 0.05) prevention of glutathione reduced form (GSH) depletion was observed in the black garlic formulation treated mice (vehicle: 3.46 mM/g vs. black garlic: 5.60 mM/g). The formulation containing 10% black garlic extract retained physical stability and had high anti-radical efficiencies. Furthermore, it is possible to suggest that this formulation may be effective in protecting skin from UVB photodamage.