Extracts of Allium species suppress activation of the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes and formation of radiation-induced micronuclei

Abstract Allium is a plant genus with high medicinal and dietary value, which encompasses commonly used culinary herbs such as scallion, garlic, and onion. In this study, we investigated whether Allium extracts exert protective effects on radiation-induced chromosomal damage in BALB/c mice. The mice were orally administered 200 mg kg −1 Allium extracts (scallion, garlic, and onion) for 6 weeks and exposed to 2 Gy gamma radiation 1 day after the final feeding. Haematological parameters and the number of micronucleated bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) were evaluated. Additionally, we analysed the effects of Allium extracts on inflammasome activation in lipopolysaccharide-primed murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. The Allium extracts increased the numbers of peripheral white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and red blood cells; significantly decreased the number of MnPCEs; and suppressed the maturation of interleukin-1β by blocking activation of the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes. In conclusion, Allium extracts protected the hematopoietic function of bone marrow, reduced radiation-induced formation of micronuclei, and suppressed activation of the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes. Further research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms of these effects of Allium .