New research published in scientific journals indicates that specific garlic varieties exhibit significant antiviral properties against respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A. The findings, which highlight cultivar-specific activity, are driving the development of a new category of garlic-based health products by SupaG Health Pty Ltd. Founder Nick Diamantopoulos will unveil the company's first products at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California, this July.
The studies, published in the Journal of Functional Foods (2024) and JSFA Reports (2026), demonstrated that garlic oil and juice extracts from certain cultivars inhibited viral entry into host cells in laboratory settings. Notably, the same cultivars showed activity against both COVID-19 and Influenza A, suggesting the antiviral properties are linked to the garlic variety rather than growing conditions. "These findings fundamentally change the way we should think about garlic," said Diamantopoulos. "Not all garlic is equal for health benefits, just as not all garlic is equal for nutrition and flavor."
The research program draws on over 30 years of collecting, breeding, and analyzing more than 300 garlic varieties from around the world. Diamantopoulos believes the discoveries represent a significant scientific advancement for the garlic industry. "The future of garlic nutraceuticals will not be commodity-based. It will be health-specific," he said. "We are moving from generic garlic products towards identified cultivars with targeted functional properties, proprietary formulations, traceable genetics and evidence-based health positioning."
SupaG Health's new product is a premium garlic supplement featuring a proprietary ingredient supported by peer-reviewed research. The company is pursuing distribution partnerships, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical collaborations, and retail expansion. At the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Diamantopoulos will discuss the published research and opportunities for strategic partnerships and clinical research.
The studies emphasize that biological activity depends on the garlic cultivar, extraction methods, formulation techniques, and processing controls, creating opportunities for intellectual property development. "This research establishes a scientific foundation for a new premium category within the health industry," Diamantopoulos said. "Gilroy is the ideal place to begin that conversation with the world."
Importantly, the scientific studies were conducted in laboratory settings and do not constitute clinical evidence in humans. SupaG Health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and these statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
