New research suggests that certain varieties of garlic may possess significant antiviral properties, a finding that could reshape the nutraceutical industry. Nick Diamantopoulos, founder of SupaG Health Pty Ltd, will unveil new garlic products at the renowned Gilroy Garlic Festival this July, following the publication of peer-reviewed studies demonstrating antiviral activity against respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A.
The studies, published in the Journal of Functional Foods (2024) and JSFA Reports (2026), showed that only a small subset of garlic cultivars exhibited meaningful antiviral activity in laboratory settings. Notably, the same cultivars demonstrated activity against both COVID and Influenza A, suggesting that the antiviral properties are linked to the garlic variety itself rather than growing location. The in vitro studies indicated that certain garlic extracts were able to impede viral entry into host cells.
"These findings fundamentally change the way we should think about garlic," said Diamantopoulos. "For generations, garlic has been viewed as a natural remedy, however our research indicates that not all garlic is equal for health benefits, just as not all garlic is equal for nutrition and flavor." The research program draws on more than 30 years of collection, breeding, and analysis, involving over 300 garlic varieties sourced from around the world.
Diamantopoulos believes the discoveries may represent one of the most historically significant scientific developments in the garlic industry. "The future of garlic nutraceuticals will not be commodity-based. It will be health-specific," he stated. "We are moving from generic garlic products towards identified cultivars with targeted functional properties, proprietary formulations, traceable genetics and evidence-based health positioning."
The company is launching a premium garlic supplement with a proprietary ingredient focused on specific formulations supported by peer-reviewed research. Throughout the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Diamantopoulos and the SupaGarlic team will be available to discuss the published research, commercial development plans, and opportunities for strategic partnerships, distribution, and clinical research collaborations.
According to the published research, biological activity likely depends on the underlying garlic cultivar, extraction methods, formulation techniques, and processing controls. This creates opportunities to develop intellectual property around identified cultivars and proprietary formulations for the nutraceutical, functional food, and pharma sectors. "This research establishes a scientific foundation for a new premium category within the health industry," Diamantopoulos added. "Gilroy is the ideal place to begin that conversation with the world."
The scientific studies referenced were conducted in laboratory settings and do not constitute clinical evidence in humans. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. SupaG Health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
