Nick Diamantopoulos, founder of SupaG Health Pty Ltd, will introduce new garlic products at the Gilroy Garlic Festival this July, following the publication of peer-reviewed studies indicating that specific garlic varieties possess strong antiviral properties. The research, published in the Journal of Functional Foods (2024) and JSFA Reports (2026), demonstrates that certain garlic extracts can inhibit viral entry into host cells for both SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza A.
The in vitro studies revealed that only a small subset of garlic varieties, irrespective of growing location, exhibited meaningful antiviral activity. Notably, the same cultivars showed effectiveness against both viruses, suggesting the properties are linked to the garlic variety itself rather than environmental factors. "These findings fundamentally change the way we should think about garlic," Diamantopoulos said. "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 over 30 years of collection, breeding, and analysis of more than 300 garlic varieties from around the world. Diamantopoulos believes these discoveries represent one of the most 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."
SupaG Health is launching a premium garlic supplement featuring a proprietary ingredient supported by the peer-reviewed research. The company is actively pursuing distribution partnerships, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical collaborations, and retail expansion. Throughout the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Diamantopoulos and his team will be available to discuss the research, commercial development plans, 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. This creates opportunities for intellectual property around identified cultivars and proprietary formulations for nutraceutical, functional food, and pharmaceutical sectors. "This research establishes a scientific foundation for a new premium category within the health industry," Diamantopoulos noted. "Gilroy is the ideal place to begin that conversation with the world."
Important notice: The scientific studies 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.
