New research indicates that certain garlic varieties possess significant antiviral properties, challenging the notion that all garlic offers the same health benefits. The findings, published in the Journal of Functional Foods (2024) and JSFA Reports (2026), demonstrate that specific garlic cultivars show strong activity against respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A in laboratory studies.
Nick Diamantopoulos, founder of SupaG Health Pty Ltd, will unveil new garlic products at the Gilroy Garlic Festival this July, based on this research. The studies found that only a small subset of garlic, regardless of growing location, exhibited meaningful antiviral activity. Notably, the same cultivars demonstrated activity against both COVID and Influenza A, suggesting the properties are linked to the variety itself rather than the growing location.
“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 worldwide. According to Diamantopoulos, 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. We are moving from generic garlic products towards identified cultivars with targeted functional properties, proprietary formulations, traceable genetics and evidence-based health positioning,” he stated.
The company is actively pursuing distribution partnerships, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical collaborations, and retail expansion. At the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Diamantopoulos and the SupaGarlic team will discuss the published research and opportunities for strategic partnerships. The research suggests that biological activity depends on the underlying garlic cultivar, extraction methods, formulation techniques, and processing controls, creating opportunities for intellectual property development in the nutraceutical, functional food, and pharma sectors.
“This research establishes a scientific foundation for a new premium category within the health industry. Gilroy is the ideal place to begin that conversation with the world,” said Diamantopoulos.
The studies referenced are: Inhibitory effects of SARS-CoV-2 penetration of host cells by garlic oil and juice extract are cultivar specific — Journal of Functional Foods (2024) and Inhibition of influenza virus infection by garlic oil and juice in cell culture — JSFA Reports (2026).
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.
