Nick Diamantopoulos, founder of SupaG Health Pty Ltd, will introduce new garlic products at the renowned Gilroy Garlic Festival this July, following peer-reviewed research demonstrating that certain garlic varieties likely have significant antiviral properties. The findings, published in scientific journals, showed that specific garlic cultivars exhibited strong activity in laboratory studies against respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza A.
Research published in the Journal of Functional Foods (2024) and JSFA Reports (2026) found that only a small subset of garlic, regardless of growing location, demonstrated meaningful antiviral activity. The in vitro studies showed that certain garlic extracts could impede viral entry into host cells. Notably, the same cultivars showed activity against both COVID-19 and influenza, suggesting the properties are linked to the garlic variety itself rather than growing conditions.
“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 more than 30 years of collection, breeding, and analysis, involving more than 300 garlic varieties sourced worldwide.
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. We are moving from generic garlic products towards identified cultivars with targeted functional properties, proprietary formulations, traceable genetics and evidence-based health positioning,” he said.
The company is launching a premium garlic supplement at the festival, featuring a proprietary ingredient supported by peer-reviewed research. SupaG Health is actively pursuing distribution partnerships, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical collaborations, retail expansion, and further product development based on its proprietary research. Throughout the festival, Diamantopoulos and the SupaGarlic team will be available to discuss published research, commercial development plans, and opportunities for strategic partnerships.
According to the published studies, biological activity depends on 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 said. “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.
