Allicin: Chemistry and Biological Properties

Abstract

Allicin (diallylthiosulfinate) is a defence molecule from garlic (Allium sativum L.) with a broad range of biological activities. Allicin is produced upon tissue damage from the non-proteinogenic amino acid alliin (S-allylcysteine sulfoxide) in a reaction that is catalyzed by the enzyme alliinase. Current understanding of the allicin biosynthetic pathway will be presented in this review. Being a thiosulfinate, allicin is a reactive sulfur species (RSS) and undergoes a redox-reaction with thiol groups in glutathione and proteins that is thought to be essential for its biological activity. Allicin is physiologically active in microbial, plant and mammalian cells. In a dose-dependent manner allicin can inhibit the proliferation of both bacteria and fungi or kill cells outright, including antibiotic-resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, in mammalian cell lines, including cancer cells, allicin induces cell-death and inhibits cell proliferation. In plants allicin inhibits seed germination and attenuates root-development. The majority of allicin's effects are believed to be mediated via redox-dependent mechanisms. In sub-lethal concentrations, allicin has a variety of health-promoting properties, for example cholesterol-and blood pressure-lowering effects that are advantageous for the cardio-vascular system. Clearly, allicin has wide-ranging and interesting applications in medicine and (green) agriculture, hence the detailed discussion of its enormous potential in this review. Taken together, allicin is a fascinating biologically active compound whose properties are a direct consequence of the molecule's chemistry.

Role of Kletik oil, Ginger and Garlic Extracts towards Soft Tissue Injury

“…Furthermore, allicin also acted on T-cell lymphocytes by inhibition of the SDF1α-chemokine-induced chemotaxis and this effect was correlated with an impaired dynamic of the actin-cytoskeleton. 5 In conclusion, the usage of herbal mixture consisting of ginger, garlic, and coconut oil (kletik oil) somehow possesses antiinflammatory properties which can help the healing process in soft tissue injury.…”

“…2−4 Furthermore, garlic (Allium sativum) contains a sulfur natural compound, allicin, a substance that have effect as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. 5 Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. According to the results in vitro studies, the rhizome of ginger contains gingerols, which inhibits synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1, TNF-α, IL-8, prostaglandin (PG) and leukotriene (LT), and also inhibits the inducible enzyme cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2).…”

Allicin inhibits oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by promoting PI3K/AKT and CREB/ERK signaling in osteoblast cells

“…Allicin was reported to exert multiple biological antimicrobial, immune-modulatory and anti-cancer effects (25). Furthermore, allicin also exerts antioxidant effects at the physiological level (25), particularly against OS in cardiovascular diseases that are closely associated with oxidative stress (26,27). Recently, it was indicated to regulate the pro-inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (28), implying a possible and bright prospect for an osteoporosis treatment.…”

“…The present study used allicin, a natural ingredient that is derived from garlic (24). Allicin was reported to exert multiple biological antimicrobial, immune-modulatory and anti-cancer effects (25). Furthermore, allicin also exerts antioxidant effects at the physiological level (25), particularly against OS in cardiovascular diseases that are closely associated with oxidative stress (26,27).…”

Investigation of the anti-aging properties of allicin from <i>Allium sativum</i> L bulb extracts by a reverse docking approach

“…There are several skincare cosmetics that can treat premature aging, but many of them can have adverse reactions including allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, as well as phototoxic and photoallergic reactions [2,4]. To avoid some of these adverse effects, recently, anti-aging research has focused on scientific validation of natural products, often used throughout history for their medicinal properties [5]. Natural products like fruit, vegetables, spices provide antioxidant bioactive compounds and have been widely used as a cosmetics historically and to the present day in some societies [6] Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a well-known spices used in daily life especially for foodstuff and medicines in many cultures.…”