The garlic-derived organosulfur component ajoene decreases basal cell carcinoma tumor size by inducing apoptosis

Abstract

Although the therapeutic role of ajoene, an organosulfur compound of garlic, in cardiovascular diseases and mycology has been established, its usefulness in cancer treatment has only recently been suggested. We applied ajoene topically to the tumors of 21 patients with either nodular or superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A reduction in tumor size was seen in 17 patients. Immunohistochemical assays for Bcl-2 expression in a selection of these tumors before and after treatment showed a significant decrease in this apoptosis-suppressing protein. On average, the percentage of tumor cells expressing the proliferation marker Ki-67 was not decreased, which suggests that the action of ajoene is not explained by a cytostatic effect. To obtain further insight into the mode of action of ajoene, the BCC cell line TE354T and a short-term primary culture of BCC were analyzed for apoptosis induction after treatment with the drug. Apoptosis was detected by morphology of the cells and by flow cytometry. Ajoene induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in these cultures. Taking together the results of the in vivo and in vitro studies, we conclude that ajoene can reduce BCC tumor size, mainly by inducing the mitochondria-dependent route of apoptosis.

Transformation of Synthetic Allicin: The Influence of Ultrasound, Microwaves, Different Solvents and Temperatures, and the Products Isolation

“…(E)-Ajoene ((E)-1-(prop-2-enyldisulfanyl)-3-prop-2-enylsulfinylprop-1-ene; ( 1 ), (Z)-ajoene ((Z)-1-(prop-2-enyldisulfanyl)-3-prop-2-enylsulfinylprop-1-ene; ( 2 ), 3-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiin (3-ethenyl-3,4-dihydrodithiine; ( 3 ), 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin (2-ethenyl-4H-1,3-dithiine; ( 4 ), and diallyl disulfide (3-(prop-2-enyldisulfanyl)prop-1-ene; ( 5 ) were isolated. 1 and 2 exhibit antimicrobial [25, 26] and anticancer effect [27, 28]. 3 and 4 participate in the inhibition of thrombocyte aggregation, cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition, and regulation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure [29].…”

Potential role of organic sulfur compounds from Allium species in cancer prevention and therapy

“…Sweden, Italy, USA, Japan) all reporting a reduced risk of stomach, esophageal and colorectal cancers (Shukla 2007). Less often garlic's efficacy against other tumors, such as prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), cancers of head, neck, breast, skin or lung, were elucidated (Devrim and Durak 2007;Fleischauer and Arab 2001;Garlic and 2008;Tilli et al 2003;Hsing et al 2002;Challier et al 1998), suggesting that effects are not restricted to topical applications, but also occur systemically. For example population based diet studies in England revealed a decreased risk of prostate cancer in elderly men caused by a high total fat intake when consuming garlic.…”

A comprehensive review on Rasam: A South Indian traditional functional food

“…[ 80 ] Ajoene has been investigated as an antileukemia agent for acute myeloid leukemia therapy. [ 81 82 83 ] Nutritional content of garlic bulb per 100 g is mentioned in Table 5 . [ 84 ]…”