Chemopreventive aspects, investigational anticancer applications and current perspectives on allyl isothiocyanate (AITC): a review

Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Dec;478(12):2763-2777. doi: 10.1007/s11010-023-04697-0. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

Abstract

Allyl isothiocyanates (AITC) have gained recognition in recent years as effective chemotherapeutic and epigenetic modulators. The chemopreventive properties and toxicological perspectives of AITCs from the last few decades were taken into account by a number of investigations. Their active therapeutic relevance was hindered by a number of factors, including instability under typical physiological conditions and low bioavailability due to low aqueous solubility. In this review, we highlighted the chemopreventive attributes of AITC in relation to its molecular mechanisms and metabolic fate for cancer. Moreover, we emphasized on investigational anticancer activities and various strategies for delivery of AITC in different types of cancer. Considering cellular interactions, we shed light on the toxicological properties of AITCs to address further issues regarding their assessment in therapeutic development. This review identifies knowledge gaps with various contemporary approaches involving most recent studies and may pave the way for a better understanding for the development of novel AITC therapeutics.

Keywords: Allyl isothiocyanate; Anticancer-activity; Drug delivery; Molecular mechanisms; Toxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Isothiocyanates* / pharmacology
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / prevention & control

Substances

  • 2,3,4-tri-O-acetylarabinopyranosyl isothiocyanate
  • allyl isothiocyanate
  • Isothiocyanates