Potential therapeutic effects of functionally active compounds isolated from garlic

Pharmacol Ther. 2014 May;142(2):183-95. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.005. Epub 2013 Dec 11.

Abstract

The medicinal properties of functionally active organosulfur compounds such as allin, diallyl disulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and S-trityl-L-cysteine isolated from garlic have received great attention from a large number of investigators who have studied their pharmacological effects for the treatment of various diseases. These organosulfur compounds are able to prevent for development of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and liver diseases as well as allergy and arthritis. There have been also many reports on toxicities and pharmacokinetics of these compounds. The aim of this study is to review a variety of experimental and clinical reports, and describe the effectiveness, toxicities and pharmacokinetics, and possible mechanisms of pharmaceutical actions of functionally active compounds isolated from garlic.

Keywords: Allergy; Arthritis; Cancer; Cardiovascular disorders; Garlic; Liver diseases; Neurological diseases; Organosulfur compounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Agents / therapeutic use
  • Garlic*
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Preparations / adverse effects
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacokinetics
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use*
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Sulfur Compounds / adverse effects
  • Sulfur Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Sulfur Compounds / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • Plant Preparations
  • Sulfur Compounds