Organosulfur compounds from alliaceae in the prevention of human pathologies

Profiles of volatile sulfur compounds in various vegetables consumed in Korea using HS-SPME-GC/MS technique

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are not only important for their therapeutic potential but also significantly influence the flavor profiles of agricultural products. VSCs exhibit various chemical structures due to their stability and volatility, and they may form or be altered as a result of enzymatic and chemical reactions during storage and cooking. This study has focused on profiles of VSCs in 58 different vegetable samples by using HS-SPME-GC/MS technique and chemometric analyses. The validation was carried out using cabbage juice as a vegetable matrix for VSCs analysis, showing satisfactory repeatability (RSD 8.07% ~ 9.45%), reproducibility (RSD 4.22% ~ 7.71%), accuracy and specificity. The established method was utilized on various vegetables, revealing that 21 VSCs such as sulfides, disulfides, trisulfides, isothiocyanates, sulfhydryls, and thiophenes were successfully identified and quantified. These compounds were found in a range of vegetables including Allium species, Cruciferae, Capsicum species, green leafy vegetables, and mushrooms. In particular, isocyanate and allyl groups were abundant in Cruciferae and Allium vegetables, respectively. Cooking conditions were shown to reduce the levels of certain sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl trisulfide in vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, suggesting that heat treatment can lead to the volatilization and reduction of these compounds. The present study provides reliable insights into the compositions of VSCs in various vegetables and examines the changes induced by different cooking methods.

Andrographolide Attenuates Oxidized LDL-Induced Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages and Mitigates HFCCD-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice

Andrographolide (AND) is a bioactive component of the herb Andrographis paniculata and a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vasculature, and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) is thought to contribute heavily to atherosclerosis-associated inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AND mitigates oxLDL-mediated foam cell formation and diet-induced atherosclerosis (in mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-cholic acid [HFCCD] diet) and the underlying mechanisms involved. AND attenuated LPS/oxLDL-mediated foam cell formation, IL-1[Formula: see text] mRNA and protein (p37) expression, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) mRNA and protein expression, caspase-1 (p20) protein expression, and IL-1[Formula: see text] release in BMDMs. Treatment with oxLDL significantly induced protein and mRNA expression of CD36, lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), and scavenger receptor type A (SR-A), whereas pretreatment with AND significantly inhibited protein and mRNA expression of SR-A only. Treatment with oxLDL significantly induced ROS generation and Dil-oxLDL uptake; however, pretreatment with AND alleviated oxLDL-induced ROS generation and Dil-oxLDL uptake. HFCCD feeding significantly increased aortic lipid accumulation, ICAM-1 expression, and IL-1[Formula: see text] mRNA expression, as well as blood levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total cholesterol, and LDL-C. AND co-administration mitigated aortic lipid accumulation, the protein expression of ICAM-1, mRNA expression of IL-1[Formula: see text] and ICAM-1, and blood levels of GPT. These results suggest that the working mechanisms by which AND mitigates atherosclerosis involve the inhibition of foam cell formation and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent vascular inflammation as evidenced by decreased SR-A expression and IL-1[Formula: see text] release, respectively.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Phyto-L, Thiosulfonate from Allium spp. Containing Supplement, against Escherichia Coli Strains from Rabbits

Colibacillosis, caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), is one of the most common diseases in rabbit farms, resulting in economic losses due to mortality and decrease in production. Until recently, antimicrobials were used to both treat and prevent disease on livestock farms, leading to the possible risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Therefore, interest in alternative control methods, such as the use of natural substances, has increased in the scientific community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Phyto-L (Pro Tech s.r.l.), a product containing organosulfur compounds (OSCs) such as propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium spp., against 108 strains of E. coli isolated from rabbits with colibacillosis from 19 farms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Phyto-L were assessed. Bacterial suspensions with a charge of 10⁸ CFU/mL, corresponding to those found in the rabbit gut under pathologic conditions, were tested with different concentrations from 20 to 0.15 μL/mL of Phyto-L. For each strain, the MIC and concentrations above the MIC were plated on Tryptic Soy agar (TSA) without Phyto-L to assess the MBCs. MIC and MBC values ranged from 1.25 to 5 μL/mL and 1.25 to 20 μL/mL, respectively, depending on the strain tested. The data showed an interesting antibacterial activity of Phyto-L against EPEC strains. Therefore, this product could be effective in preventing colibacillosis in field application, especially considering that 10⁴-10⁵ CFU/g of feces is the amount of E. coli usually found in the gut contents of rabbits under physiological condition.

Sulfur-Containing Metabolites from Marine and Terrestrial Fungal Sources: Origin, Structures, and Bioactivities

Organosulfur natural products (NPs) refer to the different kinds of small molecular-containing sulfur (S) elements. Sulfur-containing NPs tightly link to the biochemical processes and play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of S-containing NPs are generally isolated from Alliaceae plants or bacteria, and those from fungi are still relatively rare. In recent years, an increasing number of S-containing metabolites have been discovered in marine and terrestrial fungi, but there is no comprehensive and targeted review to summarize the studies. In order to make it more straightforward to better grasp the fungal-derived S-containing NPs and understand the particularity of marine S-containing NPs compared to those from terrestrial fungi, we summarized the chemical structures and biological activities of 89 new fungal-derived S-containing metabolites from 1929 when the penicillin was discovered to the present in this current review. The structural and bioactive diversity of these S-containing metabolites were concluded in detail, and the preliminary mechanism for C-S bond formation in fungi was also discussed briefly.

Development of topical patches releasing allicin using garlic extract

INTRODUCTION

Treating hair loss of Alopecia areata is a quite challenge. The treatment not only needs to be effective but must meet specific requirements in terms of accurate dose, sustain release, comfortable application with aesthetic appearance. Thus, the study was designed to develop sustained release topical patches releasing allicin using different sources, including the extract from fresh and aged garlic, and commercially pure one.

METHODS

Patches were formulated by solvent casting method using ethylene-vinyl acetate as backing layer and Carbopol^® 971P NF (CP) as mucoadhesive polymer. Physicochemical properties were evaluated including weight, thickness, drug content, surface pH, moisture content, folding endurance, and swelling. In addition to in vitro diffusion study across the cellulose and Strat-M^® membranes.

RESULTS

Patches showed good physicochemical properties. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was obvious in the percentage of allicin diffused across cellulose membrane between patch A (loaded with commercial allicin), patch B1 (loaded with fresh garlic extract), and patch C (loaded with aged garlic extract). However, ethanol enhanced the diffusion of allicin. The percentage of allicin diffused across cellulose membrane over 20 h from patch E (45 mg CP, 2 mL fresh garlic extract-equivalent to 60 mg allicin-and 1 mL of ethanol) was 79.94%. The flux and permeability coefficients were 2.62 mg/cm² /h and 0.52 cm/h, respectively, with an enhancement ratio of 2.60 times the reference patch M (mashed garlic).

CONCLUSION

Promising development of topical patches of allicin using garlic extract as natural source with lower cost than the commercial pure allicin and higher aesthetic acceptance than the used mashed garlic.

The nutritional applications of garlic (Allium sativum) as natural feed additives in animals

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an essential vegetable that has been widely utilized as seasoning, flavoring, culinary and in herbal remedies. Garlic contains several characteristic organosulfur compounds, such as diallyl sulfide, allicin (diallyl thiosulphate), γ-glutamylcysteine, and S-allyl cysteine (alliin) and ajoene, which garlic has beneficial effects on inflammation, oxidative stress markers, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and endothelial function in vitro or in animal model. These bioactive molecules are also playing pivotal role in livestock and fisheries production apart from its application in humans. Supplementation of animal feed with garlic and its related products is consistent with the modern agricultural concept of organic animal husbandry. This review compiles the information describing the effects of feeding garlic and its extracts on selected performance parameters in animals (chicken, rabbits, ruminants, pigs and fish). This review may provide reference for scientists and entrepreneurs to investigate the applications of feeds added with garlic and allicin by-products for the improvement of animal husbandry and aquatic production.

Chinese nutraceuticals and physical activity; their role in neurodegenerative tauopathies

The onset of neurodegenerative disease has not only been a major cause of scientific worry, but of economic burden to the health system. This condition has been further attributed to mis-stability, deletion or mutation of tau protein, causing the onset of Corticobasal degeneration, Pick's diseases, Progressive supranuclear palsy, Argyrophilic grains disease, Alzheimer's diseases etc. as scientifically renowned. This is mainly related to dysregulation of translational machinery, upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibition of several essential cascades such as ERK signaling cascade, GSK3β, CREB, and PKA/PKB (Akt) signaling cascades that enhances protein processing, normal protein folding, cognitive function, and microtubule associated tau stability. Administration of some nutrients and/or bioactive compounds has a high tendency to impede tau mediated inflammation at neuronal level. Furthermore, prevention and neutralization of protein misfolding through modulation of microtubule tau stability and prevention of protein misfolding is by virtue few of the numerous beneficial effects of physical activity. Of utmost important in this study is the exploration of promising bioactivities of nutraceuticals found in china and the ameliorating potential of physical activity on tauopathies, while highlighting animal and in vitro studies that have been investigated for comprehensive understanding of its potential and an insight into the effects on human highly probable to tau mediated neurodegeneration.

The Garlic Compound Z-Ajoene, S-Thiolates COX2 and STAT3 and Dampens the Inflammatory Response in RAW264.7 Macrophages

SCOPE

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries as a prophylactic and therapeutic medicinal agent to control inflammation-associated pathologies. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, an in vitro inflammatory model is established using RAW264.7 murine macrophages exposed to low-doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of garlic compounds allicin and Z-ajoene (ZA), mimicking regular garlic consumption.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Both allicin and Z-ajoene dampen both transcript and protein expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, and IL12β, and upregulate the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10. Protein arrays of selected secreted inflammatory mediators confirm that Z-ajoene has a pronounced down-regulatory effect on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Many of these proteins are known targets of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3); and indeed, Z-ajoene or its analogue dansyl-ajoene is found to decrease phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3, and to covalently modify the protein by S-thiolation at Cys108, Cys367, and Cys687. Z-Ajoene dose-dependently and non-competitively inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), possibly attributed to S-thiolation at Cys9 and Cys299.

CONCLUSION

The characterization of Z-ajoene's activity of targeting and covalently modifying STAT3 and COX2, both important regulators of inflammation, may contribute to the health benefits of regular dietary garlic consumption.

Pharmacological modulation of the hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) system by dietary H2 S-donors: A novel promising strategy in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents the most common age-related metabolic disorder, and its management is becoming both a health and economic issue worldwide. Moreover, chronic hyperglycemia represents one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular complications. In the last years, the emerging evidence about the role of the endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM led to increasing interest in the pharmacological modulation of endogenous "H₂ S-system". Indeed, H₂ S directly contributes to the homeostatic maintenance of blood glucose levels; moreover, it improves impaired angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction under hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, H₂ S promotes significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, thus preventing hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, diabetic nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Therefore, H₂ S-releasing molecules represent a promising strategy in both clinical management of T2DM and prevention of macro- and micro-vascular complications associated to hyperglycemia. Recently, growing attention has been focused on dietary organosulfur compounds. Among them, garlic polysulfides and isothiocyanates deriving from Brassicaceae have been recognized as H₂ S-donors of great pharmacological and nutraceutical interest. Therefore, a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring H₂ S-donors may pave the way to a more rational use of these nutraceuticals in the modulation of H₂ S homeostasis in T2DM.

The Mitochondrial Ca2+ Overload via Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Entry Contributes to an Anti-Melanoma Effect of Diallyl Trisulfide

Allium vegetables such as garlic (Allium sativum L.) are rich in organosulfur compounds that prevent human chronic diseases, including cancer. Of these, diallyl trisulfide (DATS) exhibits anticancer effects against a variety of tumors, including malignant melanoma. Although previous studies have shown that DATS increases intracellular calcium (Ca2+) in different cancer cell types, the role of Ca2+ in the anticancer effect is obscure. In the present study, we investigated the Ca2+ pathways involved in the anti-melanoma effect. We used melittin, the bee venom that can activate a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and apoptosis, as a reference. DATS increased apoptosis in human melanoma cell lines in a Ca2+-dependent manner. It also induced mitochondrial Ca2+ (Ca2+mit) overload through intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ fluxes independently of SOCE. Strikingly, acidification augmented Ca2+mit overload, and Ca2+ channel blockers reduced the effect more significantly under acidic pH conditions. On the contrary, acidification mitigated SOCE and Ca2+mit overload caused by melittin. Finally, Ca2+ channel blockers entirely inhibited the anti-melanoma effect of DATS. Our findings suggest that DATS explicitly evokes Ca2+mit overload via a non-SOCE, thereby displaying the anti-melanoma effect.

Comparison of two extraction methods (high pressure extraction vs. maceration) for the total and relative amount of hydrophilic and lipophilic organosulfur compounds in garlic cloves and stems. An application to the Italian ecotype "Aglio Rosso di Sulmona" (Sulmona Red Garlic)

Garlic-based extracts have been surveyed as healthy promoting supplements in relation to their content of organosulfur compounds. The present study investigated the effect of high pressure extraction and maceration, and four extraction solvents (three hydroalcoholic mixtures and sunflower oil) on the total and relative amounts of the main organosulfur compounds of clove and stem extracts of the Italian ecotype "Aglio Rosso di Sulmona" (Sulmona Red Garlic). Organosulfur compounds were more abundant in cloves than in stem extracts. High pressure extraction led to higher recoveries of hydrophilic compounds than maceration whereas the highest amounts of lipophilic compounds were detected in macerates. A higher alliin-to-allicin conversion ratio was detected in clove, in comparison to stem extracts. Sunflower oil fostered allicin decay to compounds such as ajoenes, vinyldithiins and sulfides. The use of specific extraction methods may lead to standardised grade extracts, both from native raw materials and by-products.

Microbial basis of Fusarium wilt suppression by Allium cultivation

Crop rotation and intercropping with Allium plants suppresses Fusarium wilt in various crops. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to assess the role of microorganisms inhabiting Allium rhizospheres and antifungal compounds produced by Allium roots in Fusarium wilt suppression by Allium cultivation. Suppression of cucumber Fusarium wilt and the pathogen multiplication by Allium (Welsh onion and/or onion)-cultivated soils were eliminated by heat treatment at 60 °C, whereas those by Welsh onion-root extract were lost at 40 °C. The addition of antibacterial antibiotics eliminated the suppressive effect of Welsh onion-cultivated soil on pathogen multiplication, suggesting the contribution of antagonistic gram-negative bacteria to the soil suppressiveness. The Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed that genus Flavobacterium was the predominant group that preferentially accumulated in Allium rhizospheres. Flavobacterium species recovered from the rhizosphere soils of these Allium plants suppressed Fusarium wilt on cucumber seedlings. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that Flavobacterium isolates inhibited the multiplication of the pathogen in soil. Taken together, we infer that the accumulation of antagonistic Flavobacterium species plays a key role in Fusarium wilt suppression by Allium cultivation.

Fresh-Cut Onion: A Review on Processing, Health Benefits, and Shelf-Life

The ready-to-eat produce market has grown rapidly because of the health benefits and convenience associated with these products. Onion is widely used as an ingredient in an extensive range of recipes from breakfast to dinner and in nearly every ethnic cuisine. However, cutting/chopping of onion is a nuisance to many consumers due to the lachrymatory properties of the volatiles generated that bring tears to eyes and leave a distinct odor on hands. As a result, there is now an increasing demand for fresh-cut, value-added, and ready-to-eat onion in households, as well as large-scale uses in retail, food service, and various food industries, mainly due to the end-use convenience. Despite these benefits, fresh-cut onion products present considerable challenges due to tissue damage, resulting in chemical and physiological reactions that limit product shelf-life. Intensive discoloration, microbial growth, softening, and off-odor are the typical deteriorations that need to be controlled through the application of suitable preservation methods. This article reviews the literature related to the fresh-cut onion, focusing on its constituents, nutritional and health benefits, production methods, quality changes throughout storage, and technologies available to increase product shelf-life.

Computational insights into the S3 transfer reaction: A special case of double group transfer reaction featuring bicyclically delocalized aromatic transition state geometries

An unusual pericyclic process that involves the intermolecular transfer of thiozone (S₃ ) is computationally described. The process can be considered as a special case of double group transfer reaction whereby the two migrating groups are connected to the same substituent, taking place in a concerted manner via transition states featuring two five-membered C₂ S₃ rings fused together. Analysis of the aromaticity at the TS geometries by computing NICS values at the (3,+1) RCPS as well as ACID calculations confirms the aromatic character of each C₂ S₃ ring, thus resulting in bicyclically delocalized aromatic structures. The free energy barriers for the transfer of S₃ are relatively similar (40-50 kcal mol^-1 ) to those computed for typical double H group transfer reactions. The similarities and differences between these processes have been further analysed by applying ASM-EDA and NBO approaches to the model reactions between ethene and ethane, and ethene and 1,2,3-trithiolane. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Food macromolecule based nanodelivery systems for enhancing the bioavailability of polyphenols

Diet polyphenols—primarily categorized into flavonoids (e.g., flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanidins, flavanones, and isoflavones) and nonflavonoids (with major subclasses of stilbenes and phenolic acids)—are reported to have health-promoting effects, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticarcinoma, antimicrobial, antiviral, and cardioprotective properties. However, their applications in functional foods or medicine are limited because of their inefficient systemic delivery and poor oral bioavailability. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, and resveratrol are the well-known representatives of the bioactive diet polyphenols but with poor bioavailability. Food macromolecule based nanoparticles have been fabricated using reassembled proteins, crosslinked polysaccharides, protein–polysaccharide conjugates (complexes), as well as emulsified lipid via safe procedures that could be applied in food. The human gastrointestinal digestion tract is the first place where the food grade macromolecule nanoparticles exert their effects on improving the bioavailability of diet polyphenols, via enhancing their solubility, preventing their degradation in the intestinal environment, elevating the permeation in small intestine, and even increasing their contents in the bloodstream. We contend that the stability and structure behaviors of nanocarriers in the gastrointestinal tract environment and the effects of nanoencapsulation on the metabolism of polyphenols warrant more focused attention in further studies.

Diallyl Sulfide and Its Role in Chronic Diseases Prevention

Diallyl sulfide (C₆H₁₀S, DAS) is one of the novel natural organosulfur compounds, which is mostly obtained from the genus Allium plants. Numerous studies have revealed several unique properties of DAS in terms of its health-promoting effects. DAS has proved to be anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory like unique functions as demonstrated by the multiple investigations. Diallyl sulfide can also impede oxidative stress and chronic inflammation as suggested by the literature. Studies also explored that DAS could thwart the development of chronic diseases like cancer, neuronal, cardiovascular disease through modulating mechanistic pathways involved in pathogenesis. In this book chapter, we have attempted to give the comprehensive view on DAS about the physiochemical and biological properties, and its preventive role in chronic diseases with a mechanistic overview.

New volatile sulfur-containing compounds from wild garlic (Allium ursinum L., Liliaceae)

In many countries, the leaves of Allium ursinum L. (Liliaceae) are a popular substitute for garlic and, for centuries, the herb has been taken internally to treat an array of medical conditions. Herein, we report the chemical composition of 12 different A. ursinum essential-oil samples (five populations; fresh/air-/oven-dried plant material; leaves/inflorescences). GC-MS/GC-FID analyses, quantitative structure-property relationship modeling (simple 0D/1D-descriptors) of retention indices and the synthesis of selected compounds, enabled the identification of >200 different constituents, mainly organo(poly)sulfides. Some of these were new compounds (allyl (methylthio)methyl, (methylthio)methyl (Z)/(E)-1-propenyl and allyl 1-(methylthio)propyl disulfides) or were previously not detected in samples of natural origin (heptyl methyl, methyl octyl, allyl hexyl (1), allyl octyl (2) and propyl (propylthio)methyl sulfides). A multivariate statistical analysis revealed the onset of significant changes in the plant material volatile profile during the drying process.

Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Status Were Improved by Personalized Dietary Intervention Based on Biochemical and Clinical Parameters in Cancer Patients

We investigated whether personalized dietary intervention could improve clinical measurements such as immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity, serum albumin, derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (D-ROMS), D-dimer, and fibrinogen. Cancer patients received either a treatment support diet (TD, for those with chemotherapy), or a remission support diet (RD; for those in remission) for at least 3 wk (21-61 days). Both diets were low glycemic, low fat, and high plant protein diets; the diet for the TD group contained an additional 0.5 servings of protein. Based on clinical values, additional amounts of garlic, onion, tomato, shiitake, rice bran, kale, blueberry, pineapples, and/or turmeric powder were provided in regular meals. Estimated daily intake of protein, plant fat, garlic, onion, allicin, and quercetin was greater in the TD compared to the RD. An increased intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium and a reduction in D-dimer were noted compared to baseline diets in both groups. A decrease in D-ROMS in the RD and an increase in albumin and an increased tendency in cytotoxicity in the TD were observed. In conclusion, personalized diets with supplemented functional ingredients improved antioxidant status and/or anticoagulant activity in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and in remission.

Mind the gap-deficits in our knowledge of aspects impacting the bioavailability of phytochemicals and their metabolites--a position paper focusing on carotenoids and polyphenols

Various secondary plant metabolites or phytochemicals, including polyphenols and carotenoids, have been associated with a variety of health benefits, such as reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and several types of cancer, most likely due to their involvement in ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, discrepancies exist between their putative effects when comparing observational and intervention studies, especially when using pure compounds. These discrepancies may in part be explained by differences in intake levels and their bioavailability. Prior to exerting their bioactivity, these compounds must be made bioavailable, and considerable differences may arise due to their matrix release, changes during digestion, uptake, metabolism, and biodistribution, even before considering dose- and host-related factors. Though many insights have been gained on factors affecting secondary plant metabolite bioavailability, many gaps still exist in our knowledge. In this position paper, we highlight several major gaps in our understanding of phytochemical bioavailability, including effects of food processing, changes during digestion, involvement of cellular transporters in influx/efflux through the gastrointestinal epithelium, changes during colonic fermentation, and their phase I and phase II metabolism following absorption.

Testing antiplatelet and antioxidant activity of the extract of seven varieties of Allium cepa L

Background: The extracts of Allium cepa are known for their medical use: antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, fibrinolytic and antiplatelet properties. Our study aims to establish, using in vitro tests, the antiplatelet and antioxidant character, the link between them and the extract acidity, from seven varieties of A. cepa. Methodology: The qualitative and quantitative presence of polyphenols and anthocyanins in the extracts was determined using UV-Vis and HPLC. Quantitative determination of the thiosulfinates compounds was calculated using their reaction with 4-mercaptopyridine. Antioxidant character was determined using 3 methods (FC, DPPH and TEAC), and antiplatelet effect was measured by in vitro tests on platelet rich plasma obtained from human blood. Principal Findings/Results: The white variety of A. cepa has the most alkaline pH, the largest amount of thiosulfinate compounds and the most powerful antiplatelet effect, but a very small amount of flavonoids and an antioxidant effect almost nonexistent, in contrast with red variety of A. cepa which is the opposite. Conclusions/Significance: The white variety of A. cepa had very high anitiplatelet activity suggesting the potential use of A. cepa extract in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Tackling metabolic syndrome by functional foods

The metabolic syndrome is one of the most vibrant and widely prevailing health concerns worldwide. It is characterized by several metabolic abnormalities, which involve obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, enhanced oxidative stress; hypertension and increased pro-inflammatory state that ultimate contribute towards poor health. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Pakistan according to different definitions is reported to be from 18 % to 46 %. Fifty percent of Pakistani population is at high risk of metabolic syndrome as being hypertensive. In studying dyslipidemia in Pakistan, hypertriglyceridemia is found in 27-54 % of the population, whereas 68-81 % has low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Population likes to eat healthier diet without changing their fundamental dietary pattern. Nutrition science has moved on from the classical concepts of avoiding nutrient deficiencies and basic nutritional adequacy to the concept of positive or optimal nutrition. Many traditional food products including fruits, vegetables, flaxseed, oat, barley, whole grains, soy and milk have been found to contain component with potential health benefits. Nowadays, functional foods are used in the prevention and amelioration of several chronic diseases, such as the metabolic syndrome. The relation of the consumption of certain functional foods and the improvement in health status is regulated through health claims. This review focuses on the different features of the metabolic syndrome and the influence of functional foods on these aspects, involving dyslipidemia, improvement of insulin sensitivity, serum lipid profile, antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory status and weight management of humans.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of two endemic plants from Aksaray in Turkey

This study was designed to examine the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the methanol, ethanol, water, n-hexane and dicholoromethane extracts of two Allium species (Allium scabriflorum and Allium tchihatschewii) which are endemic for the flora of Turkey. The antimicrobial efficiency of the plant was evaluated according to disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods. The antimicrobial test results showed that the extracts of A. scabriflorum and A. tchihatschewii showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity on the tested microorganisms. The extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by three complementary tests; DPPH free radical-scavenging, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide and metal chelating activity assays. All the extracts of A. scabriflorum and A. tchihatschewii exhibited lower DPPH free radical scavenging activity but higher metal chelating activity when compared to standards. The values of scavenging of hydrogen peroxide of the extracts were higher than the standards that of α-tocopherol, BHA, BHT and trolox, but close to that of ascorbic acid. In addition to the antioxidant activity of these plants, the total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were also measured in the extracts. The results presented here may suggest that the extracts of A. scabriflorum and A. tchihatschewii possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and therefore, they can be used as a natural preservative ingredient in food and/or pharmaceutical industry.

S-alk(en)ylmercaptocysteine: chemical synthesis, biological activities, and redox-related mechanism

S-Alk(en)ylmercaptocysteine (CySSR, R = methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-propenyl, and allyl), which are the putative metabolites of Allium thiosulfinates, were chemically synthesized. CySSR, but not the corresponding monosulfide species S-alk(en)yl cysteine (CySR), were able to induce quinone reductase (QR, a representative phase II enzyme) in Hepa 1c1c7 cells and inhibit nitric oxide (NO, an inflammatory biomarker) formation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate the importance of the disulfide bond for the biological activities of CySSR. Glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), but not other types of cellular antioxidants, suppressed multiple biological activities of CySSR in vitro. The inhibitory effects of GSH and NAC on the biological activities of CySSR were correlated with a glutaredoxin (Grx)-dependent intracellular reduction of CySSR to generate cysteine and RSH, which were secreted into the extracellular medium.

Control of Panama disease of banana by rotating and intercropping with Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler): role of plant volatiles

Intercropping and rotating banana (Musa spp.) with Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) has been used as an effective method to control Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) of banana in South China. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we used aqueous leachates and volatiles from Chinese chive to evaluate their antimicrobial activity on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FOC), the causal agent of Panama disease in banana, and identified the antifungal compounds. Both leaf and root leachates of Chinese chive displayed strong inhibition against FOC, but the concentrated leachates showed lower inhibition than the original leachates. In a sealed system volatiles emitted from the leaves and roots of Chinese chive inhibited mycelial growth of FOC. Volatile compounds emitted from the intact growing roots mimicking natural environment inhibited spore germination of FOC. We identified five volatiles including 2-methyl-2-pentenal and four organosulfur compounds (dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, dipropyl disulfide, and dipropyl trisulfide) from the leaves and roots of Chinese chive. All these compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on FOC, but 2-methyl-2-pentenal and dimethyl trisulfide showed stronger inhibition than the other three compounds. 2-Methyl-2-pentenal at 50-100 μl/l completely inhibited the mycelial growth of FOC. Our results demonstrate that antifungal volatiles released from Chinese chive help control Panama disease in banana. We conclude that intercropping and rotating banana with Chinese chive can control Panama disease and increase cropland biodiversity.

Enhanced chemopreventive activity of hydroxytyrosol on HL60 and HL60R cells by chemical conversion into thio derivatives

Thio derivatives of hydroxytyrosol containing thiol, thioacetate and disulfide functionalities were synthesized from natural hydroxytyrosol (3,4-DHPEA) via 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl halides. These compounds, containing the combination of catechol moiety and divalent sulfur functions, were tested for the pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities on both parental HL60 and multi-drug resistant HL60R cells. It was found that all synthesized compounds were more effective than 3,4-DHPEA in inducing apoptosis on HL60R cells, and that the hydroxytyrosol disulfide was the most active pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative compound on both HL60 and HL60R cells. Different from 3,4-DHPEA, all thio derivatives of hydroxytyrosol induced apoptosis by a mechanism not involving the release of H(2)O(2) in the culture medium. The data on HL60R cells suggest that these compounds could be able to reverse the resistance toward the most common drugs in cancer therapy.

The effects of garlic-derived sulfur compounds on cell proliferation, caspase 3 activity, thiol levels and anaerobic sulfur metabolism in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells

The aim of the present studies was to determine whether the mechanism of biological action of garlic-derived sulfur compounds in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells can be dependent on the presence of labile sulfane sulfur in their molecules. We investigated the effect of allyl sulfides from garlic: monosulfide, disulfide and trisulfide on cell proliferation and viability, caspase 3 activity and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production in HepG2 cells. In parallel, we also examined the influence of the previously mentioned compounds on the levels of thiols, glutathione, cysteine and cysteinyl-glycine, and on the level of sulfane sulfur and the activity of its metabolic enzymes: rhodanese, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase and cystathionase. Among the compounds under study, diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a sulfane sulfur-containing compound, showed the highest biological activity in HepG2 cells. This compound increased the H(2)O(2) formation, lowered the thiol level and produced the strongest inhibition of cell proliferation and the greatest induction of caspase 3 activity in HepG2 cells. DATS did not affect the activity of sulfurtransferases and lowered sulfane sulfur level in HepG2 cells. It appears that sulfane sulfur containing DATS can be bioreduced in cancer cells to hydroperthiol that leads to H(2)O(2) generation, thereby influencing transmission of signals regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis.