Health Functionality of Organosulfides: A Review

Abstract

Phytonutrients are chemicals that are derived from plants and aid in both human health as well as the prevention of chronic disease. One type of phytonutrient classification is organosulfides which includes mostly cruciferous vegetables, as well as garlic. Allium, sulforaphane, glutathione, and isothiocyanates are organosulfides that are examined in this current review of literature for their anti-carcinogenic, anti-thrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidative effects. The following review will also focus on specific research examining the effects of organosulfides on health outcomes such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.