Major sulphur compounds in plants and their role in human nutrition and health - An overview

Abstract

Major sulphur compounds in plants include amino acids methionine and cysteine, vitamins thiamine and biotin and others of value from the viewpoint of human health, such as aliin (a precursor of alicin), glucisinolates (GSL), glutathione (GSH) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Of these, methionine and thymine are essential nutrients and humans must obtain these from plant foods. Although cysteine is not an essential amino acid, its derivative - Acetylcystein or N-acetylesystein - is used for the treatment of paracetamol toxicity, mucolytic (mucus dissolving) therapy, acute renal failure and psychiatric disorders. In recent years, the plant food that has received most attention is garlic, responsible for the production of alicin, which is credited for preventing cardiovascular disorders. Similarly, vegetables from the family Brassicae, such as, broccoli, cabbage and turnip rape have gained attention due to the presence of glucosinolates, which are reported to be useful in curing cancer. Glutathionate (GSH) pool is important in preventing diseases where increased oxidative stresses are implicated or where there is protein-energy malnutrition seen as a secondary manifestation, such as in AIDS, cancer, burns, chronic- digestive diseases and alcoholism. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is used for treating arthritis. Since plants obtain their sulphur from soil, adequate sulphur fertilization can play an important role in producing plant products with higher amounts of S-compounds, but there have been very few agronomic studies on this subject. The main objective of this review is to emphasize the need for such studies in India, especially in view of the fact that about 42% soils are deficient in sulphur.