Abstract
Allicin (diallylthiosulfinate) is a defense molecule produced by cellular contents of garlic (Allium sativum L.). On tissue damage, the non-proteinogenic amino acid alliin (S-allylcysteine sulfoxide) is converted to allicin in an enzyme-mediated process catalysed by alliinase. Allicin is hydrophobic in nature, can efficiently cross the cellular membranes and behaves as a reactive sulfur species (RSS) inside the cells. It is physiologically active molecule with the ability to oxidise the thiol groups of glutathione and between cysteine residues in proteins. Allicin has shown anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and also serves as an efficient therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review describes allicin as an antioxidant, and neuroprotective molecule that can ameliorate the cognitive abilities in case of neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders. As an antioxidant, allicin fights the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by downregulation of NOX (NADPH oxidizing) enzymes, it can directly interact to reduce the cellular levels of different types of ROS produced by a variety of peroxidases. Most of the neuroprotective actions of allicin are mediated via redox-dependent pathways. Allicin inhibits neuroinflammation by suppressing the ROS production, inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, P38 and JNK pathways. As an inhibitor of cholinesterase and (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) it can be applied to manage the Alzheimer’s disease, helps to maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in case of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactive syndrome (ADHD). In case of acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) allicin protects neuron damage by regulating inflammation, apoptosis and promoting the expression levels of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Metal induced neurodegeneration can also be attenuated and cognitive abilities of patients suffering from neurological diseases can be ameliorates by allicin administration.
Highlights
Allium sativum, a member of the Alliaceae family, is an essential component of human food since ancient times [1]
Allicin is synthesized from a non-proteinaceous amino acid known as S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide that is hydrolysed by the enzyme alliinase [8]
Allicin is one of the most widely consumed neutraceuticals with multifaceted medicinal properties. It has an amazing potential in human health care and disease cure areas. In this context we aimed to evaluate the recent developments in the application of allicin as antioxidant and neuroprotective that helps to improve the patients with cognitive impairments
Summary
Allium sativum (garlic), a member of the Alliaceae family, is an essential component of human food since ancient times [1]. Glutathione interacts with di-2-propenyl disulfide (DADS), the later unalliin [36], the latter has many important physiological properties It helps to lower the dergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction at α-carbon to produce allyl perthiol and S-alhyperglycaemic conditions and improves the glutathione and catalase biosynthesis [37,38]. Allyl sulfenic acid is condensed in to allicin, optimum temperature for the activity of alliinase is 33 ◦ C, it operates best at Antioxidants 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW pH 6.5, the enzyme is sensitive to acids [42,43] (Figure 3), enteric-coated formulations of garlic supplements are recommended [44]. Of Bcl in diabetic rats resulting in the reversal of myocardial apoptosis [58]
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