Anethole Trithione Raises Levels of α‐Calcitonin Gene‐related Peptide in Saliva of Healthy Subjects

Abstract

The effect of sialogogue, anethole trithione, on saliva levels of neuropeptide α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP) was studied in six healthy volunteers. Peak saliva α-CGRP level (6.1 fmol mL−1) was achieved 10 min after lunch and then declined to baseline (2.8 fmol mL−1) within 60 min. After a single oral administration of anethole trithione (25 mg), peak plasma anethole trithione level (1.l ng mL−1) was achieved 120 min after the administration. Saliva α-CGRP concentrations and saliva volume rose similarly 30–240 min after the administration. Plasma α-CGRP levels did not change significantly. Saliva α-CGRP concentration correlated significantly with the amount of saliva (r = 0.92). The α-CGRP nerve in salivary glands may be involved in the enhancement of the salivary secretion by anethole trithione treatment.