Anethole Trithione Raises Levels of Substance P in Human Saliva

Abstract

The effect of the sialogogue, anethole trithione, on saliva levels of neuropeptide substance P was studied in five healthy volunteers. Peak saliva substance P level (approx. 23 fmol mL−1) was achieved 10 min after lunch and then declined to baseline (approx. 9 fmol mL−1) within 60 min. After a single oral administration of anethole trithione (25 mg), peak plasma anethole trithione level (approx. 1.1 ng mL−1) was achieved at 120 min after administration. Saliva substance P concentrations rose similarly with peak level (approx. 15 fmol mL−1) 60 to 240 min after anethole trithione administration, whereas plasma substance P levels did not change significantly. Substance P nerve in the salivary gland may be involved in the enhancement of the salivary secretion by anethole trithione treatment.