Diallylsulfide and allylmethylsulfide are uniquely effective among organosulfur compounds in inhibiting CYP2E1 protein in animal models.
Garlic is a popular culinary herb that is also used throughout the world as a traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of disease. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that long-term consumption of garlic reduces risk for certain cancers, most notably stomach and colon cancer. This article summarizes the key findings behind one important mechanism explaining the anticarcinogenic effects of garlic-derived agents in animal models: the inhibition of cytochrome p4502E1 (CYP2E1), with some commentary on other aspects of carcinogen metabolism modified by these unique phytochemicals.
Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and South Carolina Cancer Center, Columbia, SC, USA. michael.wargovich@palmettohealth.org
Michael J
MJ
Wargovich
D000498:Allyl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D065691:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 Inhibitors; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000498:Allyl Compounds; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D065691:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D013440:Sulfides; C038491:allyl sulfide; C077207:allyl methyl sulfide