The antibacterial properties of isothiocyanates.
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are natural plant products generated by the enzymic hydrolysis of glucosinolates found in Brassicaceae vegetables. These natural sulfur compounds and their dithiocarbamate conjugates have been previously evaluated for their anti-cancerous properties. Their antimicrobial properties have been previously studied as well, mainly for food preservation and plant pathogen control. Recently, several revelations concerning the mode of action of ITCs in prokaryotes have emerged. This review addresses these new studies and proposes a model to summarize the current knowledge and hypotheses for the antibacterial effect of ITCs and whether they may provide the basis for the design of novel antibiotics.
Equipe EA1254, Microbiologie Risques Infectieux, University of Rennes 1, F-35042 Rennes cedex, France.
Virginie
V
Dufour
Division of Gastroenterology, BC's Children's Hospital, Child and Family Research Institute and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Martin
M
Stahl
Equipe EA1254, Microbiologie Risques Infectieux, University of Rennes 1, F-35042 Rennes cedex, France.
Christine
C
Baysse
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019607:Brassicaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017879:Isothiocyanates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017879:Isothiocyanates; D010936:Plant Extracts; C037152:isothiocyanic acid