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Nutrients Mar 2020Medicinal plants have been used from ancient times for human healthcare as in the form of traditional medicines, spices, and other food components. Garlic ( L.) is an... (Review)
Review
Medicinal plants have been used from ancient times for human healthcare as in the form of traditional medicines, spices, and other food components. Garlic ( L.) is an aromatic herbaceous plant that is consumed worldwide as food and traditional remedy for various diseases. It has been reported to possess several biological properties including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, renoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antihypertensive activities in traditional medicines. is rich in several sulfur-containing phytoconstituents such as alliin, allicin, ajoenes, vinyldithiins, and flavonoids such as quercetin. Extracts and isolated compounds of have been evaluated for various biological activities including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities among others. This review examines the phytochemical composition, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological activities of extracts as well as its main active constituent, allicin.
Topics: Animals; Biological Products; Disulfides; Drug Stability; Garlic; Humans; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Sulfinic Acids
PubMed: 32213941
DOI: 10.3390/nu12030872 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023In recent years, researchers have been exploring the potential of incorporating selenium into peptides, as this element possesses unique properties that can enhance the... (Review)
Review
In recent years, researchers have been exploring the potential of incorporating selenium into peptides, as this element possesses unique properties that can enhance the reactivity of these compounds. Selenium is a non-metallic element that has a similar electronic configuration to sulfur. However, due to its larger atomic size and lower electronegativity, it is more nucleophilic than sulfur. This property makes selenium more reactive toward electrophiles. One of the most significant differences between selenium and sulfur is the dissociation of the Se-H bond. The Se-H bond is more easily dissociated than the S-H bond, leading to higher acidity of selenocysteine (Sec) compared to cysteine (Cys). This difference in acidity can be exploited to selectively modify the reactivity of peptides containing Sec. Furthermore, Se-H bonds in selenium-containing peptides are more susceptible to oxidation than their sulfur analogs. This property can be used to selectively modify the peptides by introducing new functional groups, such as disulfide bonds, which are important for protein folding and stability. These unique properties of selenium-containing peptides have found numerous applications in the field of chemical biology. For instance, selenium-containing peptides have been used in native chemical ligation (NCL). In addition, the reactivity of Sec can be harnessed to create cyclic and stapled peptides. Other chemical modifications, such as oxidation, reduction, and photochemical reactions, have also been applied to selenium-containing peptides to create novel molecules with unique biological properties.
Topics: Selenium; Peptides; Sulfur; Selenocysteine; Cysteine
PubMed: 37049961
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073198 -
Marine Drugs Apr 2021The review focuses on sulfated steroids that have been isolated from seaweeds, marine sponges, soft corals, ascidians, starfish, and other marine invertebrates.... (Review)
Review
The review focuses on sulfated steroids that have been isolated from seaweeds, marine sponges, soft corals, ascidians, starfish, and other marine invertebrates. Sulfur-containing steroids and triterpenoids are sourced from sedentary marine coelenterates, plants, marine sediments, crude oil, and other geological deposits. The review presents the pharmacological profile of sulfated steroids, sulfur-containing steroids, and triterpenoids, which is based on data obtained using the PASS program. In addition, several semi-synthetic and synthetic epithio steroids, which represent a rare group of bioactive lipids that have not yet been found in nature, but possess a high level of antitumor activity, were included in this review for the comparative pharmacological characterization of this class of compounds. About 140 steroids and triterpenoids are presented in this review, which demonstrate a wide range of biological activities. Therefore, out of 71 sulfated steroids, thirteen show strong antitumor activity with a confidence level of more than 90%, out of 50 sulfur-containing steroids, only four show strong antitumor activity with a confidence level of more than 93%, and out of eighteen epithio steroids, thirteen steroids show strong antitumor activity with a confidence level of 91% to 97.4%.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Aquatic Organisms; Humans; Molecular Structure; Steroids; Structure-Activity Relationship; Sulfur Compounds
PubMed: 33923288
DOI: 10.3390/md19050240 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2019Oxidation of sulfide to sulfate is known to consist of several steps. Key intermediates in this process are the so-called small oxoacids of sulfur (SOS)-sulfenic HSOH... (Review)
Review
Oxidation of sulfide to sulfate is known to consist of several steps. Key intermediates in this process are the so-called small oxoacids of sulfur (SOS)-sulfenic HSOH (hydrogen thioperoxide, oxadisulfane, or sulfur hydride hydroxide) and sulfoxylic S(OH) acids. Sulfur monoxide can be considered as a dehydrated form of sulfoxylic acid. Although all of these species play an important role in atmospheric chemistry and in organic synthesis, and are also invoked in biochemical processes, they are quite unstable compounds so much so that their physical and chemical properties are still subject to intense studies. It is well-established that sulfoxylic acid has very strong reducing properties, while sulfenic acid is capable of both oxidizing and reducing various substrates. Here, in this review, the mechanisms of sulfide oxidation as well as data on the structure and reactivity of small sulfur-containing oxoacids, sulfur monoxide, and its precursors are discussed.
Topics: Free Radicals; Hydrogen Sulfide; Kinetics; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxides; Peroxides; Safrole; Sulfates; Sulfenic Acids; Sulfides; Sulfur Compounds
PubMed: 31366103
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152768 -
International Journal For Vitamin and... Jul 2022: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with known benefits for joint health, sports nutrition, immune function, and anti-aging formulations and is...
: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with known benefits for joint health, sports nutrition, immune function, and anti-aging formulations and is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for the support of hair, skin and nails. : The study was conducted in two steps; in Part I (pilot study) a panel of 20 participants ingested either 3 g a day of MSM or placebo capsules for 16 weeks. Visual and subject self assessment of wrinkles and skin texture as the predominant sign of ageing was observed. In Part II (dose-response study), 63 participants ingested either 1 g or 3 g per day of MSM for 16 weeks. Expert clinical grading, instrumental measurements and consumer perception was used to evaluate skin conditions like lines and wrinkles. Additionally, instrumentational analysis was conducted using corneometer and cutometer for investigation of skin hydration, firmness and elasticity. : Part I of the study clearly indicates that oral ingestion of MSM (3 g/d) reduces signs of ageing like facial wrinkles ( < 0.05) and skin roughness ( < 0.05) as compared to placebo. Detailed analysis in Part II instrumentation assessments showed a significant ( < 0.05) improvement from baseline in the severity of facial wrinkles, as well as improved skin firmness, elasticity and hydration with MSM. Some of these parameters exhibited a good dose-response indicating that the higher (3 g/d) of the supplement was more effective than the lower dose of 1 g/d, but generally the lower dose of 1 g/d appeared to be sufficiently effective in reducing the facial signs of ageing. : This study indicated that MSM is effective in reducing visual signs of skin ageing even at a low dose of 1 g/d.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Beauty; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Humans; Pilot Projects; Skin Aging; Sulfones; Sulfur
PubMed: 32083522
DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000643 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2022Sulfur, widely present in the soil and atmosphere, is one of the essential elements for plants. Sulfate is a dominant form of sulfur in soils taken up by plant roots. In... (Review)
Review
Sulfur, widely present in the soil and atmosphere, is one of the essential elements for plants. Sulfate is a dominant form of sulfur in soils taken up by plant roots. In addition to the assimilation into sulfur compounds essential for plant growth and development, it has been reported recently that sulfate as well as other sulfur containing compounds can also induce stomatal movement. Here, we first summarized the uptake and transport of sulfate and atmospheric sulfur, including HO and SO, and then, focused on the effects of inorganic and organic sulfur on stomatal movement. We concluded all the transporters for different sulfur compounds, and compared the expression level of those transporters in guard cells and mesophyll cells. The relationship between abscisic acid and sulfur compounds in regulation of stomatal movement were also discussed.
PubMed: 35360293
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.846518 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Natural products, particularly medicinal plants, are crucial in combating cancer and aiding in the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents owing to their... (Review)
Review
Natural products, particularly medicinal plants, are crucial in combating cancer and aiding in the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents owing to their biologically active compounds. They offer a promising avenue for developing effective anticancer medications because of their low toxicity, diverse chemical structures, and ability to target various cancers. Allicin is one of the main ingredients in garlic ( L.). It is a bioactive sulfur compound maintained in various plant sections in a precursor state. Numerous studies have documented the positive health benefits of this natural compound on many chronic conditions, including gastric, hepatic, breast, lung, cervical, prostate, and colon cancer. Moreover, allicin may target several cancer hallmarks or fundamental biological traits and functions that influence cancer development and spread. Cancer hallmarks include sustained proliferation, evasion of growth suppressors, metastasis, replicative immortality, angiogenesis, resistance to cell death, altered cellular energetics, and immune evasion. The findings of this review should provide researchers and medical professionals with a solid basis to support fundamental and clinical investigations of allicin as a prospective anticancer drug. This review outlines the anticancer role of allicin in each hallmark of cancer.
Topics: Male; Humans; Plant Extracts; Prospective Studies; Plants, Medicinal; Sulfinic Acids; Disulfides; Antineoplastic Agents; Colonic Neoplasms; Garlic
PubMed: 38542956
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29061320 -
Plant Signaling & Behavior Dec 2023Sulfur is one of the essential nutrients that is required for the adequate growth and development of plants. Sulfur is a structural component of protein disulfide bonds,... (Review)
Review
Sulfur is one of the essential nutrients that is required for the adequate growth and development of plants. Sulfur is a structural component of protein disulfide bonds, amino acids, vitamins, and cofactors. Most of the sulfur in soil is present in organic matter and hence not accessible to the plants. Anionic form of sulfur (SO) is the primary source of sulfur for plants that are generally present in minimal amounts in the soil. It is water-soluble, so readily leaches out of the soil. Sulfur and sulfur-containing compounds act as signaling molecules in stress management as well as normal metabolic processes. They also take part in crosstalk of complex signaling network as a mediator molecule. Plants uptake sulfate directly from the soil by using their dedicated sulfate transporters. In addition, plants also use the sulfur transporter of a symbiotically associated organism like bacteria and fungi to uptake sulfur from the soil especially under sulfur depleted conditions. So, sulfur is a very important component of plant metabolism and its analysis with different dimensions is highly required to improve the overall well-being of plants, and dependent animals as well as human beings. The deficiency of sulfur leads to stunted growth of plants and ultimately loss of yield. In this review, we have focused on sulfur nutrition, uptake, transport, and inter-organismic transfer to host plants. Given the strong potential for agricultural use of sulfur sources and their applications, we cover what is known about sulfur impact on the plant health. We identify opportunities to expand our understanding of how the application of soil microbes like AMF or other root endophytic fungi affects plant sulfur uptake and in turn plant growth and development.
Topics: Humans; Plants; Sulfur; Sulfates; Soil; Growth and Development
PubMed: 35129079
DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2022.2030082 -
Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and... 2022Sulfur is an essential element for a variety of cellular constituents in all living organisms and adds considerable functionality to a wide range of biomolecules. The... (Review)
Review
Sulfur is an essential element for a variety of cellular constituents in all living organisms and adds considerable functionality to a wide range of biomolecules. The pathways for incorporating sulfur into central metabolites of the cell such as cysteine, methionine, cystathionine, and homocysteine have long been established. Furthermore, the importance of persulfide intermediates during the biosynthesis of thionucleotide-containing tRNAs, iron-sulfur clusters, thiamin diphosphate, and the molybdenum cofactor are well known. This review briefly surveys these topics while emphasizing more recent aspects of sulfur metabolism that involve unconventional biosynthetic pathways. Sacrificial sulfur transfers from protein cysteinyl side chains to precursors of thiamin and the nickel-pincer nucleotide (NPN) cofactor are described. Newer aspects of synthesis for lipoic acid, biotin, and other compounds are summarized, focusing on the requisite iron-sulfur cluster destruction. Sulfur transfers by using a noncore sulfide ligand bound to a [4Fe-4S] cluster are highlighted for generating certain thioamides and for alternative biosynthetic pathways of thionucleotides and the NPN cofactor. Thioamide formation by activating an amide oxygen atom via phosphorylation also is illustrated. The discussion of these topics stresses the chemical reaction mechanisms of the transformations and generally avoids comments on the gene/protein nomenclature or the sources of the enzymes. This work sets the stage for future efforts to decipher the diverse mechanisms of sulfur incorporation into biological molecules.
Topics: Sulfur; Coenzymes; Thiamine; Iron
PubMed: 36403141
DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2022.2141678 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022At the base of the food pyramid is vegetables, which should be consumed most often of all food products, especially in raw and unprocessed form. Vegetables and mushrooms... (Review)
Review
At the base of the food pyramid is vegetables, which should be consumed most often of all food products, especially in raw and unprocessed form. Vegetables and mushrooms are rich sources of bioactive compounds that can fulfill various functions in plants, starting from protection against herbivores and being natural insecticides to pro-health functions in human nutrition. Many of these compounds contain sulfur in their structure. From the point of view of food producers, it is extremely important to know that some of them have flavor properties. Volatile sulfur compounds are often potent odorants, and in many vegetables, belonging mainly to and Allium (), sulfur compounds determine their specific flavor. Interestingly, some of the pathways that form volatile sulfur compounds in vegetables are also found in selected edible mushrooms. The most important odor-active organosulfur compounds can be divided into isothiocyanates, nitriles, epithionitriles, thiols, sulfides, and polysulfides, as well as others, such as sulfur containing carbonyl compounds and esters, R-L-cysteine sulfoxides, and finally heterocyclic sulfur compounds found in shiitake mushrooms or truffles. This review paper summarizes their precursors and biosynthesis, as well as their sensory properties and changes in selected technological processes.
Topics: Agaricales; Cysteine; Esters; Humans; Insecticides; Isothiocyanates; Nitriles; Odorants; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Sulfides; Sulfoxides; Sulfur; Sulfur Compounds; Vegetables
PubMed: 36144849
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186116