Search Results (203)

Allicin (ALC), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum), exhibits potential neuroprotective properties. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and motor dysfunction. This study utilized bioinformatics and network pharmacology methods to predict the anti-PD mechanism of ALC and established in vivo and in vitro PD models using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) for experimental verification. Network pharmacological analysis indicates that apoptosis regulation and the PKA/p-CREB/BDNF signaling pathway are closely related to the anti-PD effect of ALC, and protein kinase A (PKA) and dopamine transporter (DAT) are key molecular targets. The experimental results show that ALC administration can alleviate the cytotoxicity of SH-SY5Y induced by 6-OHDA and simultaneously improve the motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuron loss in PD mice. In addition, ALC can also activate the PKA/p-CREB/BDNF signaling pathway and increase the DAT level in brain tissue, regulate the expression of BAX and Bcl-2, and reduce neuronal apoptosis. These results indicate that ALC can exert anti-PD effects by up-regulating the PKA/p-CREB/BDNF/DAT signaling pathway and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, providing theoretical support for the application of ALC in PD. Full article

This review surveys recent advances and emerging prospects in phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) for fuel desulfurization. In response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the removal of sulfur from transportation fuels has become imperative for curbing SO_x emissions. Conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) operates under severe temperature–pressure conditions and displays limited efficacy toward sterically hindered thiophenic compounds, motivating the exploration of non-hydrogen routes such as oxidative desulfurization (ODS). Within ODS, PTC offers distinctive benefits by shuttling reactants across immiscible phases, thereby enhancing reaction rates and selectivity. In particular, PTC enables efficient migration of organosulfur substrates from the hydrocarbon matrix into an aqueous phase where they are oxidized and subsequently extracted. The review first summarizes the deployment of classic PTC systems—quaternary ammonium salts, crown ethers, and related agents—in ODS operations and then delineates the underlying phase-transfer mechanisms, encompassing reaction-controlled, thermally triggered, photo-responsive, and pH-sensitive cycles. Attention is next directed to a new generation of catalysts, including quaternary-ammonium polyoxometalates, imidazolium-substituted polyoxometalates, and ionic-liquid-based hybrids. Their tailored architectures, catalytic performance, and mechanistic attributes are analyzed comprehensively. By incorporating multifunctional supports or rational structural modifications, these systems deliver superior desulfurization efficiency, product selectivity, and recyclability. Despite such progress, commercial deployment is hindered by the following outstanding issues: long-term catalyst durability, continuous-flow reactor design, and full life-cycle cost optimization. Future research should, therefore, focus on elucidating structure–performance relationships, translating batch protocols into robust continuous processes, and performing rigorous environmental and techno-economic assessments to accelerate the industrial adoption of PTC-enabled desulfurization. Full article

The batch, repeated batch and fed-batch cultivation strategies, in stirred tank bioreactors, were evaluated to maximize biomass production and the cells’ desulfurization activity (CDA) of Rhodococcus qingshengii IGTS8. The batch culture reached 2.62 g DCW/L biomass, with a productivity of 0.03 g DCW·L⁻¹·h⁻¹ and only 26% glycerol consumption. The repeated batch strategy reduced cultivation time during the first cycle, increasing biomass production by 15%, with 30% glycerol consumed and productivity 2.3 times higher than the batch process; however, subsequent cycles showed no further improvement. CDA peaked early in both modes but declined to 12–13 U/mg DCW by the end of the exponential growth phase. Fed-batch cultivation achieved 8.35 g DCW/L with 87% glycerol consumption, resulting in a threefold increase in volumetric productivity and a 1.7-fold higher specific growth rate compared with the batch mode. CDA remained stable during the fed-batch process and was approximately 40% higher compared with the batch and repeated batch processes. The fed-batch culture was used directly in a two-phase bubble column bioreactor for the desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4-methyl-dibenzothiophene (4-MDBT) and their mixture. The complete desulfurization of 1.4 mM DBT was achieved at a rate of 21.6 mmol DBT/kg DCW/h, while 0.9 mM 4-MDBT was fully converted but at a 2.5-fold lower rate. The simultaneous conversion of the DBT/4-MDBT mixture showed reduced efficiencies of 59.6% and 41.2%, respectively. Full article

Black Chiloe’s giant garlic is a functional food produced by a mild Maillard reaction that contains relevant bioactive molecules like organosulfur compounds (OSCs) and (poly)phenols (PPs). Compared with raw garlic, black garlic has a higher content of PPs and S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a key OSC due to its bioactivities. The objective of the present work was to optimize by chemometric tools a green microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of SAC and PPs present in black Chiloe’s giant garlic to detect and identify novel bioactive molecules with antioxidant and/or inhibitory activities over cyclooxygenase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase enzymes. The MAE factors were optimized using a central composite design, establishing optimal PP and SAC yields at 67 °C, 0% ethanol, 12 min and 30 °C, 40% ethanol, 3 min, respectively. PP and SAC values were 9.19 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g DW and 2.55 ± 0.10 mg SAC/g DW. Applying effect-directed analysis using high-performance thin layer chromatography-bioassay and mass spectrometry, the bioactive molecules present in the MAE extract with antioxidant and inhibitory activities over cyclooxygenase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase enzymes were identified as N-fructosyl-glutamyl-S-(1-propenyl)cysteine, N-fructosyl-glutamylphenylalanine, and Harmane. Full article

We report the first syntheses—from commercially available 3-chloro-2-fluoroprop-1-ene (9)—of key garlic-derived compounds containing sp²-fluorine. We also report synthesis of fluoro-5,6-dihydrothiopyrans by trapping 2-fluorothioacrolein (15). Thus, difluoroallicin (12, S-(2-fluoro-2-propenyl) 2-fluoroprop-2-ene-1-sulfinothioate) is prepared by peracid oxidation of 1,2-bis(2-fluoro-2-propenyl)disulfane (11). S-2-Fluoro-2-propenyl-l-cysteine (2-fluorodeoxyalliin, 13), synthesized from cysteine and characterized by X-ray crystallography, is oxidized to its S-oxide, 2-fluoroalliin (22). The latter, with alliinase-containing powdered fresh garlic, gives a mixture of 12, allicin (1), and isomers of monofluoroallicin (23), indicating that 22 serves as a substrate for garlic alliinase. Upon heating, 12 generates transient 15, which dimerizes giving difluoro vinyl dithiins 6 and 7. Ethyl acrylate trapping of 15 affords 5- and 6-substituted 3-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-4H-thiopyrans (19 and 20). In 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HEFP) as solvent, 12 is converted into trifluoroajoene ((E,Z)-1-(2-fluoro-3-((2-fluoro-2-propenyl)sulfinyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)-2-(2-fluoro-2-propenyl)disulfane; 18). Liquid sulfur converts 11 to a (CH₂=CFCH₂)₂S_n mixture (n = 4–15), characterized by UPLC-(Ag⁺)-coordination ion spray-mass spectrometry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that poses a significant gastroenterological challenge. Methods: This study investigates the protective effects of garlic peel extract (GPE) in a rat model of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis. Rats received oral GPE (100 mg/kg) for 14 days prior to AA administration, and this continued for 14 days post-induction. Results: GC-MS analysis of GPE identified several key phytochemicals, primarily methyl esters of fatty acids (62.47%), fatty acids (10.36%), fatty acid derivatives (6.75%), and vitamins (4.86%) as the major constituents. Other notable compounds included steroids, natural alcohols, organosulfur compounds, fatty aldehydes, carotenoids, sugars, and glucosinolates. GPE treatment significantly improved body weight and colon length. Biochemical analysis showed that GPE downregulated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), compared to the colitis (AA) group. Additionally, GPE reduced the oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as caspase-3, a marker for apoptosis. Furthermore, GPE treatment resulted in enhanced activities of the enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These findings were supported by histological evidence. Conclusions: Collectively, GPE holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for UC, owing to its natural bioactive compounds and their potential synergistic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Full article

Growing consumer awareness of clean labels is driving demand for preservative-free products yet concerns about foodborne pathogens and microbiological safety remain significant. Plant-derived compounds with bioactive properties—phytobiotics—have emerged as promising alternatives or complements to conventional antimicrobial agents. This review discusses phytobiotics, including essential oils, polyphenols, alkaloids, and organosulfur compounds, highlighting their structural diversity and antimicrobial potential. Phytobiotics combat foodborne pathogens by disrupting cell structures, inhibiting biofilms and quorum sensing, and interfering with genetic and protein synthesis. Importantly, some phytobiotics exhibit synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics or other natural agents, enhancing overall antimicrobial efficacy. The impact of phytobiotics on the microbiota of food products and the gastrointestinal tract is also addressed, with attention to both beneficial modulation and possible unintended effects. Practical applications in food preservation and supplementation are analyzed, as well as challenges related to composition variability, stability, and interactions with food matrices. Nevertheless, modern technologies such as nanoencapsulation, complexation with polysaccharides, and advanced extraction methods are being developed to address these challenges and enhance the stability and bioavailability of phytobiotics. Continued investment in research and innovation is essential to fully harness the potential of phytobiotics in ensuring safe, natural, and sustainable food systems. Full article

Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary plant extracts can inhibit the development of lipid droplets (LDs) and oxidized LDs (oxLDs) in hepatic cells. These findings suggest that such extracts may be beneficial in combating metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its more advanced stage, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We examined nine Allium extracts (ALs: AL1–9) to assess their capacity to decrease lipid droplet accumulation (LDA) and oxidative stress by suppressing lipid formation and oxidation in liver cells. Among the Allium extracts tested, AL6 exhibited significant inhibitory effects against LDA. Furthermore, we employed our lipidomic method to assess the accumulation and suppression of intracellular triacylglycerol (TAG) and oxidized TAG hydroperoxide [TG (OOH) n = 3] by AL6 in liver cells under oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA) loading conditions. These findings indicate that foods derived from Allium species prevent the formation of lipid droplets by decreasing intracellular lipids and lipid hydroperoxides in the hepatocytes. Analysis of the metabolome of bioactive lipid droplet accumulation inhibition (LDAI) AL6 using LC-MS/MS and 1D-NMR [¹H, ¹³C, DEPT 90, and 135] techniques revealed that AL6 is primarily composed of carbohydrates, glucosidic metabolites, and organosulfur compounds, with small amounts of polyols, fatty acyls, small peptides, and amino acids. This implies that AL6 could be a valuable resource for developing functional foods and drug discovery targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and related disorders. Full article

Two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF MS) was employed to analyze the volatile flavor compounds (VOCs) of Tricholoma matsutake samples from six different geographical regions: CX (Chuxiong), DL (Dali), DQ (Diqing), JL (Yanji), SC (Xiaojin) and XZ (Linzhi). The result indicate that a total of 2730 kinds of VOCs were identified from the fruiting bodies of six T. matsutake samples. The primary types of volatile organic compounds identified were 349 alcohols, 92 aldehydes, 146 carboxylic_acids, 311 esters, 742 organoheterocyclic compounds, 630 hydrocarbons, 381 ketones, 51 organic acids, and 28 derivatives and organosulfur compounds. Furthermore, PCA and PLS-DA analysis from the GC×GC-ToF-MS showed that samples from different regions could be distinguished by their VOCs. Network analysis revealed that 33 aroma compounds were identified as markers for distinguishing the samples from the six regions. The sensory attributes sweet, fruity, green, waxy, and floral were found to be more significant to the flavor profile of T. matsutake. 1-Nonanol, 2-Nonanone, Nonanoic acid, ethyl ester, 1-Undecanol, 2-Undecanone, Octanoic acid, ethyl ester, 2H-Pyran, and tetrahy-dro-4-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)- primarily contribute to the differences in the aroma characteristics among six T. matsutake samples. The results also provide a theoretical and practical foundation for the flavor compounds of these precious edible fungi in different regions. Full article

Biodesulfurization (BDS) is a clean technology that uses microorganisms to efficiently remove sulfur from recalcitrant organosulfur compounds present in fuels (fossil fuels or new-generation fuels resulting from pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction). One of the limitations of this technology is the low desulfurization rates. These result in the need for greater amounts of biocatalyst and lead to increased production costs. To mitigate this issue, several approaches have been pursued, such as the use of alternative carbon sources (C-sources) from agro-industrial waste streams or the co-production of high-added-value products by microorganisms. The main goal of this work is to assess the potential of strawberry tree fruit residue (STFr) as an alternative C-source for a BDS biorefinery using Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B, a well-known desulfurizing bacterium with high biotechnological potential. Hence, the first step was to produce sugar-rich liquor from the STFr and employ it in shake-flask assays to evaluate the influence of different pretreatments (treatments with 1–4% activated charcoal for prior phenolics removal) on metabolic parameters and BDS rates. Afterwards, the liquor was used as the C-source in chemostat assays, compared to commercial sugars, to develop and optimize the use of STFr-liquor as a viable C-source towards cost-effective biocatalyst production. Moreover, the high-market-value bioproducts simultaneously produced during microbial growth were also evaluated. In this context, the best results, considering both the production of biocatalysts with BDS activity and simultaneous bioproduct production (carotenoids and gordofactin biosurfactant/bioemulsifier) were achieved when strain 1B was cultivated in a chemostat with untreated STFr-liquor (5.4 g/L fructose + glucose, 6:4 ratio) as the C-source and in a sulfur-free mineral-minimized culture medium at a dilution rate of 0.04 h⁻¹. Cells from this steady-state culture (STFr L1) achieved the highest desulfurization with 250 mM of dibenzothiophene as a reference organosulfur compound, producing a maximum of ≈213 mM of 2-hydroxibyphenil (2-HBP) with a corresponding specific rate (q_2-HBP) of 6.50 µmol/g(_DCW)/h (where DCW = dry cell weight). This demonstrates the potential of STFr as a sustainable alternative C-source for the production of cost-effective biocatalysts without compromising BDS ability. Additionally, cells grown in STFr L1 also presented the highest production of added-value products (338 ± 15 µg/g_(DCW) of carotenoids and 8 U/mL of gordofactin). These results open prospects for a future G. alkanivorans strain 1B biorefinery that integrates BDS, waste valorization, and the production of added-value products, contributing to the global economic viability of a BDS process and making BDS scale-up a reality in the near future. Full article

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an essential organosulfur compound with a wide range of therapeutic applications, particularly in conditions involving inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, we describe our current understanding of the multifaceted role of ALA in several inflammatory diseases (acute pancreatitis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, and sepsis), cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), and neurological conditions. The dual redox nature of ALA, shared with its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), underpins its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including reactive oxygen species scavenging, metal chelation, and the regeneration of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione. A substantial body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that ALA modulates the key signaling pathways involved in inflammation and cellular stress responses, making it a promising candidate for mitigating inflammation and its systemic consequences. Notably, we also discuss a novel perspective that attributes some of the therapeutic effects of ALA to its ability to release hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous signaling molecule. This mechanism may offer further insights into the efficacy of ALA in the treatment of several diseases. Together, these findings support the potential of ALA as a multifunctional agent for managing inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases. Full article

Organosulfur compounds are appealing owing to the diverse oxidation states accessible by sulfur, allowing the precise adjustment of their properties. In this study, we report a practical oxidation method that converts sulfides to sulfones by generating chlorine dioxide in situ from sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) in organic solvents. Diphenyl sulfide was effectively oxidized to diphenyl sulfone in yields of up to 96% under optimized conditions, with high selectivity in ethyl acetate and acetonitrile solvents. The method is compatible with a wide range of substrates, including various aryl, benzyl, and alkyl sulfides, although reactivity diminishes with sterically hindered or electron-rich substrates. This scalable and environmentally friendly process overcomes challenges associated with aqueous oxidants, such as substrate solubility and side reactions, providing a robust alternative for sulfone synthesis. Full article

Many of the flowers of ornamental and wild plants are edible. Flowers provide colors, flavors and textures to foods and serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and pigments, which exert a very high antioxidant activity. The cultivation of edible flowers is a production alternative that is on the rise. The main objective of this work has been to study the nutritional and aromatic value of garden garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) and wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum). The crops were carried out in the region of L’Horta Nord (Valencia, Spain), using organic production techniques. The proximate composition, antioxidant capacity, metal content and volatile fraction of the flowers were determined. The flowers of ornamental garlic and wild leek have been shown to be a source of fiber and even protein, with very low lipid content. There is no accumulation of heavy metals in these flowers. Organosulfur compounds are the chemical family of volatile components that predominate in these flowers, representing 98% of the volatile fraction of garden garlic flowers and 68.5% in wild leek flowers. The powerful antioxidant activity of the flowers studied and their relationship with a very significant aromatic fraction of sulfur components is well suited to the current trend of searching for natural and healthy foods with nutraceutical properties. It is recommended to continue studying the bioavailability of floral components and understand their effect on health, as well as organosulfur compounds for physiological functions. Full article

Garlic, an asexually propagated crop, exhibits significant variation in its commercial traits and bioactive compounds. Despite its horticultural significance, the genetic pool available for breeding strategies is limited. This study aimed to assess the existing diversity within a popular garlic landrace from the region of “Nea Vissa”, Evros, Greece, focusing on phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular variation. In particular, bulb morphology, nutritional content, and organosulfur profiles were evaluated, along with genetic characterization using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to analyze intra-specific genetic variation. Our results revealed three distinct genetic clusters with moderate to low intra-varietal diversity. Morphological and biochemical characterization showed significant intra-specific diversity in both bulb morphology and nutritional content. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified key volatile compounds, including allyl methyl disulfide and trisulfide, 1,2-dithiacyclopentene, cis-1-propenyl propyl disulfide, and cis-1-propenyl methyl disulfide in high abundances, suggesting that these were the predominant compounds characterizing the population. Our findings could be implemented to further enhance key phytonutrients in the local garlic population through breeding programs, targeting clones with high nutritional value and improved flavor and supporting germplasm conservation and utilization. Full article