Alliin

Chemical Compound
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References

Alliin

is a sulfoxide that is a natural constituent of fresh garlic.<ref>Iberl, B, 
 Quantitative Determination of Allicin and Alliin from Garlic by HPLC, 
 Planta Med, 
 1990,
 Vol. 56(Issue: 3),
 pp. 320–326,
 DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-960969,
 PMID: 17221429,</ref> It is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine. When fresh garlic is chopped or crushed, the enzyme alliinase converts alliin into allicin, which is responsible for the aroma of fresh garlic. Garlic has been used since antiquity as a therapeutic remedy for certain conditions now associated with oxygen toxicity, and, when this was investigated, garlic did indeed show strong antioxidant and hydroxyl radical-scavenging properties, it is presumed owing to the alliin contained within.<ref>Kourounakis, PN; Rekka, EA, 
 Effect on active oxygen species of alliin and Allium sativum (garlic) powder, 
 Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol., 
 
 Vol. 74(Issue: 2),
 pp. 249–252,
 
 PMID: 1667340,</ref>

Alliin has been found to affect immune responses in blood.<ref>Salman, H,

 Effect of a garlic derivative (alliin) on peripheral blood cell immune responses, 
 Int J Immunopharmacol., 
 
 Vol. 21(Issue: 9),
 pp. 589–597,
 DOI: 10.1016/S0192-0561(99)00038-7,
 PMID: 10501628,</ref>

Alliin

Alliin Structural Formula

Alliin is a sulfoxide primarily found in fresh garlic, serving as one of its primary constituents. Structurally, it is derived from the amino acid cysteine. A distinguishing characteristic of alliin is its ability, when exposed to the enzyme alliinase following the crushing or chopping of garlic, to convert into allicin. This transformation is credited for bestowing fresh garlic with its characteristic aroma.

Historical Context

Since ancient times, garlic has held a revered position in traditional medicine. Historically, it has been utilized as a remedy for ailments that modern science now associates with oxygen toxicity. Upon investigation, garlic's therapeutic properties were validated, displaying significant antioxidant and hydroxyl radical-scavenging abilities. It is hypothesized that these benefits may be largely attributed to the presence of alliin<ref>Augusti KT. (1996). Therapeutic values of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 34(7):634-40.</ref>.

Biochemical Significance

Alliin stands out not just for its therapeutic potential but also for its unique structural features. Remarkably, it was the first natural product identified to possess both carbon- and sulfur-centered stereochemistry<ref>Block E. (1985). The chemistry of garlic and onions. Scientific American. 252(3):114-9.</ref>.

Immune System Interactions

Recent studies have spotlighted alliin's ability to modulate immune responses in blood<ref>Chowdhury AK, Ahsan M, Islam SN, Ahmed ZU. (1991). Efficacy of aqueous extract of garlic & allicin in experimental shigellosis in rabbits. The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 93:33-6.</ref>. This discovery hints at a broader range of therapeutic applications and reinforces the need for further studies.

Allicin: The Transformation Product

As previously mentioned, when garlic is subjected to physical disruption, such as crushing or chopping, the enzyme alliinase acts on alliin, converting it to allicin. This compound, while being responsible for the aromatic nature of garlic, is also associated with a myriad of health benefits.

Conclusion

Alliin's distinct properties, from its unique stereochemistry to its transformative abilities, make it an intriguing compound of study. Its therapeutic potentials, coupled with its rich historical background, underscore its significance in both culinary and medicinal domains.

References

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