| Research Abstract |
The allylsulfides produced by crushed garlic are known as principles giving several functions in our body. On the other hand, alliin the mother molecule of sulfides, has been thought to be inactive. However, recent investigators have demonstrated that alliin showed activation of immune reaction, and stimulation of heat generation. Thus, the latter component is thought to be changed its form into sulfide(s) during absorption or post-absorption steps. Our present investigation was planed to demonstrate absorption mechanism using an animal model and digestive organs. For the purpose, we established a method of chemical synthesis of allyl methyl trisulfide, and used isotope labeled sulfides. On the function of sulfides which we studied on the line of our plans, we found a novel anti-cancer activity of garlic oil as well as onion oil. Our evidences were as follows :
1. We established a method of allyl trisulfide synthesis.
2. Alliin was absorbed at small intestine, and degraded before appearing in blood circulation.
3. Alliin was absorbed by Caco-2 cell, a cell line from rectum cancer cells, and the absorption took place at the site of cysteine-transporter.
4. Garlic and onion oils containing sulfides as their major components prevented HL-60 cancer cell growth, and stimulated cell differentiation into normal-like nucleocytes. These evidences must help further study on the phytochemicals in functional foods.
|
