Effect of phytochemical compounds of the genus Allium on the immune system and the inflammatory response
Keywords:
Allium genus, organosulfur compounds, immunity, inflammationAbstract
Objectives: Review and discussion of the scientific evidence on the effects of organosulfur compounds of Allium genus as immunomodulators and immunostimulators.
Methods: A review of original scientific articles and reviews was conducted.
Results: Numerous research and trials have shown the close relationship between food and health, pointing out the benefits that vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics or phytochemicals exert on various diseases. Among them, the role of substances of vegetable origin, such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, nitrogen and organosulfur compounds, should be remarked for their positive influence on the microbiota, intestinal health and immune system.In this work the scientific evidences about the benefits of some organosulfur compounds of Allium genus, such as allicin or propyl propane thiosulfonate, are reviewed and discussed for their immunomodulatory and immune-enhancing properties.
Conclusions: Numerous scientific studies have shown the positive effects of organosulfur compounds of Allium genus on the immune system and inflammatory processes. In particular, of some compounds such as allicin, although its instability strongly affects its real application in nutraceutical supplements, and other compounds, such as propiin derivatives, are more promising as immunostimulators ingredients.
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