Quick Overview of Organosulfur Compounds and Their Anti-inflammatory Effects in Human Health

 

Organosulfur chemicals are organic compounds that contain sulfur as a primary component. They are often associated with foul odors, but most of them are known as organosulfur derivatives, such as saccharin. Methionine and cysteine, out of 20 common amino acids, are organosulfur compounds. Furthermore, organosulfur compounds are classified into several groups depending on the amount of sulfur they contain. Organic compounds can be used instead to create sweetness; the result is comparable in taste to that of natural honey.

Organosulfur compounds are widely present in the human bodies and the natural environment. An organosulfur compound contains at least one carbon-sulfur bond. Organosulfur compounds are usually present in fruits, vegetables, pulses (legumes), cereals (grains), and other plant foods. These compounds are mostly found in cruciferous vegetables such as onion, garlic, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. These compounds are widely consumed by the general population, with well-documented benefits.

Moreover, organosulfur compounds can not only act as direct antioxidants that trap electrons, but may also have non-antioxidant effects, such as antiaging actions, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and antiplatelet. These compounds display anti-tumor, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial capabilities that expands their therapeutic applications. These properties are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of various pathological states, such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

With increasing use of organosulfur compounds for therapeutics, the demand for organosulfur compounds is also increasing. Hydrogen sulfide is considered an important biological mediator, and is widely diagnosed in patients with low levels of hydrogen sulfide. Organosulfur compounds help stabilize high blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as enhance immunity. Moreover, there is huge demand for organosulfur compounds in various end-use industries. For example, China exports of organosulfur compounds to Mexico during 2019 were US$ 51.71 Million, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.