Isolation and identification of organosulfur compounds oxidizing canine erythrocytes from garlic (Allium sativum)

J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Feb 27;50(5):1059-62. doi: 10.1021/jf011182z.

Abstract

Five compounds oxidizing canine erythrocytes were isolated from an aqueous ethanol garlic extract by silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography. On the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, they were identified as three known compounds: bis-2-propenyl trisulfide (1), bis-2-propenyl tetrasulfide (2), and bis-2-propenyl pentasulfide (3) as well as two novel compounds, bis-2-propenyl thiosulfonate (4) and trans-sulfuric acid allyl ester 3-allylsulfanyl-allyl ester (5). A mixture of compounds 1-3 and compounds 4 and 5 induced methemoglobin formation in canine erythrocyte suspension in vitro resulting in the oxidation of canine erythrocytes. These groups of characteristic organosulfur compounds contained in garlic probably contribute to oxidations in blood. The constituents of garlic have the potential to oxidize erythrocytes and hemoglobin, suggesting that foods containing quantities of garlic should be avoided for feeding dogs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer / methods
  • Dogs
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism*
  • Garlic / adverse effects
  • Garlic / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism*
  • Sulfides / blood*
  • Sulfonic Acids / blood
  • Thiosulfonic Acids / blood

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Sulfides
  • Sulfonic Acids
  • Thiosulfonic Acids