Unlocking the natural chemical sources, nutritional properties, biological effects, and molecular actions of Ajoene

Abstract

Ajoene, a bioactive sulfur-containing compound derived from garlic, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties that have garnered substantial scientific interest. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of its biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects. Several scientific research databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Scopus, and, Wiley Online have been consulted.

Ajoene has been shown to modulate key molecular pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine release, enzyme activity, and cellular apoptosis. These mechanisms contribute to its potential therapeutic applications across various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and infections. In vitro and in vivo studies consistently highlight ajoene's ability to inhibit tumor growth, reduce hyperglycemia, prevent neurodegeneration, and suppress inflammatory responses. Despite these promising results, the underlying mechanisms of ajoene's bioactivity remain incompletely understood, particularly in the context of complex human pathologies. This review emphasizes the need for more extensive clinical trials and toxicological evaluations to validate the efficacy and safety of ajoene in human populations. As such, ajoene is a promising candidate for developing novel therapeutic interventions, meriting further drug design and development investigation.