Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A bioactive compound is a compound that has an effect on a living organism, tissue or cell, usually demonstrated by basic research in vitro or in vivo in the laboratory. While dietary nutrients are essential to life, bioactive compounds have not been proved to be essential – as the body can function without them – or because their actions are obscured by nutrients fulfilling the function.
When a garlic clove is crushed, the enzyme alliinase is released forming allicin from the cysteine sulfoxide alliin. Allicin breaks down into additional organosulfur compounds. In the presence of oil or organic solvents, among the compounds formed are the isomeric vinyldithiins and ajoene.
Bioactive agents are substances that can influence an organism, tissue or cell. Examples include enzymes, drugs, vitamins, phytochemicals , and bioactive compounds . Bioactive agents can be incorporated into polymers , [ 1 ] [ 2 ] which has applications in drug delivery and commercial production of household goods and biomedical devices. [ 2 ]
Allicin is an organosulfur compound obtained from garlic and leeks. [1] When fresh garlic is chopped or crushed, the enzyme alliinase converts alliin into allicin, which is responsible for the aroma of fresh garlic. [2] Allicin is unstable and quickly changes into a series of other sulfur-containing compounds such as diallyl disulfide. [3]
Alliin / ˈ æ l i. ɪ n / is a sulfoxide that is a natural constituent of fresh garlic. [1] It is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine.When fresh garlic is chopped or crushed, the enzyme alliinase converts alliin into allicin, which is responsible for the aroma of fresh garlic.
Ajoene / ˈ ɑː h oʊ. iː n / is an organosulfur compound found in garlic (Allium sativum) extracts. It is a colorless liquid that contains sulfoxide and disulfide functional groups. The name [ 1 ] (and pronunciation) is derived from "ajo", the Spanish word for garlic.
As such only the L-enantiomer is significant biologically. SAC constituent of aged garlic. A number of related compounds are found in garlic, including the disulfide S-"allylmercaptocysteine" (SAMC, HO 2 CCH(NH 2)CH 2 SSCH 2 C=CH 2) and γ-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine" (GSAC). [1] Allylcysteine is of interest for its potential medicinal properties.
In Europe, many cultures have used garlic for protection or white magic, perhaps owing to its reputation in folk medicine. [44] Central European folk beliefs considered garlic a powerful ward against demons, werewolves, and vampires. To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn, hung in windows, or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes. [87] [88]