(E)-Ajoene is a disulfide that has been found in A. sativum and has diverse biological activities. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MICs = 10-250 and 150->500 μg/ml, respectively) and fungi (MICs = 15-50 μg/ml). (E)-Ajoene inhibits proliferation of a variety of cancer cells, including MDA-MB-231 breast, HeLa cervical, and WHCO1 esophageal cancer cells (IC50s = 18.6, 61, and 39.2 μM, respectively). It also inhibits human glutathione reductase and T. cruzi trypanothione reductase when used at a concentration of 200 μM. (E)-Ajoene (25 mg/kg) is neuroprotective in a gerbil model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, reducing reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis in the hippocampal CA1 region.
E/Z Ajoene functions as an antioxidant, by inhibiting the release of superoxide. Ajoene also has antithrombotic (anti-clotting) properties, which helps prevent platelets in the blood from forming blood clots, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke in humans.
