Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a low-molecular-weight natural chemical predominantly obtained from the autolysis of sinigrin, a glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables like mustard, horseradish, and wasabi. AITC has sparked widespread interest due to its various biological actions, which inclu...

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Main Authors: Walaa Alibrahem, Duyen H. H. Nguyen, Nihad Kharrat Helu, Florence Tóth, Péter Tamás Nagy, János Posta, József Prokisch, Csaba Oláh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Foods
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/4/579
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author Walaa Alibrahem
Duyen H. H. Nguyen
Nihad Kharrat Helu
Florence Tóth
Péter Tamás Nagy
János Posta
József Prokisch
Csaba Oláh
author_facet Walaa Alibrahem
Duyen H. H. Nguyen
Nihad Kharrat Helu
Florence Tóth
Péter Tamás Nagy
János Posta
József Prokisch
Csaba Oláh
author_sort Walaa Alibrahem
collection DOAJ
description Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a low-molecular-weight natural chemical predominantly obtained from the autolysis of sinigrin, a glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables like mustard, horseradish, and wasabi. AITC has sparked widespread interest due to its various biological actions, which include strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer capabilities. This compound offers promising potential in several fields, particularly in food preservation, medicine, and enhancing food quality through natural means. AITC’s effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including foodborne pathogens and spoilage agents, makes it an attractive natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. The potential to extend the shelf life of perishable foods makes AITC an important tool for food production, meeting rising customer demand for natural additives. In addition to its antimicrobial effects, AITC demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating key signaling pathways, which could make it valuable in managing chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, emerging research highlights its potential in cancer prevention and treatment, as AITC has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell increase in several cancer cell lines, offering a natural approach to chemoprevention. This review delves into the chemical structure, metabolism, and bioavailability of freshly produced AITC, providing a comprehensive overview of its beneficial properties. Challenges related to AITC’s volatility, dosage optimization, and regulatory considerations are also discussed, alongside future research directions to enhance the stability and efficacy of AITC-based formulations. The findings underscore AITC’s role as a versatile bioactive compound with known potential to support human health and the sustainable food industry.
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spelling doaj-art-6b09cdd084ab48c2a197d41d8a2dfafe2025-08-20T03:12:02ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-02-0114457910.3390/foods14040579Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl IsothiocyanateWalaa Alibrahem0Duyen H. H. Nguyen1Nihad Kharrat Helu2Florence Tóth3Péter Tamás Nagy4János Posta5József Prokisch6Csaba Oláh7Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4028 Debrecen, HungaryFaculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, HungaryDoctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4028 Debrecen, HungaryFaculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Water and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, HungaryFaculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Water and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, HungaryHealth Care Service Units, Diagnostic Units, Forensic Medicine, University of Debrecen Clinical Center, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei körút 98, 4032 Debrecen, HungaryFaculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, HungaryMathias Institute, University of Tokaj, Eötvös Str. 7, 3950 Sárospatak, HungaryAllyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a low-molecular-weight natural chemical predominantly obtained from the autolysis of sinigrin, a glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables like mustard, horseradish, and wasabi. AITC has sparked widespread interest due to its various biological actions, which include strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer capabilities. This compound offers promising potential in several fields, particularly in food preservation, medicine, and enhancing food quality through natural means. AITC’s effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including foodborne pathogens and spoilage agents, makes it an attractive natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. The potential to extend the shelf life of perishable foods makes AITC an important tool for food production, meeting rising customer demand for natural additives. In addition to its antimicrobial effects, AITC demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating key signaling pathways, which could make it valuable in managing chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, emerging research highlights its potential in cancer prevention and treatment, as AITC has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell increase in several cancer cell lines, offering a natural approach to chemoprevention. This review delves into the chemical structure, metabolism, and bioavailability of freshly produced AITC, providing a comprehensive overview of its beneficial properties. Challenges related to AITC’s volatility, dosage optimization, and regulatory considerations are also discussed, alongside future research directions to enhance the stability and efficacy of AITC-based formulations. The findings underscore AITC’s role as a versatile bioactive compound with known potential to support human health and the sustainable food industry.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/4/579allyl isothiocyanatehorseradishantioxidantanti-inflammatoryantibacterialanticancer capabilities
spellingShingle Walaa Alibrahem
Duyen H. H. Nguyen
Nihad Kharrat Helu
Florence Tóth
Péter Tamás Nagy
János Posta
József Prokisch
Csaba Oláh
Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate
Foods
allyl isothiocyanate
horseradish
antioxidant
anti-inflammatory
antibacterial
anticancer capabilities
title Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate
title_full Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate
title_fullStr Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate
title_full_unstemmed Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate
title_short Health Benefits, Applications, and Analytical Methods of Freshly Produced Allyl Isothiocyanate
title_sort health benefits applications and analytical methods of freshly produced allyl isothiocyanate
topic allyl isothiocyanate
horseradish
antioxidant
anti-inflammatory
antibacterial
anticancer capabilities
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/4/579
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