Possible mechanism by which allyl sulfides suppress neoplastic cell proliferation.

Both oil- and water-soluble allyl sulfur compounds from garlic have been found to possess antitumorigenic properties. These antitumorigenic properties increase as exposure increases both in vitro and in vivo. Generally, oil-soluble allyl sulfur compounds are more effective antiproliferative agents than their water-soluble counterparts. The ability of these compounds to suppress proliferation is associated with a depression in cell cycle progression and the induction of apoptosis. This depression in cell division coincides with an increase in the percentage of cells blocked in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. A depression in p34(cdc2) kinase may account for this blockage in cell division.