DUAL ROLE OF ORGANOSULFUR COMPOUNDS IN FOODS: A REVIEW

ABSTRACT

Organosulfur compounds present in natural food are generally considered as beneficial for health because of their antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. This has led to their excessive and long-term consumption. However, there is also evidence that these compounds demonstrate toxicity and adverse health effects suggesting their potential dual biological roles. Thus, they can act as double-edged biological swords.

Keywords:

• Organosulfur compounds
• Thiocompounds
• Toxicity
• Carcinogen
• Anticarcinogen
• Oxidant
• Antioxidant
• Oxygen radicals

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author is grateful to Dr. Paddy L. Wiesenfeld and Dr. Virginia C. Dunkel for their critical review of the manuscript.