Abstract:

Allicin is a major bioactive component of garlic, including allyl sulfides of many kinds. Allicin has a significant anti-tumor effect on many kinds of cancer as demonstrated in epidemiological studies in China and elsewhere. The primary functional mechanism has been described as affecting pathways of tumor cell apoptosis induced by regulating gene expression, cell cycles, terminal kinase and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase. In addition, through the combination of allicin treatment with gene modified tumor vaccine as well as antitumor drugs, the antitumor effect can be enhanced significantly. This paper reviewed and summarized recent research on these topics.

Key words: allicin, tumor cells, cell apoptosis, cell cycles