Diallyl disulfide

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is an organic compound derived from garlic and a few other genus Allium plants. Structurally, it is classified as a disulfide. Diallyl disulfide is one of the major volatile components that gives garlic its distinctive smell.

Chemical Structure

Diallyl disulfide is a compound composed of two allyl groups bonded to a sulfur-sulfur unit. The molecular formula of DADS is C6H10S2. It is a yellowish liquid with a strong, pungent smell, similar to that of garlic.

Sources

Diallyl disulfide is found in the Allium family of plants, which includes garlic, onions, leeks, and chives. It is one of the many organosulfur compounds found in these plants. When garlic is crushed or chopped, an enzyme called alliinase is released, converting alliin to allicin, which then decomposes to form a variety of compounds including diallyl disulfide.

Health Benefits

Research has suggested that diallyl disulfide has several potential health benefits. It has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, and may also have anticancer effects. Some studies have suggested that it may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand how diallyl disulfide works in the body.

Safety

Diallyl disulfide is generally considered safe for consumption in the amounts typically found in food. However, it can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, and can be harmful if swallowed in large amounts.

See Also

• Allicin
• Alliin
• Alliinase
• Organosulfur compounds
• Garlic