Anti-asthmatic effects of onions. Alk(en)ylsulfinothioic acid alk(en)yl-esters inhibit histamine release, leukotriene and thromboxane biosynthesis in vitro and counteract PAF and allergen-induced bronchial obstruction in vivo

Biochem Pharmacol. 1988 Dec 1;37(23):4479-86. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(88)90663-6.

Abstract

Five alk(en)ylsulfinothioic acid alk(en)yl-esters isolated from onions and four synthetic thiosulfinates inhibited 5-lipoxygenase of porcine leucocytes, histamine release and leukotriene B4 and C4 biosynthesis of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes, thromboxane B2 biosynthesis by human platelets and allergen- and PAF-induced bronchial obstruction of guinea-pigs. The anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory effects of onions depend in part on the thiosulfinate moiety: (Formula: see text).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / pharmacology
  • Allium / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Asthma / prevention & control
  • Bronchi / drug effects*
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests
  • Drug Interactions
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Histamine Release / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / enzymology
  • Leukotrienes / biosynthesis*
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Platelet Activating Factor / pharmacology
  • Sulfinic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Thromboxanes / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Leukotrienes
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts
  • Platelet Activating Factor
  • Sulfinic Acids
  • Thromboxanes
  • thiosulfinic acids