Effects of S-allyl glutathione disulphide and vinyl-dithiin isomers from garlic on the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

- S-allyl glutathione disulphide (GSSA) is a slow H2S donor.
- GSSA showed anti-aging effects on S. cerevisiae at low concentrations.
- 3-Vinyl-3,4-dihydro-1,2-dithiin is a slow H2S donor.

AbstractsThe slow hydrogen sulphide (H2S) releasing compound S-allyl glutathione disulfide (GSSA) from garlic, which can release H2S via α carbon substitution, showed anti-aging effects on the chronological lifespan (CLS) of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hormesis was observed, showing lifespan extension at nanomolar concentrations (100-200 nM), whereas at high concentration (1 mM) toxicity were observed. A possible explanation therefore might be the beneficial properties of the recently discovered gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Yet, 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin (2-VDT) and 3-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiin (3-VDT) from garlic appeared both inactive in terms of prolonging the lifespan of yeast. While for 2-VDT these findings seem reasonable since it cannot release H2S, for 3-VDT the contrary was expected as H2S releasing properties were observed. The underlying mechanism of H2S release of 3-VDT was proposed to be a similar α carbon substitution-like observed for GSSA.