The Therapeutic Potential of Garlic-Derived Organic Polysulfides for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury refers to the exacerbation of tissue or organ damage upon the restoration of blood flow after an ischemic event. Despite its widespread clinical occurrence, therapeutic interventions for I/R injury remain limited in efficacy, presenting a significant challenge in modern medicine. Garlic, traditionally consumed as a food, has gained considerable attention for its medicinal properties. Numerous animal studies have shown that garlic-derived organic polysulfides significantly improve nerve function scores post-I/R, reduce infarct size, mitigate inflammatory responses, and inhibit cellular apoptosis. Thus, understanding the role of garlic-derived organic polysulfides in I/R injury may unveil novel therapeutic targets. This review explores the protective effects and mechanisms of garlic-derived organic polysulfides on I/R injury in various organs, including the brain, spinal cord, myocardium, lungs, liver, kidneys, and testes, highlighting their potential in advancing treatment strategies for affected patients.