Role of diallyl disulfide in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions

Garlic harbors an extensive array of pharmacological attributes, including anticancer, antioxidant, and antidiabetic capacities, as well as conferring protective effects on the cardiovascular, nervous and hepatic systems. The anticancer activities of diallyl disulfide (DADS) are primarily ascribed to its multifaceted regulatory effects on key biological processes of cancer cells, encompassing the suppression of proliferative capacity, the attenuation of invasive and metastatic potentials, the induction of apoptotic cell death, the facilitation of cellular differentiation, and the induction of cell-cycle checkpoint arrest. This systematic review surveys the scientific progress surrounding DADS within oncology, covering its roles in tumor biology, population-based studies, and anticancer mechanisms, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic uses, present clinical application, existing limitations and emerging research avenues. The work aims to integrate established findings to steer further mechanistic inquiry and translational projects focused on applying DADS in preventive and curative cancer interventions.