Skip to main content
Free shipping on all orders
888-559-3802
Go back
VitabaseIngredients

DATS (diallyl trisulfide)

Health Conditions5
Table of contents

Other Names

1,3-Diallyltrisulfane3-(allyltrisulfanyl)prop-1-ene3-(prop-2-enyltrisulfanyl)prop-1-ene4,5,6-Trithia-1,8-nonadieneAllitridinAllitridumAllyl trisulfidebis(prop-2-en-1-yl)trisulfaneDasuansuDATSDi-2-propenyl trisulfideDi-allyl-trisulfideDiallyl TrisulfideDiallyl trisulphideDiallyltrisulfaneDiallyltrisulfideDiprop-2-en-1-yltrisulfaneNSC 651936Prop-2-enyl prop-2-enylthio disulfideTrisulfide, di-2-propenyl

Synopsis

Diallyl Trisulfide (DATS): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Chemical Characterization

Chemical Names and Identifiers

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), also known as Allitridin, is an organosulfur compound with the molecular formula S(SCH2CH=CH2)2. Its molecular weight is 178.34 g/mol. The compound is registered under CAS number 2050-87-5. Additional synonyms include diallyl trisulphide, 3-diallyltrisulfane, 1,3-diallyltrisulfane, diallyl pertrisulfide, and FEMA 3265. The IUPAC/ChEBI definition describes DATS as an organic trisulfide that is trisulfane in which both of the hydrogens are replaced by allyl groups.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Diallyl trisulfide is a yellow liquid with a disagreeable odor. It is a stable transformation product of allicin and is insoluble in water and ethanol, but miscible in ether. DATS is a volatile oily substance, described as the most active organic sulfide among the active ingredients in garlic. This property enhances its extraction process and expands its applicability across various fields.

Botanical Source and Natural Distribution

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is an organic sulfur compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum L.). Allium sativum L., a member of the Liliaceae family, is the botanical name for garlic, which was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing. Diallyl trisulfide is also a characteristic component of other similar vegetables including onion, leek, and chive. DATS is a compound found in garlic and other members of the Allium genus, and its characteristic polysulfide structure contributes to its antioxidant, antibacterial, and insect-repelling properties.

Biosynthesis and Formation

The active ingredients of garlic include sulfur-containing compounds such as the nonproteinogenic amino acid alliin (S-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide) and other S-alkyl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, which are precursors of allicin and related compounds produced enzymatically through alliinase. Fresh garlic does not contain free allicin but only its precursor material alliin. When the garlic undergoes physical mechanical crushing, garlic alliinase is activated and catalyzes the breakdown of alliin into allicin. Allicin is chemically extremely unstable and immediately decomposes into more stable compounds such as diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and diallyl trisulfide (DATS). DATS is one of several compounds produced by hydrolysis of allicin, including diallyl disulfide and diallyl tetrasulfide; DATS is one of the most potent.

Composition of Garlic Oil and Relative Abundance

The major volatiles identified from disrupted garlic and garlic essential oil are DAS, DADS, DATS, methyl allyl disulfide, methyl allyl trisulfide, vinyldithiins, and ajoenes. Garlic oil contains allyl propyl disulfide, allyl di- and trisulfide, and probably some allyl tetrasulfide, divinyl sulfide, allyl vinyl sulfoxide, allicin, and other minor components. Garlic oil is primarily composed of diallyldisulfide, methylallyltrisulfide, and diallyltrisulfide. Diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) are the main allyl sulfur compounds present in garlic.

Preparations and Commercial Forms

Diallyl trisulfide is an organosulfur constituent of garlic that is found in steam distilled garlic oil along with other sulfur compounds. In research and pharmaceutical contexts, DATS is encountered in several formulation types. DATS is not suitable for direct clinical use due to its low solubility; researchers have sought to improve DATS bioavailability through liposomal encapsulation, including PEG-coated Distearoylphosphatidylcholine/Cholesterol (DSPC/Chol) liposomal systems. Its hydrophobicity, short half-life, lack of target selectivity, and limited bioavailability at the tumor site limit its efficacy; overexpression of the folate receptor on the surface of certain cancer cells offers a target for receptor-mediated nanoparticle delivery, and lipid nanoparticles have been investigated to address bioavailability limitations. A commercially available intravenous formulation known as Chentian® exists in China and has served as a reference standard in pharmacokinetic studies. Researchers have also developed an oil-free microemulsion (Cremophor EL:ethanol–propylene glycol:saline) for intravenous delivery of DATS to modify its safety and pharmacokinetics.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Origins and Cross-Cultural History of Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been integral to human culture and medicine for over 5,000 years, serving as both a culinary staple and therapeutic agent across civilizations, from its origins in Central Asia to its global dissemination through trade and cultural exchange. Numerous cuneiform records show that garlic has been cultivated in Mesopotamia for at least 4,000 years. The use of garlic in China and Egypt also dates back thousands of years, with well-preserved garlic found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (c. 1325 BC).

Ancient cultures, including those of Egypt, Greece, China, Persia, Sumer, and India, recognized its antimicrobial, cardiovascular, and immune-enhancing properties, integrating garlic into diets, rituals, and medicinal practices. Ancient medical texts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India each prescribed medical applications for garlic. In many cultures, garlic was administered to provide strength and increase work capacity for laborers. Hippocrates, the revered physician, prescribed garlic for a variety of conditions.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian texts document the dual role of garlic as a food and sacred offering, consumed by pyramid builders to enhance strength and endurance, and used in rituals to symbolize protection and vitality. Interest in the potential benefits of garlic has origins in antiquity and is one of the earliest documented examples of plants employed for treatment of disease and maintenance of health. Garlic was in use at the beginning of recorded history and was found in Egyptian pyramids and ancient Greek temples.

Ancient Greece and Rome

Garlic was given to the original Olympic athletes in Greece, as perhaps one of the earliest "performance enhancing" agents. Hippocrates, widely regarded as the father of Medicine, made garlic a part of his therapeutic armamentarium, advocating its use for pulmonary complaints, as a cleansing or purgative agent, and for abdominal growths. Galen, writing in the second century, eulogized garlic as the "rustic's theriac" (cure-all).

China and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Allium sativum L. was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing. Garlic is widely used as a flavor and ingredient in everyday meals and as part of traditional Chinese medicine formulations. It is acknowledged as a plant with dual uses for culinary and medicinal purposes. Chinese medicine has historically been associated with the use of combinations of herbs to form a healing tonic, rather than the administration of single agents. Allium was evidently frequently used in combination therapy. Fatigue, headache, and insomnia were often treated with garlic. In China, garlic was utilized to treat stomach ailments and as a natural antibiotic.

India (Ayurveda)

By 2000 BCE, garlic appeared in Indian Ayurvedic treatises as a 'Rasayana' (rejuvenator), prescribed for digestive health and immunity. Garlic has been associated with the healing process in India from the time of the first available written records.

Distinction Between Garlic's Traditional Use and DATS Specifically

It is important to note that the historical medicinal use documented across these cultures refers to garlic as a whole food or crude preparation, and not to isolated DATS. Polysulfides have been used for medicinal purposes by humans for thousands of years, with some of their first uses seen throughout ancient cultures in the form of garlic. The isolation and characterization of individual organosulfur compounds such as DATS from garlic is a modern scientific achievement; the compound was not known as a discrete entity in traditional medicine systems. Specific preparation methods, such as fermentation and aging, contributed to the therapeutic versatility of garlic, as observed in black garlic traditions.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds in Context

The Organosulfur Compound Family

The primary chemical constituents of garlic encompass sulfur-containing compounds such as allyl methyl sulfide, S-allyl cysteine, and S-allyl mercaptocysteine, as well as amino acids, glycosides, and a variety of trace elements. Among them, DATS is a volatile oily substance described as the most active organic sulfide among the active ingredients in garlic. Garlic has over 100 bioactive compounds, including S-allylcysteine, saponins, ajoene, and flavonoids.

Research has shown that DATS is much more potent than either diallyl sulfide or diallyl disulfide in inhibiting proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. DATS is described as the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic.

4. Mechanisms of Action

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Donation

The most extensively characterized mechanism of DATS is its function as an endogenous hydrogen sulfide donor. DATS can be metabolized by glutathione in red blood cells to form hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This conversion occurs at a consistent rate over a prolonged period of time, rendering DATS a good source of H2S. DATS reacts rapidly with glutathione (GSH) to release H2S via thiol–disulfide exchange followed by allyl perthiol reduction by GSH, while DADS only releases a minute amount of H2S via a sluggish reaction with GSH through an α-carbon nucleophilic substitution pathway. In summary, DATS interacts with thiol groups or thiol-containing compounds from biological systems and increases the bioavailability of H2S, which plays a crucial role in providing beneficial effects on overall health.

The "renaissance" of polysulfides in redox biology is closely related to the growing appreciation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydropersulfides (RSSH) as important cellular regulating molecules. Polysulfides can serve as their precursors.

Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest

DATS has been shown to selectively kill cancerous cells in the prostate and breast, leaving healthy cells unharmed. This effect is attributed to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cancer cells, increased numbers of cells that arrest in the G2 phase of mitosis, and promotion of an increase in caspase-3 activity. These effects appear to contribute to the apoptosis of cancer cells and a decrease in cancer cell proliferation.

The DATS-induced G2 phase cell cycle arrest in human prostate cancer cells is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated degradation and Ser216 phosphorylation of Cdc25C, leading to inhibition of kinase activity of the Cdk1/cyclin B1 complex, whereas the mitotic block is linked to the activation of DNA damage checkpoint effector checkpoint kinase 1. The ROS generation by DATS correlates with the degradation of iron storage protein ferritin, leading to an increase in labile (chelatable) iron.

In pancreatic cancer Capan-2 cells, DATS induces apoptosis by down-regulating Bcl-2, Akt, and cyclin D1 protein levels, and up-regulating Bax, Fas, p53, and cyclin B protein levels.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

DATS has potential anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to decrease cytokines in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Additionally, diallyl trisulfide has been found to suppress oxidative injury and inhibit inflammatory responses such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This constituent also demonstrated the capacity of inhibiting LPS-prompted foot edema in rat models.

Antimetastatic Mechanisms

DATS inhibits the mRNA, protein, and enzyme activities of MMP2/9 via attenuating the NF-κB pathway. DATS also inhibited ERK/MAPK rather than p38 and JNK signaling. DATS acts as an HDAC inhibitor, inhibiting the synthesis of HIF-1α protein at the translational level and consequently reducing the expression of its downstream target genes involved in metastasis.

Antifibrotic and Hepatoprotective Mechanisms

DATS significantly elevated hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels within hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and iodoacetamide (IAM) reduced H2S levels and significantly abrogated DATS production of H2S within HSCs. IAM also abolished all the inhibitory effects of DATS on the profibrogenic properties and oxidative stress in HSCs. Altogether, an H2S-associated mechanism underlies DATS inhibition of profibrogenic properties and alleviation of oxidative stress in HSCs.

Cardiovascular Mechanisms via H2S

H2S decreases ischemia-reperfusion injury through effects such as a decrease in oxidative stress, maintenance of mitochondrial function, and increased eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) activation. eNOS is activated via phosphorylation by H2S through the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which increases the formation and bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). The beneficial effects of garlic on the cardiovascular system are primarily attributed to its sulfur compounds, which enhance the bioavailability of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Since the valuable effects of dietary garlic on CVD prevention and regression may be partially mediated by H2S, DATS, as the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic, is hypothesized to play a key role in improving cardiovascular health.

Antiplatelet Mechanisms

DATS potently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, U46619, and collagen, compared with its saturated analogue DPTS. The cellular mechanism involves the modification of sulfhydryl groups, as demonstrated by light transmission aggregometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measurement of reaction products. DATS inhibited platelet aggregation and Ca2+ mobilization in a concentration-dependent manner without increasing intracellular cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.

Epigenetic Effects

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a close relative of DATS, has been shown to inhibit HDAC activity and induce histone hyperacetylation at H3 and H4. DATS itself is defined as an HDAC inhibitor, inhibiting the synthesis of HIF-1α protein at the translational level and consequently reducing the expression of its downstream target genes involved in metastasis.

Antifungal Mechanisms

DATS suppressed the growth of Penicillium expansum (minimum fungicidal concentration [MFC99] value: ≤90 μg/ml) and promoted apoptosis via production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disintegration of cellular ultrastructure. DATS treatment induced chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and intracellular ROS elevation. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that DATS-treated cellular ultrastructure, including mitochondria, disappeared.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Oncology and Cancer Chemoprevention

Overview and Epidemiological Background

Health benefits of garlic, such as lipid lowering and anticancer effects, are credited to metabolic byproducts, including DATS. Evidence for anticancer effects of garlic derives from both population-based case-control studies, and clinical and laboratory investigations using purified garlic constituents such as DATS. Studies have shown that DATS can offer protection against chemically-induced neoplasia as well as oncogene-driven spontaneous cancer development in experimental rodents.

Epidemiological, population-based, and hospital-based case-control studies have demonstrated an association between high intake of certain Allium vegetables and a reduced risk in the development of breast cancer. Epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that consumption of garlic and its preparations could decrease tumor incidence and effectively inhibit tumorigenesis induced by a myriad of chemical carcinogens in a variety of tissues.

Evidence strength: Epidemiological associations are noted, but these refer to dietary garlic consumption rather than isolated DATS. The anticancer evidence for DATS itself remains primarily preclinical (cell culture and animal models). No randomized controlled trials in human populations using isolated DATS have been reported in peer-reviewed literature.

Prostate Cancer

DATS reduces the survival of prostate cancer PC-3 cells (IC50 = 22 μM) and suppresses the growth of PC-3 xenografts in vivo in mice. DATS is much more potent than either diallyl sulfide or diallyl disulfide in inhibiting proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. DATS-treated prostate cancer cells are arrested in both G2 phase and mitosis. DATS has been shown to target prostate cancer cells by induction of apoptosis, increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, degradation of ferritin protein, and increase in the labile iron pool.

Evidence strength: Preclinical only (in vitro and xenograft rodent models). No human clinical trial data are available for prostate cancer outcomes with isolated DATS.

Breast Cancer

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) are known to exhibit anticancer activity as they interfere with breast cancer cell proliferation, tumor metastasis, and angiogenesis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines MDA-MB-231 and HS 578t were among the most sensitive to DATS. Previous research has also shown that DATS induces apoptosis in the estrogen receptor positive cell line MCF-7. Treatment with DATS significantly inhibited AhR expression, which is implicated in the development and progression of breast cancer. DATS increased DNA POLβ protein expression, which indicates increased DNA repair, thus causing a chemopreventive effect. These results provide evidence for the chemopreventive effects of DATS in breast cancer prevention.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (in vitro cell line and normal breast epithelial cell studies). No clinical trial data using isolated DATS in human breast cancer patients have been published.

Pancreatic Cancer

Non-tumorigenic pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7) were significantly more resistant to DATS-mediated growth suppression and apoptosis induction compared with pancreatic cancer cells (Capan-2). DATS increased the expression of p53 and induced its translocation to the nucleus in Capan-2 cells. DATS also increased the expression of Bax as a downstream target of p53 and provided evidence for the involvement of Fas, cyclin B1, cyclin D, Akt, and Bcl-2 as critical mediators of DATS-induced apoptosis signaling.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (in vitro). No human data available.

Colorectal Cancer

DATS inhibits the growth of human colon adenocarcinoma HCT15 cells (IC50 = 11.5 μM). DATS showed the induction of a mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway by the upregulation of cytochrome C and caspase-3 and caspase-9 in human primary colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Liposomal DATS (DATSL) and doxorubicin-encapsulated liposomes (DOXL) exhibited significant sensitivity in cell proliferation experiments, lowering their IC50 doses by more than 8- and 14-fold, respectively. Analysis of histopathological, cancer marker enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes revealed that high dose DATSL pretreatment and DOXL chemotherapy were highly effective in inhibiting AOM-induced colon cancer promotion in mice.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (in vitro and rodent models). The liposomal formulation work represents a promising preclinical advance for enhancing bioavailability, but no human trials have been conducted.

Glioblastoma

Research aimed to validate the effect of DATS in human glioblastoma (GB) using relevant preclinical models. Ex vivo slice culture, in vivo cell line-derived orthotopic xenograft, and patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDX) animal models were utilized. Results showed that 72-hour treatments of 25 µM DATS induced cell death in ex vivo human GB slice culture.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (ex vivo and rodent xenograft models). No clinical evidence available.

5.2 Cardiovascular Health

As the various cardioprotective effects of H2S have been extensively studied, the role of DATS, described as one of the most potent naturally occurring H2S donors, in cardiovascular health is of increasing interest. Some researchers have focused on the beneficial cardiovascular properties of DATS. A review summarizes the cardioprotective effects of DATS and brings together findings on its protective molecular mechanisms, which are mainly based on the potent anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential of this polysulfide.

Reperfusion injury is a significant threat to myocardial function that arises with the reintroduction of blood flow to the heart following an ischemic episode. Reperfusion triggers an inflammatory response and often results in oxidative damage. H2S decreases injury through effects such as a decrease in oxidative stress, maintenance of mitochondrial function, and increased eNOS activation.

Diallyl trisulfide is a characteristic component of garlic with hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activity, and is active against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Garlic extracts also lower cholesterol, and there is evidence that DATS can alter the expression of genes and inhibit enzymes that are relevant to cholesterol synthesis.

Evidence strength: The mechanistic rationale for DATS's cardiovascular effects (H2S-mediated vasodilation, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory action) is supported by substantial in vitro and animal data. However, no randomized controlled clinical trials specifically investigating isolated DATS in human cardiovascular outcomes have been published. The cardioprotective evidence remains at the preclinical and mechanistic level, with the 2024 review noting it is "an important cornerstone for further basic and clinical research."

5.3 Liver (Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatoprotection)

Accumulating data reveal that garlic has beneficial effects against chronic liver disease. DATS, described as the primary organosulfur compound in garlic, reduced fibrosis and attenuated oxidative stress in rat fibrotic liver. DATS reduced carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused liver injury and fibrogenesis in rats, which was associated with inhibition of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and attenuation of hepatic oxidative stress. DATS arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M checkpoint, induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, and reduced migration in HSCs.

Hepatic fibrosis is an important early stage in the evolution of liver cirrhosis, and specific medicines and therapeutic measures are unavailable to date. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main cells involved in the formation of hepatic fibrosis, and induction of the apoptosis of HSCs is an important strategy for treatment. In a cell culture study, different concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 μM) of DATS were used to treat HSCs, demonstrating dose-dependent apoptotic effects.

Evidence strength: Animal (rodent) and in vitro studies only. No human clinical trials investigating DATS as an antifibrotic agent in liver disease have been reported.

5.4 Antimicrobial and Antifungal Activity

Garlic has long been known to have antifungal properties. DATS suppressed the growth of Penicillium expansum (minimum fungicidal concentration [MFC99] value: ≤90 μg/ml) and promoted apoptosis via production of reactive oxygen species and disintegration of cellular ultrastructure. DATS has been used to study its antimicrobial effects against Campylobacter jejuni.

Evidence strength: In vitro microbiological and cell culture data only. No controlled human trials of DATS as an antimicrobial or antifungal agent have been published.

5.5 Neuroprotection

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used antitumor drug that causes severe neurotoxicity in patients. DATS is an organosulfur compound with established potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a rat model investigating the neuroprotective efficacy of DATS in preventing DOX-induced neurotoxicity, DATS (40 mg/kg) was administered to rats once a week for 8 weeks after DOX treatment. DATS treatment led to a decrease in plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced by DOX and restored cerebral cortex and hippocampus histopathological architecture and neuronal loss.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (rodent model). This represents a single animal study. No human clinical data on neuroprotection by DATS are available.

5.6 Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Effects

DATS is reported to have antithrombotic, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet activities, as well as antioxidant, anti-infective, and other pharmacological effects. Compared with its saturated analogue DPTS, DATS potently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, U46619, and collagen.

Evidence strength: These findings are from in vitro (washed murine platelet) experiments. The antiplatelet mechanism has been characterized at the cellular level but has not been confirmed in human clinical trials specifically using isolated DATS.

5.7 Metabolic Effects (Lipid and Glucose)

DATS may improve glycemic control, muscle glucose utilization, and insulin secretion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. There is evidence that DATS can alter the expression of genes and inhibit enzymes that are relevant to cholesterol synthesis.

Evidence strength: Animal model data only for metabolic effects. No human clinical trial evidence specifically for isolated DATS on glycemia or lipid parameters has been identified in the peer-reviewed literature.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas

Based on the reviewed peer-reviewed literature, DATS has been studied in relation to the following body systems:

  • Oncological/Cellular: DATS is described as a potent anti-cancer and chemopreventive agent that regulates apoptosis, metastasis, cell cycle, and angiogenesis in cancer pathways.
  • Cardiovascular: The cardioprotective effects of DATS are primarily based on its potent anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential.
  • Hepatic: Modulation of H2S production by DATS may represent a therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.
  • Immune/Inflammatory: Studies reveal that the mechanism of action for DATS-mediated inhibition in induced oxidative injuries and formation of pro-inflammatory responses (IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6) is ascribed to inhibition of NF-κB.
  • Neurological: DATS is noted as a neuroprotective agent, eliciting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities against doxorubicin-induced brain injury in rats.
  • Hematological/Vascular: DATS inhibits platelet aggregation and supports vasodilation via H2S-mediated eNOS activation.
  • Metabolic: Preclinical evidence points to effects on lipid and glucose metabolism.
  • Antimicrobial/Antifungal: In vitro activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens has been demonstrated.

7. Dosage Forms and Doses Reported in Studies

No universally accepted human clinical dose has been established for isolated DATS, as no large-scale human clinical trials have been completed. The following dosages are drawn directly from published experimental studies:

  • Neuroprotection (rat model): DATS at 40 mg/kg was administered to rats once a week for 8 weeks after doxorubicin treatment.
  • Nifedipine pharmacokinetic interaction study (rat model): DATS was given at 20 mg/kg by oral gavage and as a long-term pretreatment of 20 mg/kg/day for 15 consecutive days to assess effects on nifedipine pharmacokinetics.
  • In vitro hepatic stellate cell study: Different concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 μM) of DATS were used to treat HSCs to evaluate antifibrotic effects.
  • In vitro glioblastoma study: 72-hour treatments of 25 µM DATS induced cell death in ex vivo human GB slice culture.
  • Prostate cancer cell IC50: DATS reduces the survival of prostate cancer PC-3 cells at an IC50 of 22 μM.
  • Colon cancer cell IC50: DATS inhibits the growth of human colon adenocarcinoma HCT15 cells at an IC50 of 11.5 μM.
  • Antifungal (MFC value): DATS suppressed the growth of Penicillium expansum at a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC99) value of ≤90 μg/ml.

Formulation Considerations Affecting Dose

DATS has been widely investigated in cancer models but is not suitable for direct clinical use due to its low solubility. As a plant-derived chemical, DATS is poorly water soluble, off-target, has a low bioavailability, a short biological half-life, and poor stability. In liposomal formulation studies, approximately 93% entrapment efficiency of DATS was achieved. The size of sham liposomes was 110.5 nm, whereas DATS liposomes (DATSL) were 135.5 nm. These formulation advances are intended to address the bioavailability limitations of native DATS but remain at the preclinical stage.

8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

Acute and Subacute Toxicity

In an acute toxicity study in mice, the LD50 value of DATS was found to be 188.67 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity assessments, water consumption and food intake were reduced in both male and female mice. The mechanism of DATS toxicity may be related to significant inhibition of ZBP1, upregulation of TEC, and promotion of apoptosis.

A microemulsion formulation for intravenous delivery of DATS had a droplet size of approximately 26 nm in diameter. Acute toxicity testing showed that the LD50 of the DATS microemulsion was 1.69-fold higher than that of the commercial formulation Chentian®, suggesting improved safety with the novel formulation.

Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Risk

Data suggest that DATS inhibits platelet aggregation through the reaction of sulfhydryl groups. In animal, in vitro, and clinical studies, it has been shown that garlic can interact with various drugs through pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic mechanisms. It has also been shown that garlic can affect thrombocyte function and blood clotting. This established antiplatelet activity of garlic's organosulfur compounds, including DATS, is relevant for individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel.

Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Interactions

Garlic extract has been shown to inhibit the metabolic activity of CYP2C9*1, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7, but not CYP2D6. This inhibition of major drug-metabolizing enzymes is relevant because it indicates a potential for pharmacokinetic interactions with drugs that are substrates of these enzymes.

Interaction with Nifedipine

Higher Cmax and AUC were observed for oral nifedipine after short-term and long-term pretreatment of DATS (20 mg/kg) in rats. The oral bioavailability of nifedipine was remarkably enhanced via concomitant use of DATS. DATS increased the oral exposure of nifedipine in rats, likely by modification of intestinal metabolism of nifedipine. Patients suffering from cardiovascular disease should take caution in combined use of DATS or DATS-rich garlic supplements with nifedipine because long-term treatment with DATS could lead to high plasma concentrations of nifedipine.

Overall Safety Context

Although DATS has antithrombotic, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antioxidant, and anti-infective pharmacological effects, the safe dose and the underlying mechanisms of its toxic effects in humans remain elusive. The available safety data are primarily derived from animal models, and no systematic human safety studies for isolated DATS as a supplement have been identified in the peer-reviewed literature to date. Recent studies have demonstrated progress in healthcare, food industry, and nanoformulation research. However, research on DATS is currently limited, hindering a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of its possibilities for future development.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that DATS (diallyl trisulfide) may help support.

  • Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), an organosulfur compound from garlic (Allium sativum), is identified in peer-reviewed reviews as having ALS activity. It crosses the blood-brain barrier, activates heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), downregulates glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, and protects motor neurons from TDP-43-induced neurotoxicity via lysosomal degradation and antioxidant responses.

  • Arterial HealthScientific

    Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is a garlic organosulfur compound with documented anti-atherosclerotic, antithrombotic, and endothelial-protective properties. It is more potent than DADS in some biological assays and generates H2S in vascular tissue—a gasotransmitter with vasodilatory and cytoprotective effects on the arterial endothelium.

  • Healthy AgingScientific

    Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is the most potent H2S-generating organosulfur compound in garlic with documented cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects relevant to aging. DATS generates H2S in heart and neural tissues, activating Nrf2, reducing oxidative damage, and exhibiting senolytic-like properties against aged cells.

  • Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a potent organosulfur compound from garlic, shows in vitro antiparasitic activity against Giardia, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma, often more potent than allicin or DADS, through reactive sulfur species generation and cell membrane disruption.

  • A potent organosulfur compound from garlic, DATS has stronger antimicrobial and immunostimulatory activity than DADS. It contributes to garlic preparations' documented effects on respiratory illness recovery and immune restoration, with additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Body Systems

Body systems that DATS (diallyl trisulfide) may help support.

  • No body systems available.
Join our newsletter

Stay informed. Stay healthy.

Get expert supplement tips, exclusive discounts, and product recommendations delivered to your inbox

DATS (diallyl trisulfide) | Vitabase