Organosulfur Compounds in Garlic for Gastric Cancer Treatment: Anticancer Effects, Overcoming Drug Resistance, and Mechanisms

Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been consumed globally as a functional food and traditional medicine for various ailments. Its active organosulfur compounds (OSCs) have demonstrated significant anticancer properties, particularly against gastric cancer. However, a comprehensive review of these effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms, including their role in overcoming drug resistance, is currently lacking. This review systematically examines both preclinical and clinical studies on the anticancer effects of garlic and its organosulfur compounds against gastric cancer, with a focus on patents. Emphasis is placed on explaining the mechanisms of action, exploring how these compounds can overcome drug resistance, and highlighting relevant patents that have been granted in this field. The literature search included databases, like PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and patent databases, including articles and patents published up to October 2024. Preclinical studies demonstrate that garlic-derived organosulfur compounds possess anticancer activities against gastric cancer. They work through multiple mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer stem cell properties, suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and modulating key signaling pathways, like PI3K/Akt and NF-κB. These compounds also show potential in overcoming drug resistance by downregulating multidrug resistance proteins and enhancing the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs. Clinical studies suggest that regular garlic consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer and improve outcomes in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This review highlights the significant potential of garlic’s organosulfur compounds as complementary agents in gastric cancer prevention and treatment and emphasizes the relevance of existing patents and the need for further clinical trials to confirm these effects and develop effective therapeutic strategies.