A review of sulfur-containing compounds of natural origin with insights into their Pharmacological and toxicological impacts

Sulfur-containing compounds from natural sources exhibit diverse chemical structures and possess a broad spectrum of biological activities. The structural diversity of these compounds is attributed to their biosynthetic origins, including organosulfur compounds from Allium species, glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables, and other sulfur metabolites from microbial and marine sources. This review aimed to evaluate the pharmacological and toxicological implications of naturally occurring sulfur compounds. Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scribbr, and Scopus were used to search the literature for this review. Several sulfur compounds, such as allicin, sulforaphane, and S-allyl cysteine, and several others have demonstrated efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress-related disorders, exhibiting antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. They have also shown cardioprotective properties and protection against neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic syndromes. The toxicological profile of sulfur compounds varies depending on dosage, bioavailability, and metabolic pathways. While many of these compounds are considered safe at physiological concentrations, excessive consumption may result in adverse effects, including cytotoxicity and gastrointestinal disturbances. Understanding the pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of sulfur compounds is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic applications and mitigating potential risks. A good amount of these sulfur-containing metabolites exhibit antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, making them promising candidates for antibiotic development. Additionally, the anticancer properties of these compounds stem from their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, and modulate key signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. This review underscores the necessity for further research into the mechanistic actions, therapeutic potential, and safety evaluations of sulfur-containing compounds from natural sources.