In-vitro antimicrobial activity of four diallyl sulphides occurring naturally in garlic and Chinese leek oils

The in-vitro antimicrobial activity of garlic oil, Chinese leek oil and fou r diallyl sulphides occurring naturally in these oils against Staphylococcu s aureus, methicillin-resistant S, aureus (MRSA), three Candida spp, and th ree Aspergillus spp, (total of 276 clinical isolates) was studied. The magn itude of activity of the four diallyl sulphides followed the order diallyl tetrasulphide > diallyl trisulphide > diallyl disulphide > diallyl monosulp hide, These results suggest that disulphide bonds are an important factor i n determining the antimicrobial capabilities of these sulphides, The concen tration of four diallyl sulphides in garlic and Chinese leek oils was in th e range 41.7-52.7% of total sulphides, Garlic oil, with a higher concentrat ion of four diallyl sulphides, showed greater antimicrobial activity than C hinese leek oil. Diallyl disulphide, diallyl trisulphide, diallyl tetrasulp hide and the oils rich in these sulphides may have a role in the prevention or treatment of infections.