Isothiocyanates are the volatile phytochemicals responsible for the characteristic pungent aroma and bitter taste of the cruciferous vegetables and oils e.g. mustard, broccoli, radish, cabbage and cauliflower.
Glucosinolates, precursors of allyl isothiocyanates, can be found in all the parts of a plant viz. roots, seeds, leaf, or the stem. The youngest tissues possess the maximum amount of glucosinolates.
Allyl isothiocyanates possess several biological activities:
Bactericidal
Fungicidal and fungistatic
Anti-cancerous
Neuroprotective
Anti-inflammatory
Cardio-protective
Due to strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, allyl isothiocyanates are used to treat acne and hair fall.
Being food derived compounds, allyl isothiocyanates are generally regarded as safe to be in contact with food and dairy products. These properties justify the potential to be used as a good natural alternative for chemical antimicrobial agents in food packaging.
