Apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells induced by S-alkenylmercaptocysteine (CySSR) species derived from Allium tissues in combination with sodium selenite

S-Allylmercaptocysteine (CySSA) from garlic is known to exhibit anti-cancer effects. Apoptosis induction by CySSA was contrasted with S-1-propenylmercaptocysteine (CySSPe) (the major onion analog) in the presence of Na2SeO3 (Se) in breast cancer cells MCF-7. The dose of CySSA or CySSPe alone required to reduce viable cells by 50% was >400 μM, and this was reduced to 62 μM and 91 μM for CySSA + Se and CySSPe + Se, respectively, at molar ratios of...