Diallyl Trisulfide — DATS (Garlic Polysulfide · H2S Generation · Cardioprotective)
| Compound | Diallyl Trisulfide (DATS) |
| Chemical class | Organosulfur — Polysulfide (Diallyl trisulfide) |
| CAS | 2050-87-5 |
| Primary source | Allium sativum (garlic oil) — second-most abundant volatile in garlic essential oil |
| Key applications | H2S generation, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, anticancer, vasodilatory |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Garlic oil (DATS 20–30%); garlic oil softgels; DATS isolate |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Name origin: Di- (two) + allyl + trisulfide (three sulfur atoms: —S—S—S—). DATS is the trisulfide homologue of DADS — with three sulfur atoms in the polysulfide chain rather than two. This additional sulfur atom makes DATS significantly more reactive: higher H2S yield per molecule and greater potency for antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and H2S-mediated vasodilatory effects. Traditional use: Same as DADS — garlic oil preparations containing DATS are the basis for garlic’s traditional cardiovascular, antimicrobial, and anticancer applications. The specific pharmacological differentiation of DATS from DADS is a product of modern analytical chemistry. Research trajectory: DATS has attracted dedicated research attention as the most bioactive of the diallyl polysulfide series for: H2S-mediated cardioprotection and vasodilation, anticancer activity (more potent than DADS in comparative studies), neuroprotective effects, and antimicrobial efficacy. It is considered the primary driver of garlic oil’s cardiovascular and anticancer pharmacological profile. Commercial source: Garlic Extract Powder and Garlic Oil Soluble Extract from Herbuno deliver DATS as a constituent of the organosulfur profile. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for DATS Applications
H2S generation — cardioprotective and vasodilatory: DATS is one of the most efficient natural H2S-generating compounds known. In the presence of glutathione (GSH), DATS generates H2S via a thiol-disulfide exchange cascade. H2S functions as a gasotransmitter: stimulates potassium channel opening in vascular smooth muscle (vasodilation), reduces blood pressure, protects against ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and has anti-atherosclerotic effects. The H2S-generating mechanism positions DATS as the primary cardiovascular-active organosulfur in garlic oil. Claim strength: Moderate (mechanism well-characterised; human data primarily for garlic oil preparations).
Antimicrobial — MRSA and antibiotic-resistant bacteria: DATS demonstrates potent activity against MRSA (MIC 0.02–0.1 mg/mL) and other antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Synergy with conventional antibiotics (reducing their required concentrations) is documented. The greater polysulfide reactivity of DATS versus DADS gives it superior antimicrobial potency in comparative studies. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antiproliferative — most potent garlic polysulfide: In comparative studies across cancer cell lines, DATS consistently shows greater antiproliferative activity than DADS or DAS at equivalent concentrations. Mechanisms include: G2/M cell cycle arrest, Cdc2 inhibition, cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and MAPK pathway modulation. Particularly well-studied in prostate, colon, and breast cancer cell lines. Claim strength: Moderate (preclinical convergent).
Neuroprotective: DATS reduces neuroinflammation (NF-κB, TNF-α), protects against ischaemia-induced neuronal death, and activates Nrf2 in neural tissue. H2S generated by DATS has established neuroprotective mechanisms (reduces glutamate excitotoxicity, promotes antioxidant defence). Claim strength: Moderate (animal data).
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
No isolated DATS human supplement dose established. Garlic oil preparations: 90–180 mg/day garlic oil (delivering approximately 18–54 mg DATS at 20–30% DATS content). For DATS-enriched formulations, request GC analysis of garlic oil with individual polysulfide quantification (DAS, DADS, DATS) on CoA. DATS content in garlic oil varies with preparation method — steam distillation produces higher DATS content relative to solvent extraction. Cold-extracted garlic oil (oil macerate) has a different polysulfide profile with more DAS and less DATS than steam-distilled oil. For maximum DATS content, specify steam-distilled garlic essential oil standardised to polysulfide profile by GC.
Frequently Asked Questions — DATS
How does DATS generate H2S in the body?
DATS reacts with glutathione (GSH) — the most abundant cellular thiol — via a thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. The terminal sulfur of the DATS trisulfide chain is transferred to glutathione, forming glutathione persulfide (GSSH), which releases H2S by reaction with a second GSH molecule. The additional sulfur atom in DATS (versus DADS) makes this reaction more favourable thermodynamically, explaining DATS’s approximately 3× greater H2S yield per molecule compared to DADS. This H2S generation occurs intracellularly wherever GSH is present — particularly in vascular smooth muscle, cardiac myocytes, and neurons, the primary target tissues for cardioprotective and neuroprotective H2S effects.
Is DATS more effective than DADS for cardiovascular applications?
Yes — in comparative studies, DATS is more effective than DADS for cardiovascular applications due to its greater H2S yield and higher reactivity with thiol-containing enzymes. However, garlic oil naturally contains both DADS and DATS (plus DAS) in a matrix where their combined activity may be synergistic. For cardiovascular supplement positioning, whole garlic oil (standardised to total organosulfur content including DATS) is more practically appropriate than isolated DATS, given the synergistic polysulfide matrix.
Can DATS potentiate the effects of nitroglycerin?
Both DATS (via H2S) and nitroglycerin (via nitric oxide, NO) produce vasodilation through complementary mechanisms: H2S and NO synergistically activate soluble guanylyl cyclase and potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle, producing vasodilation greater than either alone. This interaction is pharmacologically well-characterised. For patients on nitrate medications (nitroglycerin, isosorbide), high-dose garlic oil supplementation (significant DATS intake) should be used with caution due to potential additive hypotensive effects.
What is the shelf stability of DATS in garlic oil formulations?
DATS is more stable than allicin but still susceptible to oxidative degradation in garlic oil over time. Properly stored garlic oil softgels (nitrogen-flushed, amber packaging, refrigerated or below 20°C) retain DATS content for 18–24 months. Bulk garlic oil stored in air-exposed containers loses DATS over weeks. For finished formulations, specify DATS content at release and expiry (end of shelf life) to ensure therapeutic content throughout the product’s use period.
Related compounds: Diallyl Disulfide, Allicin, Ajoene, S-Allylcysteine
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
← HerbIQ Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery