Anethole trithione is a dithiolthione with diverse biological activities.1,2,3,4 It selectively binds to α-adrenergic receptors (α-ARs) over β-ARs and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in isolated rat parotid acini (IC50s = 16.7, >100, and >100 ?M, respectively).1 Anethole trithione enhances saliva secretion induced by the mAChR agonist pilocarpine or electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve in rats.2 It reduces tumor incidence and multiplicity in a rat model of azoxymethane-induced colon adenocarcinoma when administered in the diet at 100 and 200 ppm.3 Anethole trithione (500 mg/kg) prevents decreases in hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels and decreases mortality in mouse models of hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen or carbon tetrachloride.4 Formulations containing anethole trithione have been used in the treatment of dry mouth.
1.Glenert, U.Acute effects of a possible sialogogue, anethole trithione, in rat parotid glandsEur. J. Pharmacol.209(4)287-295(1991) 2.Ukai, Y., Taniguchi, N., Takeshita, K., et al.Chronic anethole trithione treatment enhances the salivary secretion and increases the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the rat submaxillary glandArch. Int. Pharmacodyn. Ther.271(2)206-212(1984) 3.Reddy, B.S., Rao, C.V., Rivenson, A., et al.Chemoprevention of colon carcinogenesis by organosulfur compoundsCancer Res.53(15)3493-3498(1993) 4.Ansher, S.S., Dolan, P., and Bueding, E.Chemoprotective effects of two dithiolthiones and of butylhydroxyanisole against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen toxicityHepatology3(6)932-935(1983)