Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Thiosulfinate, a sulfur-containing compound primarily found in garlic (Allium sativum), is best known for its antimicrobial properties, particularly the variant allicin. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that thiosulfinates, especially allicin, exhibit significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes, including Trichophyton species commonly responsible for Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis). For example, research published in journals such as Mycoses and Phytotherapy Research has shown that allicin inhibits the growth of fungal pathogens at concentrations achievable in topical preparations.

Small clinical studies and case reports suggest that topical garlic extracts containing thiosulfinates may reduce symptoms of tinea pedis. For instance, one randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in Mycoses (2000) found that a 1% ajoene (a related garlic-derived compound) cream was as effective as 1% terbinafine (a standard antifungal) in treating tinea pedis. Although ajoene is not a thiosulfinate, the evidence for allicin and related thiosulfinates is similar but less robust, mainly limited to laboratory and small pilot studies rather than large-scale clinical trials.

Overall, the scientific evidence for thiosulfinates in treating Athlete's Foot is promising but not definitive. The mechanism is biologically plausible, and there is laboratory and limited clinical support, but more high-quality human studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy and safety compared to standard antifungal agents.

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