What is S-Allyl-L-Cysteine (SAC)?

S-Allyl-L-Cysteine (SAC) is a water-soluble, sulfur-containing amino acid found in aged garlic extract. It is studied for antioxidant and potential cardiometabolic and neuroprotective effects.

What are the main benefits of S-Allyl-L-Cysteine?

SAC is best known for antioxidant activity and potential support for cardiovascular health. It is also studied for possible neuroprotective effects and support of glucose metabolism, though human evidence varies by outcome.

What is a typical dosage range for S-Allyl-L-Cysteine?

Common supplemental amounts are often in the range of 200–600 mg per day. Product formulations vary, so follow the label and consider medical guidance if you have health conditions.

Is S-Allyl-L-Cysteine the same as aged garlic extract?

No. SAC is one bioactive compound within aged garlic extract, while aged garlic extract contains multiple sulfur compounds and other constituents.

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S-Allyl-L-Cysteine

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

A bioactive amino acid from aged garlic extract with antioxidant, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective benefits.

Cardiovascular Support Antioxidant Glucose Metabolism Neuroprotective Cholesterol Management

dose range

200–600 mg

1–2 doses with meals

Consumption

Take with meals, preferably as part of standardized aged garlic extract providing 0.6–1.2 mg SAC.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Divide between first and second meals if using higher dose.

Description

S-Allyl-L-Cysteine (SAC) is a water-soluble, sulfur-containing amino acid derived from aged garlic extract. Recognized for its antioxidant and health-promoting properties, SAC has been studied for cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological benefits.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Most human data are from studies of aged garlic extract, with SAC identified as a key active component; animal and cell studies show strong mechanistic support.

Supports cardiovascular health

Moderate

Supplementation with SAC may lower cholesterol, improve endothelial function, and modestly reduce blood pressure, especially in the context of aged garlic extract.

Particularly relevant for: adults with cardiovascular risk · general adult population

1 · PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function 4 · Examine.com: Aged Garlic Extract Profile 5 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Garlic Fact Sheet

Antioxidant activity

Moderate

SAC acts as a potent antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress parameters in both preclinical and clinical models.

Particularly relevant for: general adult population

1 · PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function 2 · NCBI Review: SAC Neuroprotection 4 · Examine.com: Aged Garlic Extract Profile

Neuroprotective effects

Limited

SAC may help protect neurons and brain tissue from oxidative stress and inflammation, with possible benefits in neurodegenerative conditions.

Particularly relevant for: older adults · those at risk for neurodegenerative disorders

2 · NCBI Review: SAC Neuroprotection

Supports glucose metabolism

Limited

Animal data suggest SAC may help improve insulin sensitivity and support glucose homeostasis; human evidence is limited and indirect.

Particularly relevant for: individuals concerned with metabolic health

3 · PubMed: Anti-Diabetic Effects of SAC

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally safe at recommended doses; the main risk relates to increased bleeding potential in certain populations.

warning notices

Mild gastrointestinal symptoms can occur but are uncommon.
Increased bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Lack of long-term data at high supplemental doses.
Avoid use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs due to increased bleeding risk.
Use only under medical supervision before surgery or if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Monitor for bleeding or bruising if combined with blood-thinning medications.

Known interactions with medications

anticoagulant drugs
antiplatelet drugs

Contraindications / special precautions

active bleeding disorder
planned surgery
pregnancy or breastfeeding (precaution)

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

SAC has potential interactions due to its mild antiplatelet activity.

Increased bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

drug · anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs

CautionModerate

Why

SAC may inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance effects of blood-thinning drugs.

recommendation

Avoid combination unless medically supervised; monitor closely if use is necessary.

1 · PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function 4 · Examine.com: Aged Garlic Extract Profile 5 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Garlic Fact Sheet

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Antioxidant/free-radical scavenging

SAC donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species, reducing cellular oxidative stress.

1 · PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function 2 · NCBI Review: SAC Neuroprotection

Cholesterol and lipid modulation

SAC may inhibit cholesterol synthesis enzymes, improving lipid profiles in animal studies.

1 · PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function

Antiplatelet activity

SAC reduces platelet aggregation, contributing to blood-thinning effects.

1 · PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function 4 · Examine.com: Aged Garlic Extract Profile

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

5 sources

PubMed Review on SAC and Cardiovascular Function

Comprehensive overview of cardiovascular, antioxidant, and safety data.

NCBI Review: SAC Neuroprotection

Evidence for neuroprotective effects of SAC from aged garlic extract.

PubMed: Anti-Diabetic Effects of SAC

Details on metabolic effects, glucose control, and animal models.

Examine.com: Aged Garlic Extract Profile

Summary of human clinical trials, dosage, and safety.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Garlic Fact Sheet

Regulatory and safety information for garlic and its derivatives.

Last updated: January 31, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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S-Allyl-L-Cysteine

Description

benefits

Supports cardiovascular health

Antioxidant activity

Neuroprotective effects

Supports glucose metabolism

Safety & Information

interactions

Increased bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

mechanisms of action

Antioxidant/free-radical scavenging

Cholesterol and lipid modulation

Antiplatelet activity

Sources & References

Botanicals & Natural Substances

Other categories

Safety & Information

interactions

Increased bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

mechanisms of action

Antioxidant/free-radical scavenging

Cholesterol and lipid modulation

Antiplatelet activity

Sources & References