Pharmacological effects of S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)

This review pays attention to literature concerning the recent pleiotropic pharmacological effects of a smethylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC), commonly referred to as vitamin U. This article highlights the important pharmacological protective effects of MMSC for various organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, skin, eyes and brain. It aims to reference numerous studies conducted in recent years that have utilized this substance. Despite the small amount of articles and research studies, the notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this substance, along with its extensive range of target organs and tissues and its low toxicity, position it as a promising candidate for the development of novel medicines. This underscores the necessity for further investigation into the effects of MMSC. The most promising outcomes warranting additional investigation are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, photoprotective and wound healing effects. The existing body of research is insufficient and necessitates further exploration of alternative disease models, as well as a more comprehensive examination of the characteristics of this substance in vitro and in vivo. It is essential to explore the effectiveness of MMSC in new dosage form with different doses and via alternative administration methods, alongside the conventional external application and oral administration utilized in preclinical research.