S-Methyl-L-cysteine

White powder. Soluble in 0.1 N NaOH (1% w/v) or water (50 mg/mL). Optical Rotation: [a]23 D -29 (c=.1, H2O). S-Methyl-L-cysteine (SMLC) is a substrate in the catalytic antioxidant system mediated by methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA). SMLC is naturally present in garlic, cabbage, and turnips and has been studied as a theurapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson?s. When used as a dietary supplement in the Drosphilia model of PD, SMLC increases the efficacy of the MRSA catalytic antioxidant system by providing additional substrate available leading to increased resistance to oxidative stress.