It is found as a mixture of up to four stereoisomers, which differ in terms of the stereochemistry of the central alkene (E- vs Z-) and the chirality of the sulfoxide sulfur (R- vs S-).

[1][6][7][8][9] When a garlic clove is crushed or finely chopped, allicin is released, with subsequent formation of ajoene when the material is dissolved in various solvents including edible oils.

Ajoene has shown potential virucidal properties against a number of viruses including vesicular stomatitis, vaccinia, human rhinovirus parainfluenza, and herpes simplex.

In the infected cell system of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is shown to block the integrin-dependent processes.

[13][15] The specific mechanism of action is unclear, but is thought to be related to the inhibition of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in human dermatophytes.

[15] In a randomized study by Ledezma et al. (2000), 70 soldiers from the Venezuelan Armed Forces with KOH or culture proven tinea pedis interdigitalis were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups: 0.6% ajoene, 1% ajoene, and 1% terbinafine (commercially available as Lamisil AT®) applied twice daily for 1 week.