Isothiocyanate from Broccoli, Sulforaphane, and Its Properties.
AI Summary
This review examines sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate compound found in cruciferous vegetables, with the highest concentrations occurring in broccoli sprouts. The study explains that sulforaphane exists in stored form as glucoraphanin and requires the plant enzyme myrosinase for conversion to its active form. Once consumed, sulforaphane undergoes metabolism through the mercapturic acid pathway, involving conjugation with glutathione and further biotransformation into various metabolites. The researchers highlight that sulforaphane has garnered significant medical interest due to its potential health benefits. The review suggests that sulforaphane may offer protection against various types of cancer and could potentially decrease cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, the compound shows promise in addressing autism and osteoporosis. The authors note that their findings are based on various research approaches including in vitro studies, in vivo animal models, and clinical studies in humans, providing a comprehensive overview of sulforaphane's therapeutic potential.
Key Findings
- Sulforaphane is found at high levels in broccoli, especially in broccoli sprouts, stored as glucoraphanin
- The compound requires the plant enzyme myrosinase for conversion from glucoraphanin to active sulforaphane
- Research suggests sulforaphane may protect against various types of cancer
- The compound may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Sulforaphane shows potential benefits for autism and osteoporosis
Abstract
Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate occurring in stored form as glucoraphanin in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, and at high levels in broccoli especially in broccoli sprouts. Glucoraphanin requires the plant enzyme myrosinase for converting it into sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is metabolized through mercapturic acid pathway, being conjugated with glutathione and undergoes further biotransformation, yielding metabolites. Sulforaphane is extensively investigated and is in the interest in medicine for its health benefits. It has been shown that sulforaphane may protect against various types of cancer, may also decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, and help in autism and osteoporosis. Our review offers a short summary of interesting properties of sulforaphane. Both the in vitro and in vivo methods/models and clinical studies are mentioned.
Authors
Alena Vanduchova, Pavel Anzenbacher, Eva Anzenbacherova