Sulforaphane in broccoli: The green chemoprevention!! Role in cancer prevention and therapy
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D B Nandini1, Roopa S Rao2, B S Deepak3
1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dental College, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Abstract:
Isothicyanates present in cruciferous vegetables are known to exhibit chemoprevention by various mechanisms. Presently, there is growing evidence that a phytochemical compound known as sulforaphane in these green leafy vegetables is found to be effective in preventing and treating various cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin, urinary bladder and oral cancers. This component is naturally present in the broccoli sprouts, kale, cabbage, cauliflower and garden cress and is available as a commercial supplementary pill called Broccoli extract. Availability of many bioactive substances such as vitamins, polyphenols, sulfides, glucosinolates and antioxidants makes broccoli consumption important in daily diet regularly. Researchers have named it as "Green chemoprevention." It is easily affordable and more cost-effective than the traditional chemopreventive drugs. Results from the epidemiological and experimental studies have emphasized the role of sulforophane as a complementary or alternative chemopreventive agent.
Insights
Sulforaphane, a compound in cruciferous vegetables, shows promise for cancer chemoprevention. This natural phytochemical offers a cost-effective approach to preventing and treating various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cruciferous vegetables contain isothiocyanates with known chemopreventive properties.
- Sulforaphane is a key phytochemical in these vegetables, with emerging evidence for its anti-cancer effects.
- Broccoli sprouts, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and garden cress are rich sources of sulforaphane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemopreventive potential of sulforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables.
- To highlight sulforaphane's efficacy in preventing and treating various cancers.
- To discuss sulforaphane as a cost-effective "Green chemoprevention" agent.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on cruciferous vegetable consumption and cancer rates.
- Analysis of experimental studies investigating sulforaphane's biological mechanisms.
- Evaluation of sulforaphane's availability as a dietary component and supplement.
Main Results:
- Sulforaphane demonstrates effectiveness in preventing and treating prostate, breast, colon, skin, urinary bladder, and oral cancers.
- Broccoli extract is a commercial source of sulforaphane.
- Sulforaphane is recognized as "Green chemoprevention" due to its affordability and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Sulforaphane is a significant chemopreventive agent found naturally in cruciferous vegetables.
- Epidemiological and experimental data support sulforaphane's role in cancer prevention and treatment.
- Sulforaphane presents a viable complementary or alternative chemopreventive strategy.
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