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Sulforaphane as a potential remedy against cancer: Comprehensive mechanistic review
Iahtisham-Ul-Haq1, Sipper Khan2, Kanza Aziz Awan3
1School of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Sulforaphane belongs to the active class of isothiocyanates capable of delivering various biological benefits for health promotion and disease prevention. This compound is considered vital to curtail numerous metabolic disorders. Various studies have proven its beneficial effects against cancer prevention and its possible utilization as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanistic pathways and possible interactions at cellular and subcellular levels is key to design and develop cancer therapeutics for humans. In this respect, a number of mechanisms such as modulation of carcinogen metabolism & phase II enzymatic activities, cell cycle arrest, activation of Nrf2, cytotoxic, proapoptotic and apoptotic pathways have been reported to be involved in cancer prevention. This article provides sufficient information by critical analysis to understand the mechanisms involved in cancer prevention attributed to sulforaphane. Furthermore, various clinical studies have also been included for design and development of novel therapies for cancer prevention and cure. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diet and dietary components are potential tools to address various lifestyle-related disorders. Due to plenty of environmental and cellular toxicants, the chances of cancer prevalence are quite large which are worsen by adopting unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer can be treated with various therapies but those are acquiring side effects causing the patients to suffer the treatment regime. Nutraceuticals and functional foods provide safer options to prevent or delay the onset of cancer. In this regard, sulforaphane is a pivotal compound to be targeted as a potential agent for cancer treatment both in preventive and therapeutic regimes. This article provides sufficient evidence via discussing the underlying mechanisms of positive effects of sulforaphane to further the research for developing anticancer drugs that will help assuage this lethal morbidity.
Insights
Sulforaphane, a potent isothiocyanate, shows significant promise in cancer prevention and treatment by influencing cellular mechanisms. This review explores its anticancer pathways and clinical applications for developing novel therapies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sulforaphane is a key isothiocyanate compound with documented health benefits.
- It plays a vital role in preventing and managing metabolic disorders.
- Emerging research highlights its potential in cancer prevention and as a therapeutic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze the mechanisms by which sulforaphane prevents cancer.
- To review clinical studies on sulforaphane for developing novel cancer therapies.
- To provide evidence for sulforaphane's role in preventive and therapeutic cancer strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on sulforaphane's anticancer effects.
- Examination of mechanistic pathways at cellular and subcellular levels.
- Inclusion of relevant clinical studies for therapeutic development.
Main Results:
- Sulforaphane modulates carcinogen metabolism and phase II enzyme activity.
- It induces cell cycle arrest and activates the Nrf2 pathway.
- Cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and apoptotic effects contribute to its anticancer properties.
Conclusions:
- Sulforaphane exhibits significant potential as a nutraceutical for cancer prevention and treatment.
- Understanding its mechanisms is crucial for developing effective anticancer drugs.
- Dietary components like sulforaphane offer safer alternatives to conventional cancer therapies.
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