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Sulforaphane from broccoli, an epigenetic modulator in cancer cells

Soayébo Dabre1, Abdou Azaque Zoure2,3, Lassina Barro4

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Biology (LABIOGENE), University Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.

Discover Oncology
|October 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound in broccoli and cabbage, shows anticancer effects by regulating cancer cell epigenetics. This compound inhibits tumor growth and acts as a promising therapeutic agent with minimal impact on normal cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cruciferous vegetables contain beneficial compounds, notably sulforaphane (SFN).
  • SFN has garnered attention for its potential anticancer activities.
  • Understanding SFN's mechanisms is crucial for cancer prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the epigenetic and genetic effects of SFN on cancer.
  • To correlate SFN's epigenetic modulation with its anticancer properties.
  • To evaluate SFN's therapeutic potential as an anticancer agent.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • Analysis focused on studies combining SFN's epigenetic effects and anticancer activities.
  • Literature search for studies on SFN's role in cancer treatment and prevention.

Main Results:

  • SFN regulates epigenetic mechanisms, including histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibition, and microRNA regulation.
  • SFN effectively prevents tumor growth and cancer progression.
  • SFN modulates cancer cell epigenomes without significant effects on normal cells.
  • Epigenetic changes induced by SFN indirectly affect the expression of carcinogenesis-related genes.

Conclusions:

  • SFN's anticancer activities are significantly linked to its ability to modulate the cancer cell epigenome.
  • SFN demonstrates potential as a promising anticancer agent with therapeutic value.
  • SFN's targeted epigenetic modulation offers a strategy for cancer prevention and treatment.
Keywords:
BroccoliEpigenetic mechanismsSulforaphane

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