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Elucidation of Sulforaphane-Mediated Effects on the Cellular Human Metabolome Using Metabolic Profiling
Nadine Bieß1, Hans-Ulrich Humpf1, Matthias Behrens1
1Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|January 16, 2026
Summary
Sulforaphane (SFN), found in broccoli, significantly impacts cellular metabolism. This natural compound affects key pathways like the TCA cycle and glycolysis, boosting antioxidant potential through elevated glutathione levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolomics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Sulforaphane (SFN) is a bioactive compound from broccoli, known for potential health benefits.
- SFN's antioxidant and chemoprotective properties are linked to the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.
- Comprehensive effects of SFN on primary metabolic pathways require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global effects of SFN on cellular primary metabolic pathways.
- To characterize SFN's impact on the metabolome using metabolic profiling.
Main Methods:
- Human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells were treated with SFN.
- Targeted hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) was used for metabolite analysis.
Main Results:
- SFN significantly altered metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and urea cycle.
- Effects were observed in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and glutathione (GSH) levels.
- Elevated GSH levels were noted, supporting SFN's antioxidant capacity.
Conclusions:
- SFN profoundly impacts multiple primary metabolic pathways.
- The findings highlight SFN's significant bioactive potential.
- SFN's ability to increase GSH levels confirms its antioxidant properties.
