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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Straightforward Method for Glucosinolate Extraction and Analysis with High-pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
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Published on: March 15, 2017

Anticarcinogenic activities of organic isothiocyanates: chemistry and mechanisms

Y Zhang1, P Talalay

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.

Cancer Research
|April 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Organic isothiocyanates, found in cruciferous vegetables, effectively block tumor formation in rodents by inhibiting carcinogen activation and boosting detoxification enzymes. These natural compounds show promise for human cancer chemoprevention.

Area of Science:

  • Chemoprevention
  • Cancer Research
  • Molecular Toxicology

Background:

  • Organic isothiocyanates are naturally occurring compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.
  • These compounds and their precursors (glucosinolates) are consumed by humans.
  • The role of isothiocyanates in the cancer-protective effects of vegetable consumption is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of organic isothiocyanates.
  • To evaluate the potential of isothiocyanates for human cancer chemoprevention.

Main Methods:

  • Rodent models were used to study tumor induction by various carcinogens.
  • The effects of different arylalkyl isothiocyanates on tumor development were assessed.
  • Mechanisms of action, including carcinogen activation and detoxification pathways, were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Organic isothiocyanates demonstrated significant tumor-blocking activity against diverse carcinogens in rodents.
  • Protection was observed across multiple organs, including the liver, lung, and esophagus.
  • Isothiocyanates suppressed carcinogen activation by inhibiting cytochrome P-450 enzymes.
  • They also induced Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione transferases.

Conclusions:

  • Isothiocyanates possess dual anticarcinogenic mechanisms: inhibiting carcinogen activation and enhancing detoxification.
  • Their presence in human diets and dual action make them promising candidates for cancer chemoprevention strategies.

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