Sulforaphane (Broccoli)

Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally-occurring isothiocyanate enriched in cabbage and broccoli, has been provided as food supplements to improve weight management and reduce lipid levels. However, its effects on serum lipid profiles are contradictory. In this review, a meta-analysis and systematic review of SFN on lipid reduction and weight control is assessed with mice and rats fed on high-fat diet. The effects of SFN supplementation were evaluated by weighted mean difference (WMD) in body weight (BW), liver weight (LW) and also by its effect on serum lipids. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall summary effect. SFN reduced BW (WMD: - 2.76 g, 95% CI: - 4.19, - 1.34) and LW (WMD: - 0.93 g, 95% CI: - 1.63, - 0.23) significantly in our ten trials. Its effects on serum total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: - 15.62 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 24.07, - 7.18), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: - 8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 15.47, - 1.24) and triglyceride (TG) (WMD: - 40.85 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 67.46, - 14.24) were significant except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) component (WMD: 1.05 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 3.44, 5.54). However, species, disease model, duration, SFN dosage as well as route of administration did not explain the heterogeneity among studies. In summary, these findings provide new insights concerning preclinical strategies for treating diseases including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well as cardiovascular disease with SFN supplements.

Background/Objectives: Broccoli-derived glucoraphanin (a sulforaphane precursor that activates Nrf2 defenses) may aid repair; however, its short-term effects in humans remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin improves recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. We hypothesized that short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin would attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerate recovery. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, fifteen participants consumed either high-glucoraphanin broccoli powder (320 μg) or placebo for two weeks, followed by elbow flexor eccentric exercise. Strength, soreness, creatine kinase (CK), range of motion (ROM), arm girths, and ultrasound-assessed muscle and tendon morphology were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 48 and 96 h post-exercise. Results: Significant main effects of time were observed for isometric and isokinetic torque (p < 0.05), CK (p < 0.05), soreness (p < 0.05), and structural swelling markers (p < 0.05), confirming exercise-induced muscle damage. However, there were no significant Time × Supplement interactions for any variable (p > 0.05), indicating that glucoraphanin did not influence recovery dynamics. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term high-dose broccoli supplementation reconstituted with hot water does not modulate recovery following eccentric muscle damage under the conditions tested, including the chosen preparation method and experimental context.

Inactive glucoraphanin (GR) in broccoli is converted to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial sulforaphane (SF) by cruciferous vegetable enzyme myrosinase (Myr), or similar enzymes from specific gut bacteria; both sources have variable efficiency. The effects of exogenous Myr on the conversion efficiency of GR to SF was compared to gut microbial Myr-like activity. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, sixteen subjects (9 F: 7 M) received a single oral dose of GR in broccoli seed extract with Myr-containing mustard seed powder, or broccoli seed extract alone, both with ascorbic acid. GR + Myr, on average, doubled the bioavailability of SF (39.8 ± 3.1%) compared to GR alone (18.6 ± 3.1%), and increased the conversion rate in the first 8 h (25.4% ± 2.7%) compared to GR alone (8.0% ± 2.7) based on measurement of urinary metabolites. There were no differences in fecal bacterial communities after the single dose; however, four bacterial GR-converting genes significantly correlated with GR conversion (p < 0.0155). To our knowledge, this is the first human study to simultaneously investigate (1) a well-defined Myr source, (2) broccoli seeds as source of GR, (3) prediction of gut microbial responsiveness to GR. © 2026. The Author(s).

OBJECTIVES: Available treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) encounter significant limitations and, thus, necessitate novel therapeutic approaches. In this regard, this study investigated the effects of sulforaphane due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. METHODS: Seventy ADHD outpatients aged 6 to 11 were equally assigned to receive methylphenidate (0.3 to 1.5 mg/kg/d) plus either sulforaphane 30 mg/d or matched placebo for 8 weeks. The teacher and parent ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) was used to assess their symptoms at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. The patients were also evaluated for side effects. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients in the sulforaphane group and 31 in the placebo group completed the study with comparable baseline demographic and clinical characteristics (Ps>0.05). There were significant time-treatment interaction effects on the ADHD-RS total, inattention, and hyperactivity-impulsivity scores rated by teachers (=0.245, 0.203, and 0.246, respectively) and parents (=0.265, 0.283, and 0.159, respectively). Affirmatively, their reductions were significantly greater in the sulforaphane group until the endpoint rated by teachers (Cohen ds=1.192, 1.055, and 1.220, respectively) and parents (Cohen's ds=1.344, 1.446, and 0.966, respectively). Better response to treatment (≥40% reduction in ADHD-RS total scores), robust improvement (≥50% reduction in ADHD-RS total scores), and remission (an ADHD-RS total score of ≤18) rates were obtained in the sulforaphane group until the endpoint (Ps<0.001). The side effect frequencies were comparable between the groups (Ps>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sulforaphane adjunct to methylphenidate was beneficial for inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and total symptoms of children with ADHD safely and tolerably.

Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, are associated with a reduced risk of age-related chronic diseases. Broccoli accumulates glucoraphanin, which is hydrolyzed to sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate, that activates antioxidant genes via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor, thereby alleviating age-related diseases. However, sulforaphane's rapid metabolism and excretion raise questions about its efficacy on peripheral tissues. We hypothesize that consumption of a glucoraphanin-rich broccoli soup induces small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in the systemic circulation, containing Nrf2-induced antioxidant genes, mediating the effects of broccoli consumption on peripheral tissues. Nine adults participated in a two-arm, single-blinded, randomized crossover trial and consumed a glucoraphanin-rich broccoli soup (intervention) and a control soup. Plasma samples were analyzed to quantify abundance of Nrf2 regulated genes within circulating sEVs, while urine samples were analyzed to determine sulforaphane pharmacokinetics. While sulforaphane was detected in urine following the intervention (p < 0.001), there were no differences in the abundance of Nrf2 regulated genes quantified within circulating sEVs. Urinary sulforaphane profiling confirmed the intervention's efficacy; however, the genes examined were unaltered within circulatory sEVs. Given that EV mRNA does not always relate to function, future studies exploring EV proteomics may provide further insights into sulforaphane's underlying mechanisms. © 2026 The Author(s). Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

Colon cancer is a prevalent malignancy influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Diets rich in charred and fried red meats, thus high in heterocyclic aromatic amines [e.g., 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP)], are associated with increased colon cancer risk. Conversely, the consumption of fruits and vegetables offers protective effects, potentially modulating multiple carcinogenesis-related pathways. Here, we investigated the metabolomic response to apiaceous and cruciferous vegetable consumption in relation to concomitant PhIP consumption. In a randomized crossover design, 25 participants underwent four phases with four different test meals at the end of each phase. Test meals were well-done hamburger (Control), Control plus cruciferous vegetables (Cru), Control plus apiaceous vegetables (Api), and Control plus combined vegetable types (Cru + Api). Urine samples were subjected to metabolomics analysis using UPLC-MS/MS system. A total of 660 metabolites were identified. The Cru and Api meals showed distinct metabolite profiles, and the Cru + Api meal induced 133 metabolite changes compared to Control. Meals with cruciferous vegetables enriched S-methylcysteine, S-methylcysteine sulfoxide, N-acetylproline, sulforaphane-related compounds, and xenobiotic and amino acid metabolites the most. The Api meal was not as effective in altering xenobiotic metabolites. Api primarily elevated mannitol/sorbitol. To a lesser extent, both vegetable-supplemented meals induced changes in nucleotide-derived metabolites suggesting potential epigenetic modifications. The findings reinforce the influence of these vegetables on xenobiotic metabolism pathways, highlight potential epigenetic mechanisms and potential biomarkers of food intake, and provide further elucidation of their possible roles in colon cancer prevention.

More effective treatments are needed for impaired fasting glucose or glucose intolerance, known as prediabetes. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate that reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis in individuals with type 2 diabetes and is well tolerated when provided as a broccoli sprout extract (BSE). Here we report a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which drug-naive individuals with prediabetes were treated with BSE (n = 35) or placebo (n = 39) once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a 0.3 mmol l-1 reduction in fasting blood glucose compared with placebo from baseline to week 12. Gastro-intestinal side effects but no severe adverse events were observed in response to treatment. BSE did not meet the prespecified primary outcome, and the overall effect in individuals with prediabetes was a 0.2 mmol l-1 reduction in fasting blood glucose (95% confidence interval -0.44 to -0.01; P = 0.04). Exploratory analyses to identify subgroups revealed that individuals with mild obesity, low insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion had a pronounced response (0.4 mmol l-1 reduction) and were consequently referred to as responders. Gut microbiota analysis further revealed an association between baseline gut microbiota and pathophysiology and that responders had a different gut microbiota composition. Genomic analyses confirmed that responders had a higher abundance of a Bacteroides-encoded transcriptional regulator required for the conversion of the inactive precursor to bioactive sulforaphane. The abundance of this gene operon correlated with sulforaphane serum concentration. These findings suggest a combined influence of host pathophysiology and gut microbiota on metabolic treatment response, and exploratory analyses need to be confirmed in future trials. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03763240 . © 2025. The Author(s).

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is closely associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the gut microbiome contributes to the development of NAFLD. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables that could improve lipid metabolism disorder. However, whether SFN can alleviate IR in NAFLD by regulating the intestinal flora remains unclear. Methods: SFN was administered to high fat diet (HFD)-fed Wistar rats for 10 weeks. Gut microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing and the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gas chromatography. The expression of tight junction protein and the numbers of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium were determined by qPCR. The expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 41/43 (GPR41/43) was determined by western blot. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in NAFLD patients with broccoli seed tablets (rich in SFN, 42 mg d-1) as intervention for 12 weeks. Thirty-six volunteers with abnormal glucose before the broccoli seed tablet treatment were selected in the intervention group to analyze their blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IRI), homeostasis model assessment-insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). Results: SFN reduced blood glucose and HOMA-IRI while increasing insulin sensitivity in HFD rats. SFN reduced glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity, and phosphorylation of serine residues of IRS-2 induced by HFD. SFN reshaped the gut microbiota composition of HFD-induced rats and, especially, increased the content of Bacteroidaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, which are related to the improvement from SFN of the blood glucose and HOMA-IRI. The increased numbers of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were the targets of SFN to enhance the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, thereby lowering lipopolysaccharide content to reduce inflammation, ultimately alleviating IR. Bacteroides and Lactobacillus produced SCFAs, which activated GPR41/43 to secrete GLP1. Moreover, it was also confirmed in RCT that SFN intervention increased the

BACKGROUND: Parental nutritional interventions have considerably affected gametogenesis and embryogenesis, leading to the differential susceptibility of offspring to chronic diseases such as cancer. Moreover, combinatorial bioactive diets are more efficacious in ameliorating epigenetic aberrations in tumorigenesis. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the transgenerational influence and epigenetic regulation of paternal sulforaphane (SFN)-rich broccoli sprouts (BSp) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-rich green tea polyphenols (GTPs) consumption in the prevention of estrogen receptor-negative [ER(-)] mammary cancer in transgenic mice. METHODS: Human breast cancer cells were used to detect cell viability and epigenetic-related gene expression after treatment with EGCG and/or SFN. Twenty-four C3 or HER2/neu males were randomly assigned into 4 groups and treated with control, 26% BSp (w/w) in food, 0.5% GTPs (w/v) in drinking water or combined BSp and GTPs for 7 wk before mating. Tumor growth of nontreated female pups was monitored weekly for 19 wk (C3) and 25 wk (HER2/neu). Tumor- and epigenetic-related protein expression and enzyme activities in mammary tumors were measured. Sperms were isolated from treated males for RNA sequencing and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing analysis. Data were analyzed with a 2-factor or 3-factor analysis of variance. RESULTS: EGCG and SFN inhibited breast cancer cell growth via epigenetic regulation. Combined BSp and GTPs synergistically (combination index < 1) suppressed tumor growth over time (P < 0.001) in 2 mouse models. Key tumor-related proteins were found differentially expressed (P < 0.05) along with epigenetic regulations in offspring mammary tumors. The transcriptome profile of sperm derived from dietary-treated males revealed differentially expressed genes correlated with spermatogenesis and breast cancer progression. DNA methylomes of the sperm and further integrated analysis with transcriptomes indicate that DNA methylation alone may not contribute to sufficient regulation in dietary-treated sperm pronucleus, leading to offspring tumor suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, paternal consumption of combined

Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables have been associated with a lower risk of incidence and progression of prostate cancer. Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate derived from 4-methylsulphinylbutyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin) that accumulates in certain of these vegetables, notably broccoli, has been implicated in their protective effects. Likewise, the consumption of garlic and its sulphur-containing compounds such as alliin have been associated with a reduction in risk of prostate cancer. In this study, we tested whether consuming glucoraphanin derived from broccoli seeds and alliin derived from garlic resulted in the occurrence of these potential bioactive compounds in the prostate, which may contribute to our understanding of the putative protective effects of these dietary components. We recruited 42 men scheduled for a trans-perineal prostate biopsy into a randomised, double-blinded, 2 × 2-factorial dietary supplement four-week intervention study, and 39 completed the study. The two active interventions were supplements providing glucoraphanin from broccoli (BroccoMax®) and alliin from garlic (Kwai Heartcare®). Following the intervention, prostate biopsy tissue was analysed for the presence of sulforaphane and its thiol conjugates and for alliin and associated metabolites. Sulforaphane occurred in significantly higher levels in the prostate tissue (both within the transition and peripheral zone) of men consuming the glucoraphanin containing supplements (p < 0.0001) compared to men not consuming these supplements. However, while alliin and alliin-derived metabolites were detected within the prostate, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of these compounds in the prostate of men consuming supplements derived from garlic compared to men not consuming these supplements.

BACKGROUND: Sulforaphane (SF), an isothiocyanate in broccoli, has potential benefits relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through its effects on several metabolic and immunologic pathways. Previous clinical trials of oral SF demonstrated positive clinical effects on behavior in young men and changes in urinary metabolomics in children with ASD. METHODS: We conducted a 15-week randomized parallel double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 15-week open-label treatment and 6-week no-treatment extensions in 57 children, ages 3-12 years, with ASD over 36 weeks. Twenty-eight were assigned SF and 29 received placebo (PL). Clinical effects, safety and tolerability of SF were measured as were biomarkers to elucidate mechanisms of action of SF in ASD. RESULTS: Data from 22 children taking SF and 23 on PL were analyzed. Treatment effects on the primary outcome measure, the Ohio Autism Clinical Impressions Scale (OACIS), in the general level of autism were not significant between SF and PL groups at 7 and 15 weeks. The effect sizes on the OACIS were non-statistically significant but positive, suggesting a possible trend toward greater improvement in those on treatment with SF (Cohen's d 0.21; 95% CI - 0.46, 0.88 and 0.10; 95% CI - 0.52, 0.72, respectively). Both groups improved in all subscales when on SF during the open-label phase. Caregiver ratings on secondary outcome measures improved significantly on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at 15 weeks (Cohen's d - 0.96; 95% CI - 1.73, - 0.15), but not on the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2). Ratings on the ABC and SRS-2 improved with a non-randomized analysis of the length of exposure to SF, compared to the pre-treatment baseline (p < 0.001). There were significant changes with SF compared to PL in biomarkers of glutathione redox status, mitochondrial respiration, inflammatory markers and heat shock proteins. Clinical laboratory studies confirmed product safety. SF was very well tolerated and side effects of treatment, none serious, included rare insomnia, irritability and intolerance of the taste and smell. LIMITATIONS: The sample size was limited to 45 children with ASD and we did not impute missin

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are malignant neoplasms with poor prognosis. Treatment-resistant cancer stem cell (CSC) is one reason for treatment failure. Considerable attention has been focused on sulforaphane (SF), a phytochemical from broccoli possessing anticancer properties. We investigated whether SF could enhance the chemotherapeutic effects of cisplatin (CIS) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) against HNSCC-CSCs, and its mechanisms of action. METHODS: CD44+/CD271+ FACS-isolated CSCs from SCC12 and SCC38 human cell lines were treated with SF alone or combined with CIS or 5-FU. Cell viability, colony- and sphere-forming ability, apoptosis, CSC-related gene and protein expression and in vivo tumour growth were assessed. Safety of SF was tested on non-cancerous stem cells and in vivo. RESULTS: SF reduced HNSCC-CSC viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Combining SF increased the cytotoxicity of CIS twofold and 5-FU tenfold, with no effects on non-cancerous stem cell viability and functions. SF-combined treatments inhibited CSC colony and sphere formation, and tumour progression in vivo. Potential mechanisms of action included the stimulation of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, inhibition of SHH pathway and decreased expression of SOX2 and OCT4. CONCLUSIONS: Combining SF allowed lower doses of CIS or 5-FU while enhancing these drug cytotoxicities against HNSCC-CSCs, with minimal effects on healthy cells.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is one of most important dietary constituents of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and other cruciferous vegetables, which have been reported to exhibit health benefits, including prevention and therapy of cancer, such as colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The objective of this study was to determine whether the anticancer effect of SFN on colon cancer HT-29 cell line could be improved by the combined treatment with molecules inhibiting microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in CRC. As miRNA inhibiting molecules we focused on peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs). As miRNA to be targeted, miR-15b-5p was selected on the basis of several information present in the literature and confirming that miR-15b-5p is overexpressed in colon cancer patients, and that its targeting decreases cell migration and metastasis in colorectal cancer. In this article, we described for the first time the efficacy of targeting miR-15b-5p by using a PNA against miR-15b-5p (R8-PNA-a15b), functionalized with an octoarginine peptide (R8) for maximizing cellular uptake. The miR-15b-5p downregulation in the colon cancer HT-29 cell line was associated with inhibition of in vitro cell growth and activation of the proapoptotic pathway, demonstrated by a sharp increase of late apoptotic cells in HT-29-treated cell populations. A second conclusion of this study is that the R8-PNA-a15b might be proposed in "combo-therapy" associated with SFN. To our knowledge, no report is available in the literature on a combination between SFN and miRNA-targeting molecules. Our data demonstrate that this combined treatment leads to a very high proportion of apoptotic HT-29 cells (over 85%), a value higher than the sum of the values of apoptotic cells obtained after singularly administered regents (either SFN or R8-PNA-a15b).

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma and is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in immunosuppressed patients. PEL is an aggressive lymphoma and is frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapies. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables and broccoli sprouts, modulates signaling pathways and epigenetic gene expression. However, the anti-proliferative effects of SFN on PEL cells and the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. Here, we found that SFN decreased the viability of KSHV-infected PEL cells compared to KSHV-uninfected B-lymphoma cells. The anti-proliferative effects of SFN on PEL cells were mediated by apoptosis with activating caspases. In addition, SFN inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and AKT in PEL cells. We also showed that p38MAPK and AKT inhibitors reduced PEL cell growth. The constitutive and/or transient activation of p38MAPK and AKT signaling are necessary for the survival and proliferation of PEL cells. Our data and previous literature indicate that SFN represses the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and AKT, which results in PEL cell apoptosis. Moreover, we investigated whether MG132 or sangivamycin (Sangi) in combination with SFN potentiated the cytotoxic effects of SFN on PEL cells. Compared to treatment with SFN alone, the addition of MG132 or Sangi enhanced the cytotoxic activity of SFN in a synergistic manner. In conclusion, the anti-proliferative effects of SFN indicate its potential as a new substance for the treatment of PEL.

We examined whether gastric acidity would affect the activity of myrosinase, co-delivered with glucoraphanin (GR), to convert GR to sulforaphane (SF). A broccoli seed and sprout extract (BSE) rich in GR and active myrosinase was delivered before and after participants began taking the anti-acid omeprazole, a potent proton pump inhibitor. Gastric acidity appears to attenuate GR bioavailability, as evidenced by more SF and its metabolites being excreted after participants started taking omeprazole. Enteric coating enhanced conversion of GR to SF, perhaps by sparing myrosinase from the acidity of the stomach. There were negligible effects of age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, vegetable consumption, and bowel movement frequency and quality. Greater body mass correlated with reduced conversion efficiency. Changes in the expression of 20 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated as possible pharmacodynamic indicators. When grouped by their primary functions based on a priori knowledge, expression of genes associated with inflammation decreased non-significantly, and those genes associated with cytoprotection, detoxification and antioxidant functions increased significantly with bioavailability. Using principal components analysis, component loadings of the changes in gene expression confirmed these groupings in a sensitivity analysis.

Dietary compounds that possess the properties of altering epigenetic processes are gaining popularity as targets for cancer prevention studies. These compounds when administered at optimal concentrations and especially in combination can have enhanced effects in cancer prevention or therapy. It is important to study the interaction of two or more compounds in order to assess their role in enhancing prevention. Genistein (GEN), found in soy, has been extensively studied for its role as an epigenetic modifier especially as a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor and sulforaphane (SFN), found in cruciferous vegetables, is known as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. However, very little is known about the effects of these two compounds in conjunction in breast cancer prevention or therapy. In our current study, we determined that, at certain doses, the compounds have synergistic effects in decreasing cellular viability of breast cancer cell lines. Our results indicate that the combination of GEN and SFN is much more effective than their single doses in increasing the rate of apoptosis and lowering the colony forming potential of these cells. We determined that these compounds inhibit cell cycle progression to G2 phase in MDA-MB-231 and G1 phase in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, we determined that the combination is effective as an HDAC and histone methyltransferase (HMT) inhibitor. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this combination downregulates the levels of HDAC2 and HDAC3 both at the mRNA and protein levels. We also found that these compounds have the potential to downregulate KLF4 levels, which plays an important role in stem cell formation. The combination of GEN and SFN is also effective in downregulating hTERT levels, which is known to be activated when KLF4 binds to its promoter region. Our hypothesis is further strengthened by in vivo studies, where the combination is administered to transgenic mice in the form of genistein and SFN-enriched broccoli sprouts. We have demonstrated that the combination is more effective in preventing or treating mammary cancer via extending tumor latency and reducing tumor volumes/sizes than either of thes

Conventional cancer prevention has primarily focused on single chemopreventive compounds that may not be sufficiently efficacious. We sought to investigate potential combinatorial effects of epigenetic bioactive botanicals including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea polyphenols (GTPs) and sulforaphane (SFN) in broccoli sprouts (BSp) on neutralizing epigenetic aberrations in estrogen receptor-α (ERα) leading to enhanced anti-hormone therapeutic efficacy in ERα-negative breast cancer. Our results showed that this combinatorial treatment re-sensitized ERα-dependent cellular inhibitory responses to an estrogen antagonist, tamoxifen (TAM), via at least in part, epigenetic reactivation of ERα expression in ERα-negative breast cancer cells. Further in vivo studies revealed the combinatorial diets of GTPs and BSp significantly inhibited breast tumor growth in ERα-negative mouse xenografts, especially when combined with TAM treatment. This novel treatment regimen can lead to remodeling of the chromatin structure by histone modifications and recruitment changes of transcriptional factor complex in the ERα promoter thereby contributing to ERα reactivation and re-sensitized chemotherapeutic efficacy of anti-hormone therapy. Our studies indicate that combinatorial bioactive botanicals from GTPs and BSp are highly effective in inhibiting ERα-negative breast cancer due at least in part to epigenetic reactivation of ERα, which in turn increases TAM-dependent anti-estrogen chemosensitivity in vitro and in vivo.

The lower incidence of ischemic heart disease in female with respect to male gender suggests the possibility that female sex hormones could have specific effects in cardiovascular protection. 17β-Estradiol is the predominant premenopausal circulating form of estrogen and has a protective role on the cardiovascular system. Recent evidences suggest that gender can influence the response to cardiovascular medications; therefore, we hypothesized that sex hormones could also modulate the cardioprotective effects of nutraceutical compounds, such as the isothiocyanate sulforaphane, present in Brassica vegetables. This study was designed to explore the protective effects of sulforaphane in the presence of 17β-estradiol against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in primary cultures of rat cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, 17β-estradiol enhanced sulforaphane protective activity against H2O2-induced cell death with respect to sulforaphane or 17β-estradiol alone as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Moreover, 17β-estradiol boosted sulforaphane ability to counteract oxidative stress, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and increasing the expression of phase II enzymes. Using specific antagonists of estrogen receptor α and β, we observed that these effects are not mediated by estrogen receptors. Otherwise, ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways seem to be involved, as the presence of specific inhibitors of these kinases reduced the protective effect of sulforaphane in the presence of 17β-estradiol. Sulforaphane and 17β-estradiol co-treatment counteracted cell morphology alterations induced by H2O2 as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that estrogens could enhance sulforaphane protective effects, suggesting that nutraceutical efficacy might be modulated by sex hormones.

Dietary isothiocyanates are potent inducers of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Sulforaphane (SFN), a representative dietary isothiocyanate, has previously been shown to up-regulate antioxidant enzymes such as selenium (Se)-dependent thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR-1) in many tumor cell lines. In the present study, we hypothesized that a combination of SFN and Se would have a synergistic effect on the up-regulation of TrxR-1 and the protection against oxidative damage in the normal colonic cell line CCD841. Treatment of cells with SFN and Se significantly induced TrxR-1 expression. Pretreatment of cells with SFN protects against H2O2-induced cell death; this protection was enhanced by cotreatment with Se. The small interfering RNA knockdown of either TrxR-1 or Nrf2 reduced the protection afforded by SFN and Se cotreatment; TrxR-1 and Nrf2 knockdown reduced cell viabilities to 66.5% and 51.1%, respectively, down from 82.4% in transfection-negative controls. This suggests that both TrxR-1 and Nrf2 are important in SFN-mediated protection against free radical-induced cell death. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis showed that TrxR-1 and Nrf2 were involved in SFN-mediated protection against H2O2-induced apoptosis. In summary, SFN activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway and protects against H2O2-mediated oxidative damage in normal colonic cells. Combined SFN and Se treatment resulted in a synergistic up-regulation of TrxR-1 that in part contributed to the enhanced protection against free radical-mediated cell death provided by the cotreatment.

Erratum in Int J Oncol. 2026 Oct;69(4):118. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2026.5931. One of the recently emerging anticancer strategies is the use of natural dietary compounds, such as sulforaphane, a cancer-chemopreventive isothiocyanate found in broccoli. Based on the growing evidence, sulforaphane acts through molecular mechanisms that interfere with multiple oncogenic pathways in diverse tumor cell types. Herein, we investigated the anticancer effects of bioavailable concentrations of sulforaphane in ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and its two derivatives, adriamycin-resistant A2780/ADR and cisplatin-resistant A2780/CP cell lines. Since tumor microenvironment is characterized by reduced oxygenation that induces aggressive tumor phenotype (such as increased invasiveness and resistance to chemotherapy), we evaluated the effects of sulforaphane in ovarian cancer cells exposed to hypoxia (2% O2). Using the cell-based reporter assay, we identified several oncogenic pathways modulated by sulforaphane in hypoxia by activating anticancer responses (p53, ARE, IRF-1, Pax-6 and XRE) and suppressing responses supporting tumor progression (AP-1 and HIF-1). We further showed that sulforaphane decreases the level of HIF-1α protein without affecting its transcription and stability. It can also diminish transcription and protein level of the HIF-1 target, CA IX, which protects tumor cells from hypoxia-induced pH imbalance and facilitates their migration/invasion. Accordingly, sulforaphane treatment leads to diminished pH regulation and reduced migration of ovarian carcinoma cells. These effects occur in all three ovarian cell lines suggesting that sulforaphane can overcome the chemoresistance of cancer cells. This offers a path potentially exploitable in sensitizing resistant cancer cells to therapy, and opens a window for the combined treatments of sulforaphane either with conventional chemotherapy, natural compounds, or with other small molecules.

Camelina sativa L. Crantz is under development as a novel oilseed crop, yet bioefficacy of camelina phytochemicals is unknown. Defatted camelina seed meal contains two major aliphatic glucosinolates (GSLs), glucoarabin (9-(methylsulfinyl)nonylglucosinolate; GSL 9) and glucocamelinin (10-(methylsulfinyl)decylglucosinolate; GSL 10), with traces of a third, 11(methylsulfinyl)undecylglucosinolate and several flavonoids, mostly quercetin glycosides. In Hepa1c1c7 cells, hydrolyzed GSLs (hGSLs) 9 and 10 upregulated the phase II detoxification enzyme quinone reductase (NQO1), with no effect on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 activity. Isobologram graphs revealed synergy of NQO1 induction for a combination of hGSL 9 and quercetin. These findings suggest that defatted camelina seed meal should be evaluated for anticancer activity, similar to broccoli and other Brassicaceae family members. Interestingly, synergy of NQO1 induction was also seen for physiologically relevant doses of sulforaphane (SF) and quercetin, two key bioactives present in broccoli. This suggests that SF within broccoli may be more potent than purified SF.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The eradication failure rate of standard triple therapy (proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin) for Helicobacter pylori infection has increased owing to antibiotic resistance in Korea. We assessed whether Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic or broccoli sprout extract sulforaphane supplementation could increase the H. pylori eradication rate and/or reduce antibiotic-associated adverse events. METHODS: A total of 217 patients with H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer disease were recruited. Clarithromycin resistance was assessed in all patients by testing for A2142G and A2143G point mutations in H. pylori 23S rRNA using a dual-priming polymerase chain reaction (PCR) oligonucleotide. Thirty-four patients (17.3%) were clarithromycin-resistant and were excluded from the study. Finally, 183 patients with infections not resistant to clarithromycin were randomly assigned to triple therapy only (group A, n = 61), triple therapy plus probiotics (group B, n = 61), or triple therapy plus sulforaphane (group C, n = 61) groups. CYP2C19 polymorphisms were examined at position G681A of exon 5 and G636A of exon 4 by PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. H. pylori eradication was assessed by 13C-urea breath test 4 weeks after treatment completion. RESULTS: The eradication rates were similar among the groups both in the intention- to-treat (A = 85.2%, B = 89.6%, and C = 81.6%) and per-protocol (A = 89.2%, B = 86.8%, and C = 96.3%) analyses. The frequencies of overall adverse events in the groups also did not differ (A vs. B: p = 0.574; A vs. C: p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Probiotic or sulforaphane with triple therapy for H. pylori infection neither increased the eradication rate nor reduced the occurrence of adverse events.

INTRODUCTION: Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli sprouts), has been explored for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the therapeutic potentials of sulforaphane in schizophrenia. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central for studies from inception to April 2025. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of sulforaphane in schizophrenia. The primary outcomes were changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total and its subscales. Secondary outcomes included cognitive measures, metabolic markers, and safety. RESULTS: Four RCTs with 369 schizophrenia patients were included. Sulforaphane did not significantly improve PANSS total or positive symptom scores at the latest follow-up (ranging from 24 weeks to 18 weeks) or at a consistent 12-week time point. However, a modest improvement in negative symptoms was found at 12 week- time point (MD= -1.06; 95% CI: -1.95 to -0.16; p = 0.02), which was not maintained at the latest follow-up. General psychopathology scores improved significantly (MD= -1.5; 95% CI: -2.78 to -0.23; p = 0.02). No cognitive benefits were observed. Sulforaphane led to significant reductions in metabolic markers, including LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Discontinuation rates were lower in the sulforaphane group (RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.95; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The study provides initial insights into sulforaphane's potential therapeutic effects in schizophrenia, showing modest improvements in general psychopathology and negative symptoms, with favorable metabolic changes and lower discontinuation rates. Due to limited data and heterogeneity, the study findings should be interpreted with caution. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND: The scientific literature has reported an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of suffering from several types of cancer; however, the results were not entirely consistent across studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies were conducted to determine the association between broccoli consumption and cancer risk with the aim of clarifying the beneficial biological effects of broccoli consumption on cancer. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and Epistemonikos databases were searched to identify all published papers that evaluate the impact of broccoli consumption on the risk of cancer. Citation chasing of included studies was conducted as a complementary search strategy. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model meta-analysis was employed to quantitatively synthesize results, with the I2 index used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty-three case-control studies (n = 12,929 cases and 18,363 controls; n = 31,292 individuals) and 12 cohort studies (n = 699,482 individuals) were included in the meta-analysis. The results suggest an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of cancer both in case-control studies (OR: 0.64, 95% CI from 0.58 to 0.70, p < 0.001; Q = 35.97, p = 0.072, I2 = 30.49%-moderate heterogeneity; τ2 = 0.016) and cohort studies (RR: 0.89, 95% CI from 0.82 to 0.96, p = 0.003; Q = 13.51, p = 0.333, I2 = 11.21%-low heterogeneity; τ2 = 0.002). Subgroup analysis suggested a potential benefit of broccoli consumption in site-specific cancers only in case-control studies. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the findings indicate that individuals suffering from some type of cancer consumed less broccoli, suggesting a protective biological effect of broccoli on cancer. More studies, especially cohort studies, are necessary to clarify the possible beneficial effect of broccoli on several types of cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically active phytochemical that acts as a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer. Thus, it has been reported to have multiple protective functions including anticancer responses and protection against a toxic agent's action. PURPOSE: The present work systematically reviewed and synthesised the protective properties of sulforaphane against a toxic agent. This review reveals the mechanism of the action of SFN in each organ or system. METHODS: The PRISMA guideline was followed in this sequence: researched literature, organised retrieved documents, abstracted relevant information, assessed study quality and bias, synthesised data, and prepared a comprehensive report. Searches were conducted on Science Direct and PubMed using the keywords "Sulforaphane" AND ("protective effects" OR "protection against"). RESULTS: Reports showed that liver and the nervous system are the target organs on which attention was focused, and this might be due to the key role of oxidative stress in liver and neurodegenerative diseases. However, protective activities have also been demonstrated in the lungs, heart, immune system, kidneys, and endocrine system. SFN exerts its protective effects by activating the Nrf2 pathway, which enhances antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative stress. It also suppresses inflammation by decreasing interleukin production. Moreover, SFN inhibits apoptosis by preventing caspase 3 cleavage and increasing Bcl2 levels. Overall, SFN demonstrates multifaceted mechanisms to counteract the adverse effects of toxic agents. CONCLUSION: SFN has potential clinical applications as a chemoprotective agent. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to set the safe doses of SFN in humans.

Brassica vegetables are widely consumed all over the world, especially in North America, Asia, and Europe. They are a rich source of sulfur compounds, such as glucosinolates (GLSs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs), which provide health benefits but are also suspected of having a goitrogenic effect. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of dietary interventions on thyroid function, in terms of the potential risk for people with thyroid dysfunctions. We analyzed the results of 123 articles of in vitro, animal, and human studies, describing the impact of brassica plants and extracts on thyroid mass and histology, blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, and the effect on thyroid cancer cells. We also presented the mechanisms of the goitrogenic potential of GLSs and ITCs, the limitations of the studies included, as well as further research directions. The vast majority of the results cast doubt on previous assumptions claiming that brassica plants have antithyroid effects in humans. Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence from randomised trials for the efficacy and safety of phytotherapeutic interventions in the management of biochemically recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer, indicated by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, numbers progressing to/time to initiation of androgen-deprivation therapy or salvage therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), AMED (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO) and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. Clinical trials investigating phytotherapeutic interventions as dietary supplements or dietary components, including multi-component herbal formulations, in men with BCR prostate cancer were located. Eight of nine authors contacted for further information responded. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews was followed. RESULTS: Of 23 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, five met the criteria for inclusion. Two studies were placebo controlled; two were active control trials; and one a high-/low-dose trial. The interventions were administered as isolated phytochemicals (sulphoraphane), phytotherapeutic extracts [Pomi-T (pomegranate, turmeric, green tea and broccoli sprout extract), soy, lycopene, and POMx (pomegranate extract)], or plant-derived dietary items (soy and lycopene). All studies found serum PSA levels to stabilise, decrease or rise more slowly in a significant number of men, and three studies reported stabilising or lengthening of PSA-doubling time. Studies were generally of good quality, but sample sizes were predominantly small, and durations short. CONCLUSIONS: High-quality studies in this area are lacking. Sulphoraphane, lycopene, soy isoflavones, POMx, and Pomi-T are safe and well tolerated. There is limited evidence that they can affect PSA dynamics. No recommendation can be made for the use of these agents in managing prostate cancer morbidity and mortality until high-quality, fully powered studies are available. Recommendations are made for improving reproducibility and translation of findings