Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases that affect human health. According to GLOBOCAN, the global cancer burden is estimated to be 28.4 million cases in 2040, an increase of 47% compared to 2020 rates, with the greatest growth in countries in transition (64% to 95%).
Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate found in its inactive storage form as glucoraphanin, and its main source is broccoli, an important plant in the Brassicaceae family. Upon mechanical damage (e.g., biting, chewing, or cutting) to broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, glucoraphanin is released and hydrolyzed by the plant enzyme myrosinase, forming its active molecule SFN. For this purpose also mustard seeds.
Sulforaphane (SFN) from cruciferous vegetables is one such natural agent and studies have shown that it can target a population of specific cancer cells that display stem-like properties, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Also sulforaphane (SFN), a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, is a potent chemosensitizer that increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and overcomes chemoresistance.
Sulforaphane has also demonstrated antidiabetic and antiobesity effects, improving glucose tolerance and reducing fat accumulation. The ability of SFN to activate Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates oxidative stress and inflammation in cells, is a primary mechanism behind its anticancer and antidiabetic effects. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties are also suggested to provide beneficial effects against neurodegenerative diseases. The potential health benefits of SFN have generated increased interest in its use as a dietary supplement or adjunct to chemotherapy, but there is insufficient data on its efficacy and optimal doses, as well as its safety. This review aims to present and discuss the potential of SFN in the treatment of various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on its mechanisms of action. It also summarizes studies on the pharmacological and toxicological potential of SFN in in vitro and animal models and explores its protective role against toxic compounds through in vitro and animal studies. Since SFN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent, we briefly mention its synergistic attributes with other potential nutraceuticals that are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Given its health-promoting effects, SFN could be a potential nutraceutical at the forefront of sports nutrition.
Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases that affect human health. According to GLOBOCAN, the global cancer burden is estimated to be 28.4 million cases in 2040, an increase of 47% compared to 2020 rates, with the greatest growth in countries in transition (64% to 95%).
Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate found in its inactive storage form as glucoraphanin, and its main source is broccoli, an important plant in the Brassicaceae family. Upon mechanical damage (e.g., biting, chewing, or cutting) to broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, glucoraphanin is released and hydrolyzed by the plant enzyme myrosinase, forming its active molecule SFN. For this purpose also mustard seeds.
Sulforaphane (SFN) from cruciferous vegetables is one such natural agent and studies have shown that it can target a population of specific cancer cells that display stem-like properties, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Also sulforaphane (SFN), a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, is a potent chemosensitizer that increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and overcomes chemoresistance.
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https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/3/752/htm (2021).--
Sulforaphane has also demonstrated antidiabetic and antiobesity effects, improving glucose tolerance and reducing fat accumulation. The ability of SFN to activate Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates oxidative stress and inflammation in cells, is a primary mechanism behind its anticancer and antidiabetic effects. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties are also suggested to provide beneficial effects against neurodegenerative diseases. The potential health benefits of SFN have generated increased interest in its use as a dietary supplement or adjunct to chemotherapy, but there is insufficient data on its efficacy and optimal doses, as well as its safety. This review aims to present and discuss the potential of SFN in the treatment of various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on its mechanisms of action. It also summarizes studies on the pharmacological and toxicological potential of SFN in in vitro and animal models and explores its protective role against toxic compounds through in vitro and animal studies. Since SFN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent, we briefly mention its synergistic attributes with other potential nutraceuticals that are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Given its health-promoting effects, SFN could be a potential nutraceutical at the forefront of sports nutrition.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/2/147 (2024).---
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/3/1790 (2024).---
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/imcb.12686 (2023).--
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https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/fo/d1fo03398k/unauth (2022)
https://0ww.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/3/752/htm (2021)