Sulforaphane

DescriptionSulforaphane is a compound within the isothiocyanate group of organosulfur compounds and mainly found in cruciferous vegetables. It is produced when the enzyme myrosinase transforms glucoraphanin,a prodrug or storage form of SFN, into SFN upon damage to the plant (such as from chewing),which allows the two compounds to mix and react. Glucoraphanin is one of a few molecules known as isothiocyanates, existing alongside Sinigrin (metabolized into allylisothiocyanate).

UsesPotent, selective inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes with anticarcinogenic properties. Occurs naturally in broccoli. It was found to inhibit chemically induced mammary tumor formation in rats. Antitumor agentLNCaP prostate cancer cells were treated with DL-Sulforaphane to study the effect on androgen receptor. Effects on malathion toxicity was studied in rats by treating them with DL-Sulforaphane.Nrf2 activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE) is central to cytoprotective gene expression against oxidative and/or electrophilic stress.Unless activated by inflammatory, environmental, or oxidative stressors, Nrf2 is sequestered in the cytoplasm by its repressor, Keap1.Because of its protective capabilities, small molecules that activate Nrf2 signaling are being examined as potential anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory agents.Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, that potently induces chemopreventative enzymes via Keap1-Nrf2 signaling and ARE-driven gene expression.At 15 μM, sulforaphane inhibits class I and II HDAC activity and suppresses tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis selectively in various cancerous prostate epithelial cells without affecting normal cells.Differential effects of sulforaphane on histone deacetylases, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in normal prostate cells versus hyperplastic and cancerous prostate cells

General DescriptionAn isothiocyanate isolated from broccoli that acts as a potent inducer of phase II detoxifying enzymes in mouse tissues and murine hepatoma cells in culture. It has been shown to be an effective agent in prevention of chemically-induced mammary tumors in rats. It also inhibits the phase I cytochrome P450 isoenzymes 2E1 and IA2 which have been associated with the activation of carcinogens. The induction of phase II enzymes is mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.