Sulforaphane, Potential Mechanism of Action and Its Relationship with Diseases

Bioactive compounds found naturally in the structure of plants plays a role in protecting the health and prevention of chronic diseases. They can act directly on genes or indirectly as conjugates with various molecules. There are a number of studies evaluating the effect of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (radish, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) on diseases. It is stated that these effects are provided by the isothiocyanates present in the structure. Isothiocyanates are stored as glucosinolate precursors in plants; The myrosinase enzyme glucosinolates, which gain activity by processes such as harvesting, chewing, cutting, chopping, are hydrolyzed to isothiocyanates. Sulforaphane is the major isothiocyanate present in broccoli. In organism, the mechanisms of action such as stimulation of phase II enzymes, inhibition of phase I enzymes and histone deacetylase enzyme activity and increase of thioredoxin reductase enzyme expression have positive effects on many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, helicobacter plyori infection, neurological diseases, eye diseases the results of which have been demonstrated by studies. Studies were not found to result in toxic effects of sulforaphane and concluded to be safe. In this study, sulforaphane metabolism, mechanism of action, effects on health, bioavailability and effective dose of the factors affecting it were evaluated