Sulforaphane’s Multifaceted Potential: From Neuroprotection to Anticancer Action

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It has been widely studied for its potential as a neuroprotective and anticancer agent. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence supporting the neuroprotective and anticancer effects of SFN and the potential mechanisms through which it exerts these effects. SFN has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, the modulation of neuroinflammation, and epigenetic mechanisms. In cancer treatment, SFN has demonstrated the ability to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells, inhibit histone deacetylase, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. SFN has also shown chemoprotective properties through inhibiting phase I metabolizing enzymes, modulating phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and targeting cancer stem cells. In addition to its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders and cancer treatment, SFN has shown promise as a potential treatment for cerebral ischemic injury and intracranial hemorrhage. Finally, the ongoing and completed clinical trials on SFN suggest potential therapeutic benefits, but more research is needed to establish its effectiveness. Overall, SFN holds significant promise as a natural compound with diverse therapeutic applications.

The Dual Role of Sulforaphane-Induced Cellular Stress—A Systems Biological Study

“…In the various clinical trials, SFN has been used orally in a range of 9.9–847 mol/ person/day [ 65 ], which is relatively wide. Thus, based on recent research, the main challenges to the use of sulforaphane are its highly variable bioavailability and rapid metabolism and elimination from the body [ 65 , 74 ]. For this reason, the precise determination of treatment concentrations is critical, and the best effect is probably achieved when therapies are personalized and tailored to the specific disease (or even the tissue involved), in which our model can be of great help.…”

Sulforaphane-Enriched Extracts from Broccoli Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity against Plant Pathogens, Promising a Natural Antimicrobial Agent for Crop Protection

“…Sulforaphane is one of the most important bioactive compounds in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower [ 8 ], and is derived from glucosinolates (GSLs), which are the nitrogen- and sulfur-containing plant secondary metabolites. GSLs are hydrolyzed by myrosinases to produce SFN [ 9 ].…”

Sulforaphane Target Protein Prediction: A Bioinformatics Analysis

“…After ingestion, sulforaphane undergoes metabolic transformation via the mercapturic acid pathway, involving its conjugation with glutathione. This initial conjugation paves the way for further biotransformation processes, leading to the generation of various metabolites such as sulforaphane-cysteine and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine [1,8]. Sulforaphane elimination is characterized by a prolonged terminal phase.…”

“…The therapeutic potential of sulforaphane is underscored by the participation of nearly 100 clinical trials, each at different stages, that systematically explore its potential health benefits in a variety of conditions. These trials cover areas such as autism, schizophrenia, depressive disorders, aging and specific types of cancer [8]. Notably, numerous studies are dedicated to unraveling the intricate mechanisms through which sulforaphane exerts its therapeutic effects [10][11][12][13].…”

“…Notably, numerous studies are dedicated to unraveling the intricate mechanisms through which sulforaphane exerts its therapeutic effects [10][11][12][13]. The reported effects of sulforaphane span a spectrum of physiological and biochemical alterations, including its influence on oxidative stress, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, elimination of cancer cells and reduction of neuroinflammation [1,8]. These multifaceted actions are attributed to the modulation of various proteins by sulforaphane.…”