Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Numerous studies suggest that a high consumption of cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli and broccoli sprouts, can protect against various forms of cancer. The chemo-preventive actions of these cruciferous vegetables have been attributed to sulphoraphane (SFN), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate which they contain. In humans, glucoraphanin isothiocyanate is hydrolyzed by an enzyme, myrosinase, to yield an active metabolite, SFN. Sulphoraphane has been proven to offer protection against oxidative damage and carcinogens. It is also a potent inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes and an inhibitor of phase I enzymes that are involved in the activation of certain carcinogens in body. It also modulates many cancer-related events including, cell death, cell cycle, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, making it a highly promising agent for cancer prevention and treatment. The aim of this brief review is to provide updated information to improve our understanding of the chemistry, synthesis and biosynthesis, metabolism and chemoprevention mechanisms of SFN.

Key words: glucosinolate, sulphoraphane, isothiocyanate, cruciferous vegetables, myrosinase, chemoprevention