Glucosinolate Hydrolytic Products—A Multi-Arm Warrior

Abstract

Background Glucosinolates are the most controversial yet ignored class of phytochemicals. These are the middleman phytochemicals which have low bioactivity. But once there is any injury in the plant—manmade, insect caused, or natural—a magic happens. The compound is broken down into smaller phytochemicals referred to as glucosinolate hydrolytic products (nitriles, isothiocyanates, and thiocyanates). These hydrolytic products are like show stopper of fashion industry. These compounds have one of the highest bioactivity in the nature. These have been associated with a varied range of bioactivities (anticancer, antioxidant, insecticidal, weedicide, etc) by researchers across the globe. Objective The objective of the current article is to provide a critical review to highlight some of the important bioactivities of these ignored compounds and for promoting researchers to atleast give these compounds a chance—to glow in the dark. Methods This review has been written from analysis of accessible literature mostly from the last 5 years (2018–2023), with some critically essential exceptions. Results The review highlighted brief background of glucosinolates and its hydrolysis. Effort were made to include most of the biological properties of the compound. Special emphasis has been given to the anticancer activities of the compound with details of involved mechanism. Conclusion Considering the wide array of bioactivities of glucosinolate hydrolytic products, it is essential to consider it as a prospective medicinal compound. More glucosinolate hydrolytic products—in similar manner as sulforaphane—can be proceeded to phase trials. Highlights The mechanistic pathway for production of glucosinolate hydrolytic products and related biological activities have been discussed in details. The bioactivities have been further explained using the involved mechanism.