Glucosinolates From Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Potential Role in Chronic Disease: Investigating the Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Abstract

An increasing body of evidence highlights the strong potential for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to delay, and often prevent, the onset of chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions, and certain cancers. A possible protective component, glucosinolates, which are phytochemicals found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, have been identified from preclinical and clinical studies. Current research suggests that glucosinolates (and isothiocyanates) act via several mechanisms, ultimately exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemo-protective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding cruciferous vegetables and their glucosinolates in relation to the specified health conditions. Although there is evidence that consumption of a high glucosinolate diet is linked with reduced incidence of chronic diseases, future large-scale placebo-controlled human trials including standardized glucosinolate supplements are needed.

Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate: A Bioactive Agent for Gastrointestinal Health

“…Isothiocyanates lead to the characteristic spicy and bitter taste experienced when consuming these plants [ 12 ]. To date, a significant number of observational and intervention studies in humans have evaluated the benefits and safety of cruciferous vegetables and isothiocyanate intake [ 13 ]. Glucosinolates and their isothiocyanates are compounds proposed to be important contributors to the health benefits of these vegetables, with the anti-cancer effect being one of the main research focuses [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…To date, a significant number of observational and intervention studies in humans have evaluated the benefits and safety of cruciferous vegetables and isothiocyanate intake [ 13 ]. Glucosinolates and their isothiocyanates are compounds proposed to be important contributors to the health benefits of these vegetables, with the anti-cancer effect being one of the main research focuses [ 13 , 14 ]. Phytochemicals from cruciferous plants protect against cancer by modulating the metabolism of carcinogens [ 13 ].…”

“…Glucosinolates and their isothiocyanates are compounds proposed to be important contributors to the health benefits of these vegetables, with the anti-cancer effect being one of the main research focuses [ 13 , 14 ]. Phytochemicals from cruciferous plants protect against cancer by modulating the metabolism of carcinogens [ 13 ].…”

“…Indeed, the thermal inactivation of plant myrosinase can result in the preservation of some glucosinolates. This is particularly interesting in cooked cruciferous vegetables, as the glucosinolates, when ingested, can be partially absorbed in the stomach, and the remaining intact glucosinolates transit to the colon (due to their hydrophilic nature), where they can be extensively hydrolyzed by the intestinal microbiota and absorbed and/or excreted as isothiocyanates [ 10 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Glucoraphanin Increases Intracellular Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Levels and Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell

“…Plants belonging to the family of Brassicaceae, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are the most abundant source of naturally occurring GLS. Diets rich in Brassicaceae were associated with several health benefits, such as the maintenance of cardiovascular and metabolic health [ 10 ], reduced risk of cancer [ 11 ], and protection against neurologic disorders [ 12 ]. Notably, several clinical trials have documented the effect of GLS on human health [ 13 ].…”