Research progress on the utilization technology of broccoli stalk, leaf resources, and the mechanism of action of its bioactive substances

Abstract

Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable. It is high in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Also, it possesses antioxidant activities and is beneficial to the human body. Due to its active effect, broccoli is widely accepted by people in daily life. However, in terms of current utilization, only its florets are consumed as vegetables, while more than half of its stalks and leaves are not utilized. The stalks and leaves contain not only nutrients but also bioactive substances with physiologically regulating properties. Therefore research into the action and mechanism of its bioactive substances as well as its development and utilization technology will make contributions to the further promotion of its resource development and utilization. As a theoretical foundation for the resource utilization of broccoli stalks and leaves, this report will review the distribution and consumption of broccoli germplasm resources, the mechanism of action of bioactive substances, and innovative methods for their exploitation.

Free Fatty Acid Determination in Broccoli Tissues Using Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

“…Therefore, the consumption of vegetables, fruits, other foods, and/or supplements rich in linolenic acid and other PUFAs can be highly beneficial. In the literature, considerable effort has been focused on the evaluation of vegetable by-products, like broccoli by-products, as sources of bioactive compounds and as functional food additives [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. For instance, broccoli leaves have been previously utilized as leaf powder added in noodle products [ 34 ], gluten-free mini sponge cakes [ 35 ], and green tea [ 36 ].…”

“…Applying both suspect and targeted lipidomics approaches, we have identified in milk and yogurt previously unrecognized families of saturated hydroxy fatty acids (SHFAs) and saturated oxo fatty acids (SOFAs) with interesting biological activities [ 27 , 39 ]. Hydroxystearic acids (HSAs) and hydroxypalmitic acids (HPAs) exhibit anti-proliferative activity, while particular regio-isomers, 7HSAs and 9HSAs, protect β-cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis [ 33 ]. SOFAs, in particular 6OSA and 7OSA, were found to suppress the expression of both STAT3 and c-myc [ 40 ].…”