Sulforaphane
IUPAC name	1-Isothiocyanato-4-methylsulfinylbutane
Identifiers
CAS number	4478-93-7
PubChem	5350
SMILES	CS(=O)CCCCN=C=S
InChI	1/C6H11NOS2/c1-10 (8)5-3-2-4-7-6-9/h2- 5H2,1H3
Properties
Molecular formula	C6H11NOS2
Molar mass	177.29 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Sulforaphane is an organosulfur compound that exhibits anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. It is obtained from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. The enzyme myrosinase transforms glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate, into sulforaphane upon damage to the plant (such as from chewing). Young sprouts of broccoli and cauliflower are particularly rich in glucoraphanin.

glucoraphanin

[edit] Occurrence and isolation

Sulforaphane was identified in broccoli sprouts which, of the cruciferous vegetables, have the highest concentration of sulforaphane.^[1] It is also found in brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, collards, broccoli sprouts, chinese broccoli, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, radish, arugula, and watercress.

[edit] Medicinal properties

Consumption of broccoli sprouts has shown to be effective at inhibiting Helicobacter pylori growth,^[2][3] with sulforaphane being at least one of the active agents.^[4][5]

Optimal dosage has not yet been determined, but some doctors recommend 200-400 μg of sulforaphane daily from broccoli-sprout extracts. Sulforaphane and dietary consumption of cruciferous vegetables are known to affect the action of drug-metabolizing enzymes.^[6] Although no side effects or direct drug interactions have been reported as of 2008, people taking prescription drugs are advised to consult a doctor before taking sulforaphane or broccoli-sprout extracts.

The anticancer activity of sulforaphane is thought to be related to the induction of phase-II enzymes of xenobiotic transformation (such as quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase), and enhancing the transcription of tumor suppressor proteins, possibly via inhibitory effects on histone deacetylase.^{[citation needed]}

Sulforaphane and diindolylmethane (another compound from Brassica vegetables) inhibit cancer growth.

When applied topically, sulforaphane is proposed to protect skin against UV radiation damage, and thus potentially against cancer, .^[7] Sulforaphane may inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity.^[8]

[edit] See also

[edit] References