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Glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and human health

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Abstract

Concurrent with the increase in our knowledge of the genetic and environmental factors that lead to glucosinolate accumulation in plants, and the role of these compounds and their derivatives in mediating plant–herbivore interactions, there has been significant advances in our understanding of how glucosinolates and their products may contribute to a reduction in risk of carcinogenesis and heart disease when consumed as part of the diet. In this paper, we review the epidemiological evidence for the health promoting effects of cruciferous vegetables, the processes by which glucosinolates and isothiocyanates are absorbed and metabolised by humans, with particular regard to the role of glutathione S-transferases, and the biological activity of isothiocyanates towards mammalian cells and tissues.

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Abbreviations

AITC:

Allyl ITC

BITC:

Benzyl ITC

CDK:

Cyclin-dependent kinase

Cox-2:

Cyclooxygenase 2

CYP:

Cytochrome P450

ESP:

Epithiospecifier

GSH:

Glutathione

GST:

Glutathione S-transferase

HO-1:

Heme oxygenase 1

iNOS:

Inducible nitric oxide synthase

ITC:

Isothiocyanate

Keap1:

Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1

MRP:

Multidrug resistance associated protein

NAC:

N-acetylcysteine

NQO1:

NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase

Nrf2:

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2

PEITC:

Phenylethyl ITC

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

SF:

Sulforaphane

TR1:

Thioredoxin reductase 1

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  1. Phytochemicals and Health Programme, Institute of Food Research, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UA, UK

    Maria Traka & Richard Mithen

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  1. Maria Traka
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Traka, M., Mithen, R. Glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and human health. Phytochem Rev 8, 269–282 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-008-9103-7

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