BBC News Original Article

More evidence that broccoli contains elements which can help fight prostate cancer has been published in a new study by scientists in Norfolk.

The Institute of Food at Norwich has found broccoli contains sulforaphane, a chemical that boosts cells lacking an anti-tumour gene called PTEN.

When PTEN is de-activated or weakened prostate cancer can spread.

In tests on human prostate tissue and mice sulforaphane suppressed cells with potential to become cancerous.

“The cells became less competitive,” Richard Mithen, from the Institute of Food Research at Norwich, said.

“PTEN is a tumour suppressor gene, the deletion or inactivation of which can initiate prostate cancer development and enhance the probability of its progression.

“We’ve shown that sulforaphane has different effects depending on whether the PTEN gene is present.”

Researchers found that in cells which contained PTEN, dietary intervention with sulforaphane has no effect on the development of cancer.

In cells that do not have the gene sulforaphane causes them to become less competitive.

This provides an explanation of how consuming broccoli can reduce the risk of prostate cancer incidence and progression, Mr Mithen claimed.

“This also suggests potential therapeutic applications of sulforaphane and related compounds,” he said.

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Denver Post original article

(RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

No thanks to an ex-president and his infamous anti-broccoli statement, the vegetable in its sprouted form is poised for a comeback.

Sales of broccoli sprouts are growing as word of their purported health benefits begins to spread among consumers.

A chemical compound in the sprouts, sulforaphane, could be effective in treating or preventing various cancers, research studies have shown.

Sales are surging at Northglenn-based Friends Trading Co., one of Colorado’s two major producers.

Friends’ sales have increased by an average of 25 percent a year over the past three years as the firm has landed supply contracts with Safeway, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods.

At Friends’ indoor growing facility, broccoli seeds
are placed in rotating steel drums and sprinkled with constant streams of water for four days until they sprout.

Workers package the sprouts in 4-ounce plastic cartons for distribution to retailers, where they sell for $3 to $4.

Safeway spokeswoman Kris Staaf said the sprouts have a “loyal following” among some customers. Still, the sprouts are considered a niche product.

“It’s an education challenge,” said Pat Duffus, co-owner of Friends Trading. “When you say ‘broccoli sprouts’ to 10 people, eight of them will give you a blank look.”

Broccoli sprouts resemble the more common alfalfa and clover sprouts — pale green and stringy. They’re suitable for eating raw, garnishing sandwiches or cooking.

Peer-reviewed studies at several research institutions suggest that the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts may help stop the growth of malignant tumors stemming from breast, prostate and other cancers.

The research, however, has been conducted primarily on mice. The purported therapeutic benefits for humans have not been confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may not be used in marketing of the sprouts.

Not everyone loves broccoli, perhaps most notably former President George H.W. Bush, who in 1990 said, “I do not like broccoli. I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.”

Two years later, scientists at Johns Hopkins University released a study of broccoli’s potential therapeutic benefits against cancer.

The Hopkins researchers subsequently found that broccoli sprouts have 10 to 20 times more sulforaphane, ounce for ounce, than whole broccoli.

“The claims about sulforaphane are correct,” said Rajesh Agarwal, a professor of cancer pharmacology at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy. “There is a lot of interest in sulforaphane as an anti-cancer agent.”

The Hopkins scientists incorporated Brassica Protection Products for research and marketing of sprouts. The firm supplies broccoli seed to growers, including Friends Trading.

Colorado’s other major grower is Denver-based Sprouts Extraordinaire, which supplies King Soopers.

Sprouts Extraordinaire manager Gary Rotello said he’s encouraged about favorable research on broccoli sprouts but described marketing of the product as “an uphill climb.”

“Sprout eaters are about 5 to 6 percent of the population,” he said. “Those people want their sprouts. But to project big growth in the market, I don’t see it yet.”

Showing promise

The claim: A compound in the sprouts, sulforaphane, could be effective in treating and preventing various cancers, including those of the breast and prostate gland.

The backing: Peer-reviewed studies at several institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Rutgers and the University of Michigan.

The caveat: In studies, mostly on rats and mice, dosages administered were far higher than most people could eat.

The business: Metro Denver is home to two major broccoli sprout producers: Friends Trading Co. and Sprouts Extraordinaire.

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If someone told you they had discovered the key to cancer prevention, would you listen?

More than 10 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year worldwide, prompting the health-conscious to incorporate preventative habits into their daily routines. Based on studies that prove following the right diet can be a powerful weapon against the development of many cancers, Northglenn-based Friends Trading Company, has seen a measureable increase in consumers’ interest in functional food products, such as BroccoSprouts.

BroccoSprouts broccoli sprouts are the only product that guarantees a consistent level of Sulforaphane GS (SGS), a natural compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous plants that support the body’s own antioxidant function. Discovered by Dr. Paul Talalay, and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Sulforaphane induces detoxification enzymes, which deactivate carcinogens and free radicals, enhancing the body’s own defense system against cancer-causing chemicals.

Why are BroccoSprouts more effective in providing SGS than heads of broccoli? During a brief interview with Dr. Talalay, he explained how broccoli sprouts are only 4-5 days old when harvested. At this very young age the SGS compounds are still ripe. As heads of broccoli mature, the SGS diminishes leaving each head with unknown levels. BroccoSprouts are the only fresh produce that come with a definite phyto-chemical analysis.

More than a dozen and a half studies are currently underway to strengthen the already large number of proven studies. Current studies include tests related to breast, prostate, and bladder cancers. Another specific study in China measured the effects on cell damage prevention in Aflatoxins (mold type spores that enter the body and congregate in the liver) and liver cancer, producing positive results.

Okay, but we are talking about bland, grass-like tasting sprouts, right? Wrong! Friends Trading Company’s owners Pat and Margy Dufus sent me a taste test to see for myself. In addition to BroccoSprouts broccoli sprouts, the sprouts come in a variety of blends: a Salad Blend that includes broccoli, clover, and radish sprouts; a Sandwich Blend which is made of broccoli and clover sprouts; and a Deli Blend includes broccoli, alfalfa, and mustard sprouts. These sprouts have an extremely fresh, very appealing taste. The radish sprouts are even a little bit spicy on the palate and are tasty by the handful. All jazz up any boring sandwich or salad!

BroccoSprouts and blend can be found at Denver area Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, select Wal-Marts, and recently partnered with Safeway.

With easy access to the sprouts, proven scientific studies, and an appealing taste, what’s not to like?
BroccoSprouts make a great addition to any salad.
BroccoSprouts make a great addition to any salad.

Copyright 2010 Examiner.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Author
Kindra Evensen is an Examiner from Denver. You can see Kindra’s articles at: “http://www.Examiner.com/x-12072-Denver-Food-Examiner”

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Breast Cancer Stem Cells and BroccoSprouts
Research from the University of Michigan suggest that sulforaphane inhibits breast cancer stem and these findings support that sulforaphane is a potentially viable therapy for breast cancer.

The research article, published in Clinical Cancer Research (May 2010) states, “This study shows that sulforaphane inhibits breast cancer stem cells which provides a strong rationale for future clinical evaluation of sulforaphane or broccoli/broccoli extract.” Current breast cancer therapy delivered via chemotherapy and radiation are “incapable of suppressing cancer stem cell population,” the study states. In this study in mice, sulforaphane inhibited breast cancer stem cells in vitro and eliminated breast cancer stem cells in vivo. (Clin Cancer Res. 2010 May 1;16(9):2580-90.)

Skin Deep
Broccoli sprout extracts protect against UV radiation

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Dundee, Scotland, report in Photochemistry & Photobiological Sciences, a journal from the Royal Society of Chemistry, that hairless mice developed 25 per cent fewer skin tumours following exposure to UV radiation and fed a broccoli extract for 13 weeks, compared with mice receiving a standard protective agent. In addition, the tumors the broccoli-fed mice did develop were 70 per cent smaller.

This report adds to the growing list of research published on the protective effects of sulforaphane.

The Eyes Have It
New research found that specific green tea catechins travel from the digestive system into the tissues of the eyes.

The results of the study from researchers based at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Eye Hospital were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress.
The scientists analyzed eye tissue from rats that drank green tea and found that the lens, retina and other tissues absorbed significant amounts of green tea catechins.

The authors said that, “photooxidative stress can inactivate catalase in the lens to initiate cataract formation, while long-term effects of reactive oxygen intermediates could damage retinal tissue cells retinal pigment epithelium, and choriocapillaries. Oxidation is also associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).”

Source: Nutraingredients.com

Belly Up
Researchers at UC Davis find that broccoli sprouts can be an excellent food source for medicinal substances, specifically to inhibit H. pylori.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis). The bacteria can weaken the protective coating of the stomach, allowing digestive juices to irritate the sensitive stomach lining. According to Wikipedia, “more than 50% of the world’s population harbor H. pylori in their upper gastrointestinal tract. Infection is more prevalent in developing countries, and incidence is decreasing in western countries.”

In this study conducted at University of California, Davis, researchers extracted methanol from fresh broccoli sprouts. The sulforaphane from the broccoli sprouts inhibited the H. pylori. The researchers concluded that “The results indicate that broccoli sprouts can be an excellent food source for medicinal substances.”

Skin Deep
Broccoli sprout extracts protect against UV radiation
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Dundee, Scotland, report in Photochemistry & Photobiological Sciences, a journal from the Royal Society of Chemistry, that hairless mice developed 25 per cent fewer skin tumours following exposure to UV radiation and fed a broccoli extract for 13 weeks, compared with mice receiving a standard protective agent. In addition, the tumors the broccoli-fed mice did develop were 70 per cent smaller.

This report adds to the growing list of research published on the protective effects of sulforaphane.

Drink Tea…Get a Job!

The Tea Council of the USA “Sip of Success” Dream Job Contest Offers Work Experience and Global Adventure to One Lucky College Graduate

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prn/20100616/NY21620

The Tea Council of the USA, Inc. is doing its share to help struggling college grads navigate the brutal job market. Its “Sip of Success” contest offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a recent grad to prepare for a great career and experience a unique and thrilling adventure on tea plantations in India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and the USA. College grads can create a two-minute video showing their passion for tea and knowledge of its many health benefits, for a chance to win this exciting prize.

http://www.teausa.org/sipofsuccess/

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Kale Quiche (creator – Jennifer Popken)

Kale Quiche
1 bunch of kale finely minced in a food processor
10 eggs
1 cup basil leaves chopped
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 t hot red pepper flakes
3/4 cup feta cheese
1/2 cup pitted olives chopped
1 fresh tomato sliced
Coarse sea salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 oz BroccoSprouts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients and top with fresh tomatoes.
Fill a large oiled pie pan and bake until firm, approximately 45 minutes. Garnish with BroccoSprouts.

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In this study conducted at University of California, Davis, researchers extracted methanol from fresh broccoli sprouts. The sulforaphane from the broccoli sprouts inhibited the H. pylori. The researchers concluded that “The results indicate that broccoli sprouts can be an excellent food source for medicinal substances.”

Citation
J Agric Food Chem. 2010 May 11. [Epub ahead of print]
Analysis and Anti- Helicobacter Activity of Sulforaphane and Related Compounds Present in Broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L.) Sprouts.

Moon JK, Kim JR, Ahn YJ, Shibamoto T. Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, California 95616.

Abstract

A crude methanol extract prepared from fresh broccoli sprouts was extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol sequentially. Residual water fraction was obtained from the residual aqueous layer. The greatest inhibition zones (>5 cm) were noted for Helicobacter pylori strain by the chloroform extract, followed by the hexane extract (5.03 cm), the ethyl acetate extract (4.90 cm), the butanol extract (3.10 cm), and the crude methanol extract (2.80 cm), whereas the residual water fraction did not show any inhibition zone. Including sulforaphane, five sulforaphane-related compounds were positively identified in the chloroform extract, of which 5-methylsulfinylpentylnitrile was found in the greatest concentration (475.7 mg/kg of fresh sprouts), followed by sulforaphane (222.6 mg/kg) and 4-methylsulfinylbutylnitrile (63.0 mg/kg). Among 18 sulforaphane and related compounds synthesized (6 amines, 6 isothiocyanates, and 6 nitriles), 2 amines, 6 isothiocyanates, and 1 nitrile exhibited >5 cm inhibitory zones for H. pylori strain. The results indicate that broccoli sprouts can be an excellent food source for medicinal substances.

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But, there is one well-researched and proven natural plant compound which has anticancer activity, sulforaphane, that is readily available to everyone in its precursor (sulforaphane glucosinolate, often referred to as SGS) from broccoli sprouts available in fresh produce sections of supermarkets.

For more than 12 years, hundreds of scientific studies around the globe have studied the promise of sulforaphane, its enzyme detoxification and long-lasting antioxidant activity and its availability in broccoli or broccoli sprouts, and research indicating that eating broccoli sprouts could provide potent health benefits including protection against stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, to name a few.

New Research Findings for Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Last week, scientists at the University of Michigan published research showing sulforaphane inhibits breast cancer stem cells. These findings suggest that sulforaphane could be a potentially viable therapy for breast cancer.

The research article published in Clinical Cancer Research states, “This study shows that sulforaphane inhibits breast cancer stem cells…which provides a strong rationale for future clinical evaluation of sulforaphane or extract of broccoli/broccoli sprouts for breast cancer chemoprotection.” Current breast cancer therapy delivered via chemotherapy and radiation are “incapable of suppressing cancer stem cell population,” the study states. In this study, sulforaphane inhibited breast cancer stem cells in vivo in mice and eliminated human breast cancer stem cells in cell culture.

BroccoSprouts®
Ongoing research on sulforaphane has consistently shown powerful cancer-preventative properties since Johns Hopkins scientists first discovered high levels of the compound in broccoli in 1992. Sulforaphane boosts the body’s own antioxidant defense system, including Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, which promote long-lasting antioxidant activity in the body.

Johns Hopkins Medical School’s Paul Talalay, MD, first identified sulforaphane in broccoli and, subsequently, he and Dr. Jed Fahey found that young broccoli plants (three-day-old broccoli sprouts) contain extremely high levels of the compound. Broccoli sprouts contain more than 20 times greater concentration of Sulforaphane precursor SGS than can be found in adult broccoli. This discovery led to the creation of BroccoSprouts® which are the only functional food that guarantees a consistent level of SGS and are readily available in the produce sections of supermarkets across the country. Eating BroccoSprouts is a simple, effective and immediate way for consumers to use this large body of research to their advantage.

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1271656/Broccoli-stop-breast-cancer-spreading-targeting-stem-cells.html#

The Daily Mail reports that broccoli contains sulforaphane, which seemed to kill off cancer stem cells in tests. After this story was reported in the Daily Mail, it was picked up by ABC News & (Los Angeles), NBC affiliates, Business Week, and others.

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The results of the study from researchers based at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Eye Hospital were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress.

The scientists analyzed eye tissue from rats that drank green tea and found that the lens, retina and other tissues absorbed significant amounts of green tea catechins.

The authors said that, “photooxidative stress can inactivate catalase in the lens to initiate cataract formation, while long-term effects of reactive oxygen intermediates could damage retinal tissue cells retinal pigment epithelium, and choriocapillaries . Oxidation is also associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).”

Source: Nutraingredients.com

C. Pui Pang, et al. Green Tea Catechins and Their Oxidative Protection in the Rat Eye. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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Pubmed citation:
Clin Cancer Res. 2010 Apr 13.
Sulforaphane, a Dietary Component of Broccoli/Broccoli Sprouts, Inhibits Breast Cancer Stem Cells.

Li Y, Zhang T, Korkaya H, Liu S, Lee HF, Newman B, Yu Y, Clouthier SG, Schwartz SJ, Wicha MS, Sun D.

Authors’ Affiliations: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan; and Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Abstract

PURPOSE: The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in breast cancer has profound implications for cancer prevention. In this study, we evaluated sulforaphane, a natural compound derived from broccoli/broccoli sprouts, for its efficacy to inhibit breast CSCs and its potential mechanism. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Aldefluor assay and mammosphere formation assay were used to evaluate the effect of sulforaphane on breast CSCs in vitro. A nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient xenograft model was used to determine whether sulforaphane could target breast CSCs in vivo, as assessed by Aldefluor assay, and tumor growth upon cell reimplantation in secondary mice. The potential mechanism was investigated using Western blotting analysis and beta-catenin reporter assay. RESULTS: Sulforaphane (1-5 mumol/L) decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cell population by 65% to 80% in human breast cancer cells (P < 0.01) and reduced the size and number of primary mammospheres by 8- to 125-fold and 45% to 75% (P < 0.01), respectively. Daily injection with 50 mg/kg sulforaphane for 2 weeks reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cells by >50% in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient xenograft tumors (P = 0.003). Sulforaphane eliminated breast CSCs in vivo, thereby abrogating tumor growth after the reimplantation of primary tumor cells into the secondary mice (P < 0.01). Western blotting analysis and beta-catenin reporter assay showed that sulforaphane downregulated the Wnt/beta-catenin self-renewal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Sulforaphane inhibits breast CSCs and downregulates the Wnt/beta-catenin self-renewal pathway. These findings support the use of sulforaphane for the chemoprevention of breast cancer stem cells and warrant further clinical evaluation. Clin Cancer Res; 16(9); OF1-11. (c)2010 AACR.

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This report adds to the growing list of research published on the protective effects of sulforaphane.
Source: Photochemistry & Photobiological Sciences
“Dietary glucoraphanin-rich broccoli sprout extracts protect against UV radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice.”
Authors: A.T. Dinkova-Kostova, J.W. Fahey, A.L. Benedict, S.N. Jenkins, L. Ye, S.L. Wehage, P. Talalay

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Livestrong.com gives a nice overview of the power of BroccoSprouts. Take a look!

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Citation:
Oncol Rep. 2010 Apr;23(4):1133-8.
p38 MAPK plays a distinct role in sulforaphane-induced up-regulation of ARE-dependent enzymes and down-regulation of COX-2 in human bladder cancer cells. Shan Y, Wang X, Wang W, He C, Bao Y.

Abstract:
Sulforaphane, a well-characterised dietary isothiocyanate, has been demonstrated to be a potent anti-carcinogenic agent in numerous cancer models, including in bladder cancer cells. In the present study, sulforaphane up-regulated the expression of two Nrf2-dependent enzymes, glutathione transferase (GSTA1-1) and thioredoxin reductase (TR-1), and down-regulated cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in human bladder cancer T24 cells. This action of sulforaphane was associated with the p38 MAPK activity. When a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190, was used, both sulforaphane-induced up-regulation of GSTA1-1 and TR-1 and down-regulation of COX-2 were eliminated; in contrast, an activator of p38 MAPK, anisomycin, enhanced the effect of sulforaphane on modulation of GST, TR-1 and COX-2 expression. Moreover, it was established that anisomycin increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2, whereas SB202190 abrogated sulforaphane-induced Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus. In summary, these data suggest that p38 MAPK activation can regulate Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven enzymes and COX-2 expression, thereby facilitating the role of sulforaphane in cancer prevention. This study strongly supports the contention that p38 MAPK is a pivotal and efficient target of sulforaphane in the chemoprevention of bladder cancer.

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To put it in simpler terms, in this laboratory study, sulforaphane was shown to stop the growth and promote the programmed cell death (apatosis) of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer cells. These researchers concluded that sulforaphane and a chemotherapeutic drug (they tested paclitaxel) in combination could produce more promising results (more cancer cell death) than the standard chemotherapy of ovarian cancer which usually consists of paclitaxel alone or in combination with platinum based drugs.

http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/9/1/47

CONCLUSIONS section from the study:
“Sulforaphane induces growth arrest and apoptosis (cell death) in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer cells by inhibiting RB phosphorylation and reduction in the levels of free E2F-1. In summary, we have provided evidence that Sulforaphane suppresses growth of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer cells in vitro by contributing to the modulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins and by increasing the apoptosis. These effects may be correlated to the observed inhibition of cell migration. These observations highlight the possibility that Sulforaphane may be a good candidate for combination therapy of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer with paclitaxel.”

Mol Cancer. 2010 Mar 2;9(1):47. Sulforaphane induces cell cycle arrest by protecting RB-E2F-1 complex in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Bryant CS, Kumar S, Chamala S, Shah J, Pal J, Haider M, Seward S, Qazi AM, Morris R, Semaan A, Shammas MA, Steffes C, Potti RB, Prasad M, Weaver DW, Batchu RB.

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What’s so special about green tea?

Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, director of Tufts’ HNRCA Antioxidants Research Laboratory reports in the Feb 2010 Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, “As investigators continue to study the multiple effects that tea has on human health, more research supports tea’s potential in helping reduce the incidence of major
diseases,” he says. “In some respects, it is good to think of tea as a plant food, much like fruits and vegetables.”

Blumberg continues to say that “Observational studies in Asia show benefits of green tea and observational studies in the US, UK and the Netherlands show benefits of black tea.” But, herbal tea is not included in such research showing benefits against chronic disease, according to Blumberg.

The newsletter continues: “Yale University scientists have suggested that green tea might be the explanation for the so-called ‘Asian paradox’: Why don’t people in Asian countries, where smoking remains more popular than in the US, consistently suffer heart disease and lung cancer at the same rate as Americans? The flavonoids in green tea, researchers suggest, may be partly responsible by maintaining artery function, inhibiting clots and blocking tumor growth.

“Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health,” says Diane L. McKay, PhD, another scientist at Tufts’ Antioxidants Research Laboratory who’s studied tea. “It’s not going to cure anything and shouldn’t be consumed as a drug, but it can complement an overall healthy diet.”

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See abstract below.

1. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 Feb 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Sulforaphane protects cortical neurons against 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine-induced toxicity through the activation of ERK1/2, Nrf-2 and the upregulation of detoxification enzymes.
Vauzour D, Buonfiglio M, Corona G, Chirafisi J, Vafeiadou K, Angeloni C, Hrelia S, Hrelia P, Spencer JP.

Molecular Nutrition Group, School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK.

The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra has been linked to the formation of the endogenous neurotoxin 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from the corresponding precursor glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables has been observed to exert a range
of biological activities in various cell populations. In this study, we show that SFN protects primary cortical neurons against 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine induced neuronal injury. Pre-treatment of cortical neurons with SFN (0.01-1 muM) resulted in protection against 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine-induced neurotoxicity, which peaked at 100 nM. This protection was observed to be mediated by the ability of SFN to modulate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 and the activation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/NF-E2-related factor-2 leading to the increased expression and activity of glutathione-S-transferase (M1, M3 and M5), glutathione reductase, thioredoxin reductase and NAD(P)H oxidoreductase . These data suggest that SFN stimulates the NF-E2-related factor-2 pathway of antioxidant gene expression in neurons and may protect against neuronal injury relevant to the aetiology of Parkinson’s disease.

PMID: 20166144 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The antiarthritic and immune regulatory effects of SFN, which were confirmed in vivo, suggest that sulforaphane may offer a possible treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Citation:
Kong JS, Yoo SA, Kim HS, Kim HA, Yea K, Ryu SH, Chung YJ, Cho CS, Kim WU. Inhibition of synovial hyperplasia, rheumatoid T cell activation, and experimental arthritis in mice by sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate. Arthritis Rheum. 2010 Jan;62(1):159-70.

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This year, the WHO is acknowledging World Cancer Day (February 4) by promoting ways to ease the global burden of cancer. This year’s theme is “Cancer Can Be Prevented Too,” which focuses on simple ways to prevent cancer, such as stop smoking, limit alcohol consumption, avoid too much sun, and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Source: www.CBSNews.com.

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Click on the right column of this blog to add our blogs to your Networked Blogs on Facebook.

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So, all of the other New Year’s Resolutions may have gone by the wayside, but simply adding an ounce (1/2 cup) of BroccoSprouts broccoli sprouts to your breakfast (or lunch or dinner) is an easy, positive change you can make.

And remember, not all broccoli sprouts are alike. Dr. Paul Talalay and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have tested more than 50 varieties of broccoli seeds. Their work shows that some types of broccoli seeds provide much more sulforaphane GS than others. Only BroccoSprouts are grown from these special seeds, which are tested by Brassica Protection Products and grown under conditions to ensure they contain certified levels of sulforaphane GS.

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Why not make an easy improvement to standard Super Bowl fare with some healthy, flavorful players instead of the same old ingredients?

In our healthier, tastier version, simply replace the shredded lettuce on your taco with BroccoSprouts® Broccoli Sprouts. Get your antioxidants and amazing taste!

Check back for more great Super Bowl Substitutions!

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