Broccoli

Broccoli Sprouts Promote Sex-Dependent Cardiometabolic Health and Longevity in Long-Evans Rats

Type of study:

Number of citations: 1

Year: 2022

Authors: Ronan M N Noble, F. Jahandideh, Edward A. Armstrong, Stephane L. Bourque, J. Yager

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Journal ranking: Q2

Key takeaways: Broccoli sprouts promote longevity and cardiometabolic health in rats, with sex-dependent benefits on improving longevity and delaying age-related decline in cardiometabolic parameters.

Abstract: Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are potential candidates to prevent age-related chronic diseases. Broccoli sprouts (BrSp) are a rich source of sulforaphane—a bioactive metabolite known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We tested the effect of chronic BrSp feeding on age-related decline in cardiometabolic health and lifespan in rats. Male and female Long-Evans rats were fed a control diet with or without dried BrSp (300 mg/kg body weight, 3 times per week) from 4 months of age until death. Body weight, body composition, blood pressure, heart function, and glucose and insulin tolerance were measured at 10, 16, 20, and 22 months of age. Behavioral traits were also examined at 18 months of age. BrSp feeding prolonged life span in females, whereas in males the positive effects on longevity were more pronounced in a subgroup of males (last 25% of survivors). Despite having modest effects on behavior, BrSp profoundly affected cardiometabolic parameters in a sex-dependent manner. BrSp-fed females had a lower body weight and visceral adiposity while BrSp-fed males exhibited improved glucose tolerance and reduced blood pressure when compared to their control counterparts. These findings highlight the sex-dependent benefits of BrSp on improving longevity and delaying cardiometabolic decline associated with aging in rats.

Antioxidant Blend of Curcumin and Broccoli Seed Extract Exhibits Protective Effect on Neurodegeneration and Promotes Drosophila Lifespan

Type of study: non-rct experimental

Number of citations: 6

Year: 2021

Authors: Jingjing Cheng, Honglei Wang, Mark Bartlett, D. Stevenson, Yufeng Pan, M. Ho, Yiping Ren

Journal: ASN NEURO

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: The antioxidant blend of Curcumin and Broccoli Seed Extract extends Drosophila lifespan and protects against neurodegeneration, highlighting the importance of antioxidants in health and pathology.

Abstract: Antioxidants and related compounds are anti-inflammatory and exhibit great potential in promoting human health. They are also often considered to be important elements in the process of neurodegeneration. Here we describe a antioxidant blend of Curcumin and Broccoli Seed Extract (BSE). Flies treated with the blend exhibit extended lifespan. RNA-seq analysis of samples from adult fly brains reveals a wide array of new genes with differential expression upon treatment with the blend. Interestingly, abolishing expression of some of the identified genes in dopaminergic (DA) neurons does not affect DA neuron number. Taken together, our findings reveal an antioxidant blend that promotes fly longevity and exhibits protective effect over neurodegeneration, demonstrating the importance of antioxidants in health and pathology.

Broccoli Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Type of study: meta-analysis

Number of citations: 4

Year: 2024

Authors: E. Baladía, Manuel Moñino, E. Pleguezuelos, Giuseppe Russolillo, M. Garnacho-Castaño

Journal: Nutrients

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli consumption is associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer, suggesting a protective biological effect on cancer.

Abstract: Background: The scientific literature has reported an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of suffering from several types of cancer; however, the results were not entirely consistent across studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies were conducted to determine the association between broccoli consumption and cancer risk with the aim of clarifying the beneficial biological effects of broccoli consumption on cancer. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and Epistemonikos databases were searched to identify all published papers that evaluate the impact of broccoli consumption on the risk of cancer. Citation chasing of included studies was conducted as a complementary search strategy. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model meta-analysis was employed to quantitatively synthesize results, with the I2 index used to assess heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-three case–control studies (n = 12,929 cases and 18,363 controls; n = 31,292 individuals) and 12 cohort studies (n = 699,482 individuals) were included in the meta-analysis. The results suggest an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of cancer both in case–control studies (OR: 0.64, 95% CI from 0.58 to 0.70, p < 0.001; Q = 35.97, p = 0.072, I2 = 30.49%—moderate heterogeneity; τ2 = 0.016) and cohort studies (RR: 0.89, 95% CI from 0.82 to 0.96, p = 0.003; Q = 13.51, p = 0.333, I2 = 11.21%—low heterogeneity; τ2 = 0.002). Subgroup analysis suggested a potential benefit of broccoli consumption in site-specific cancers only in case–control studies. Conclusions: In summary, the findings indicate that individuals suffering from some type of cancer consumed less broccoli, suggesting a protective biological effect of broccoli on cancer. More studies, especially cohort studies, are necessary to clarify the possible beneficial effect of broccoli on several types of cancer.

Prospective cohort study of broccoli consumption frequency and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks

Type of study:

Number of citations: 2

Year: 2024

Authors: Xiangliang Liu, Yu Chang, Yuguang Li, Xinwei Zhang, Fangqi Li, Jia Song, Hanping Shi, Xiao Chen, Jiuwei Cui

Journal: Frontiers in Nutrition

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Moderate and frequent consumption of broccoli may reduce the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, with optimal intake frequencies differing by gender.

Abstract: Background Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with broad health benefits, but its intake frequency and dose–response relationship with mortality risk remain unclear. Methods Using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006, 12,486 adults were included. Broccoli intake frequency was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks were followed up. The relationship between broccoli intake and mortality risk was analyzed using Cox models. Results Compared with never consumption of broccoli, different frequencies of broccoli consumption were associated with significantly decreased risks of all-cause mortality (p for trend <0.001). Consuming broccoli 1–2 times per week was associated with a 32–43% lower mortality risk. More frequent broccoli consumption was negatively correlated with cardiovascular and cancer mortality risks (p < 0.05). Consuming broccoli 1–2 times per week for males and ≥ 3 times per week for females could significantly reduce all-cause mortality risk. Conclusion Moderate and frequent consumption of broccoli may reduce the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Optimal intake frequencies may differ by gender.

The broccoli derivative sulforaphane extends lifespan by slowing the transcriptional aging clock

Type of study: non-rct experimental

Number of citations: 0

Year: 2025

Authors: Christine A. Sedore, Erik Segerdell, Anna L. Coleman-Hulbert, Erik Johnson, Jonathan N. Levi, Gordon J. Lithgow, Monica Driscoll, Patrick C. Phillips

Journal: bioRxiv

Journal ranking: brak

Key takeaways: Sulforaphane, found in broccoli, can extend lifespan by more than 50% and slow the transcriptional aging clock, with early treatment being effective.

Abstract: Sulforaphane, an organosulfur isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer cell growth. To explore the potential of sulforaphane as a candidate natural compound for promoting longevity more generally, we tested the dose and age-specific effects of sulforaphane on C. elegans longevity, finding that it can extend lifespan by more than 50% at the most efficacious doses, but that treatment must be initiated early in life to be effective. We then created a novel, gene-specific, transcriptional aging clock, which demonstrated that sulforaphane-treated individuals exhibited a “transcriptional age” that was approximately four days younger than age-matched controls, representing a nearly 20% reduction in biological age. The clearest transcriptional responses were detoxification pathways, which, together with the shape of the dose-response curve, indicates a likely hormetic response to sulforaphane. These results support the idea that robust longevity-extending interventions can act via global effects across the organism, as revealed by systems level changes in gene expression.

Sulforaphane promotes C. elegans longevity and healthspan via DAF-16/DAF-2 insulin/IGF-1 signaling

Type of study: non-rct experimental

Number of citations: 48

Year: 2021

Authors: Zhimin Qi, Huihui Ji, Monika Le, Hanmei Li, A. Wieland, Sonja Bauer, Li Liu, M. Wink, I. Herr

Journal: Aging (Albany NY)

Journal ranking: Q2

Key takeaways: Sulforaphane promotes C. elegans longevity and healthspan through insulin/IGF-1 signaling, offering a potential nutritional strategy for healthy aging and disease prevention.

Abstract: The broccoli-derived isothiocyanate sulforaphane inhibits inflammation, oxidative stress and cancer, but its effect on healthspan and longevity are unclear. We used the C. elegans nematode model and fed the wildtype and 9 mutant strains ±sulforaphane. The lifespan, phenotype, pharyngeal pumping, mobility, lipofuscin accumulation, and RNA and protein expression of the nematodes were assessed by using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, in vivo live imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and qRT-PCR. Sulforaphane increased the lifespan and promoted a health-related phenotype by increasing mobility, appetite and food intake and reducing lipofuscin accumulation. Mechanistically, sulforaphane inhibited DAF-2-mediated insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling and its downstream targets AGE-1, AKT-1/AKT-2. This was associated with increased nuclear translocation of the FOXO transcription factor homolog DAF-16. In turn, the target genes sod-3, mtl-1 and gst-4, known to enhance stress resistance and lifespan, were upregulated. These results indicate that sulforaphane prolongs the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans through insulin/IGF-1 signaling. Our results provide the basis for a nutritional sulforaphane-enriched strategy for the promotion of healthy aging and disease prevention.

Sulforaphane Targets TRA-1/GLI Upstream of DAF-16/FOXO to Promote C. elegans Longevity and Healthspan

Type of study:

Number of citations: 9

Year: 2021

Authors: Huihui Ji, Zhimin Qi, D. Schrapel, Monika Le, Yiqiao Luo, Bin-yuan Yan, J. Gladkich, Michael Schaefer, Li Liu, I. Herr

Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Sulforaphane promotes healthy aging and lifespan in C. elegans by inducing the expression and nuclear translocation of TRA-1/GLI and its downstream target DAF-16/FOXO.

Abstract: Broccoli-derived isothiocyanate sulforaphane inhibits inflammation and cancer. Sulforaphane may support healthy aging, but the underlying detailed mechanisms are unclear. We used the C. elegans nematode model to address this question. Wild-type and 4 mutant C. elegans worm strains were fed in the presence or absence of sulforaphane and E. coli food bacteria transfected with RNA interference gene constructs. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, live imaging of mobility and pharyngeal pumping, fluorescence microscopy, RT–qPCR, and Western blotting were performed. In the wild type, sulforaphane prolonged lifespan and increased mobility and food intake because of sulforaphane-induced upregulation of the sex-determination transcription factor TRA-1, which is the ortholog of the human GLI mediator of sonic hedgehog signaling. In turn, the tra-1 target gene daf-16, which is the ortholog of human FOXO and the major mediator of insulin/IGF-1 and aging signaling, was induced. By contrast, sulforaphane did not prolong lifespan and healthspan when tra-1 or daf-16 was inhibited by RNA interference or when worms with a loss-of-function mutation of the tra-1 or daf-16 genes were used. Conversely, the average lifespan of C. elegans with hyperactive TRA-1 increased by 8.9%, but this longer survival was abolished by RNAi-mediated inhibition of daf-16. Our data suggest the involvement of sulforaphane in regulating healthy aging and prolonging lifespan by inducing the expression and nuclear translocation of TRA-1/GLI and its downstream target DAF-16/FOXO.

Longevity in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum is enhanced by broccoli and depends on nrf-2, jnk-1 and foxo-1 homologous genes

Type of study:

Number of citations: 25

Year: 2013

Authors: S. Grünwald, Julia Stellzig, Iris V. Adam, K. Weber, S. Binger, M. Boll, E. Knorr, R. Twyman, A. Vilcinskas, U. Wenzel

Journal: Genes & Nutrition

Journal ranking: Q2

Key takeaways: Broccoli increases the life span of red flour beetles, with stress-resistant genes Nrf-2, Jnk-1, and Foxo-1 playing a key role in this process.

Abstract: Diet is generally believed to affect the aging process. The effects of complex foods on life span can be investigated using simple models that produce rapid results and allow the identification of food–gene interactions. Here, we show that 1 % lyophilized broccoli, added to flour as a dietary source, significantly increases the life span of the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) under physiological conditions (32 °C) and under heat stress (42 °C). The beneficial effects of broccoli could also be reproduced by supplementing flour with the isothiocyanate sulforaphane at concentrations found in the broccoli-supplemented diet. We identified stress-resistant genes responsible for these effects on longevity by microinjecting pupae with double-stranded RNA to induce RNA interference (RNAi). The knockdown of transcripts encoding homologs of Nrf-2, Jnk-1 and Foxo-1 reduced the life span of beetles and abrogated the beneficial effects of broccoli, whereas the knockdown of Sirt-1 and Sirt-3 had no impact in either scenario. In conclusion, T. castaneum is a suitable model organism to investigate food–gene interactions that affect stress resistance and longevity, and RNAi can be used to identify functionally relevant genes. As a proof of principle, we have shown here that broccoli increases the longevity of beetles and mediates its effect through signaling pathways that include key stress-resistant factors such as Nrf-2, Jnk-1 and Foxo-1.

In Vitro and In Vivo Insights into a Broccoli Byproduct as a Healthy Ingredient for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging through Redox Biology

Type of study: non-rct in vitro

Number of citations: 12

Year: 2024

Authors: M. Navarro-Hortal, J. M. Romero-Márquez, M. A. López-Bascón, C. Sánchez‐González, Jianbo Xiao, Sandra Sumalla-Cano, M. Battino, T. Forbes-Hernández, J. Quiles

Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli byproducts show antioxidant capacity and potential in managing Alzheimer's disease and aging through redox biology.

Abstract: Broccoli has gained popularity as a highly consumed vegetable due to its nutritional and health properties. This study aimed to evaluate the composition profile and the antioxidant capacity of a hydrophilic extract derived from broccoli byproducts, as well as its influence on redox biology, Alzheimer’s disease markers, and aging in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. The presence of glucosinolate was observed and antioxidant capacity was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity was quantified, and the treatment ameliorated the amyloid-β- and tau-induced proteotoxicity in transgenic strains via SOD-3 and SKN-1, respectively, and HSP-16.2 for both parameters. Furthermore, a preliminary study on aging indicated that the extract effectively reduced reactive oxygen species levels in aged worms and extended their lifespan. Utilizing broccoli byproducts for nutraceutical or functional foods could manage vegetable processing waste, enhancing productivity and sustainability while providing significant health benefits.

Broccoli or Sulforaphane: Is It the Source or Dose That Matters?

Type of study: literature review

Number of citations: 272

Year: 2019

Authors: Yoko Yagishita, J. Fahey, A. Dinkova-Kostova, T. Kensler

Journal: Molecules

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli consumption has health benefits, but more research is needed on dose and administration methods to ensure benefits across all global populations.

Abstract: There is robust epidemiological evidence for the beneficial effects of broccoli consumption on health, many of them clearly mediated by the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. Present in the plant as its precursor, glucoraphanin, sulforaphane is formed through the actions of myrosinase, a β-thioglucosidase present in either the plant tissue or the mammalian microbiome. Since first isolated from broccoli and demonstrated to have cancer chemoprotective properties in rats in the early 1990s, over 3000 publications have described its efficacy in rodent disease models, underlying mechanisms of action or, to date, over 50 clinical trials examining pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and disease mitigation. This review evaluates the current state of knowledge regarding the relationships between formulation (e.g., plants, sprouts, beverages, supplements), bioavailability and efficacy, and the doses of glucoraphanin and/or sulforaphane that have been used in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We pay special attention to the challenges for better integration of animal model and clinical studies, particularly with regard to selection of dose and route of administration. More effort is required to elucidate underlying mechanisms of action and to develop and validate biomarkers of pharmacodynamic action in humans. A sobering lesson is that changes in approach will be required to implement a public health paradigm for dispensing benefit across all spectrums of the global population.

Physiological effects of broccoli consumption

Type of study:

Number of citations: 220

Year: 2008

Authors: E. Jeffery, M. Araya

Journal: Phytochemistry Reviews

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli consumption may decrease cancer risk due to its bioactive components sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which may also protect against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Epidemiological studies suggest that broccoli can decrease risk for cancer. Broccoli contains many bioactives, including vitamins C and E, quercetin and kaempferol glycosides and, like other members of the Brassicaceae, several glucosinolates, including glucobrassicin (3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate) and glucoraphanin (4-methylsulphinylbutyl glucosinolate). A key bioactive component responsible for much of this activity may be sulforaphane (1-isothiocyanato-4-methylsulfinylbutane), a hydrolysis product of glucoraphanin. Sulforaphane not only upregulates a number of phase II detoxification enzymes involved in clearance of chemical carcinogens and reactive oxygen species, but has anti-tumorigenic properties, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells. The bioequivalency of sulforaphane and whole broccoli have not been fully evaluated, leaving it unclear whether whole broccoli provides a similar effect to purified sulforaphane, or whether the presence of other components in broccoli, such as indole-3-carbinol from glucobrassicin, is an added health benefit. Dietary indole-3-carbinol is known to alter estrogen metabolism, to cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells and, in animals, to decrease risk for breast cancer. Recent research suggests that both dietary broccoli and the individual components sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol may offer protection from a far broader array of diseases than cancer, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. A common link between these oxidative degenerative diseases and cancer may be aggravation by inflammation. A small body of literature is forming suggesting that both indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane may protect against inflammation, inhibiting cytokine production. It remains to be seen whether cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and other diseases of aging can all benefit from a diet rich in broccoli and other crucifers.

Broccoli: A Multi-Faceted Vegetable for Health: An In-Depth Review of Its Nutritional Attributes, Antimicrobial Abilities, and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Type of study: literature review

Number of citations: 50

Year: 2023

Authors: Rahamathulla Syed, S. S. Moni, M. Break, Weam M A Khojali, M. Jafar, Maali D. Alshammari, Karim Abdelsalam, Soha Taymour, Khetam Saad Mutni Alreshidi, Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha, S. Mohan

Journal: Antibiotics

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and indole-3-carbinol, which have health-promoting effects.

Abstract: Broccoli, Brassica oleracea var. italica, has recently gained considerable attention due to its remarkable nutritional composition and numerous health benefits. In this review, the nutritional aspects of broccoli are examined, highlighting its rich nutrient content and essential bioactive compounds. The cruciferous vegetable broccoli is a rich source of several important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins (A, C, and K), minerals (calcium, potassium, and iron), and antioxidants. It has also been shown to contain bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and indole-3-carbinol, all of which have been shown to have significant health-promoting effects. These chemicals are known to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This review article aims to comprehensively examine the diverse spectrum of nutrients contained in broccoli and explore its medicinal potential to promote human health.

Effects of long-term consumption of broccoli sprouts on inflammatory markers in overweight subjects.

Type of study:

Number of citations: 112

Year: 2019

Authors: María Teresa López-Chillón, Carmen Carazo-Díaz, D. Prieto-Merino, P. Zafrilla, D. Moreno, D. Villaño

Journal: Clinical nutrition

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Long-term consumption of broccoli sprouts significantly reduces inflammatory markers in overweight adults, supporting the healthy properties of Brassica varieties.

Broccoli consumption affects the human gastrointestinal microbiota.

Type of study: rct

Number of citations: 113

Year: 2019

Authors: J. Kaczmarek, Xiaoji Liu, C. Charron, J. Novotny, E. Jeffery, H. Seifried, S. Ross, Michael J. Miller, K. Swanson, H. Holscher

Journal: The Journal of nutritional biochemistry

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli consumption alters the human gastrointestinal microbiota, increasing Bacteroidetes and affecting pathways related to the endocrine system, transport, catabolism, and energy metabolism.

Nutrient–Nutrient Interactions Among Broccoli Glucosinolates and Their Implications for Breeding Cruciferous Crops to Enhance Human Health

Type of study:

Number of citations: 0

Year: 2025

Authors: Weston Bussler, Katelyn Dezego, H. Chandler, Robert W. Reid, S. Komarnytsky

Journal: Nutrients

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Optimizing the composition of broccoli glucosinolates can enhance their antiproliferative effects, potentially leading to functional varieties with enhanced health benefits.

Abstract: While a balanced diet can fulfill most nutritional needs, optimizing the composition of specific foods like broccoli can amplify their health benefits. Background/Objectives: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica group) is a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable valued for its gastrointestinal and immune health benefits. However, the individual contributions and interactions of broccoli glucosinolates, as they hydrolyze into bioactive isothiocyanates, remain poorly understood. Methods: This study investigated mixtures of four major aliphatic glucosinolates—glucoraphanin, gluconapin, progoitrin, and sinigrin—in individual and combinational models to assess their effects on human colorectal cell proliferation. Results: Combination index analysis revealed moderate to strong antagonistic interactions among these glucosinolates, with the most significant antagonism observed during enzymatic hydrolysis by myrosinase. Mixture analysis identified an optimal glucosinolate ratio including glucoraphanin (81–84%), gluconapin (9–19%), and others (0–7%) to maximize their antiproliferative effects (adjusted R2 > 0.80). This optimal profile was achievable within the target broccoli mapping population. Testing the near-optimal VB067 isogenic broccoli line showed a 44% increase in antiproliferative activity compared to the initial breeding parent or an average sister line. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of leveraging nutrient–nutrient interactions to guide molecular breeding and produce functional varieties of cruciferous vegetables with optimized health benefits.

Health benefits and possible risks of broccoli - an overview.

Type of study:

Number of citations: 246

Year: 2011

Authors: K. Latté, K. Appel, A. Lampen

Journal: Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli's health benefits outweigh potential risks when consumed in modest quantities and processed form, but further studies are needed for fortified dietary supplements and raw vegetable consumption.

The intake of broccoli sprouts modulates the inflammatory and vascular prostanoids but not the oxidative stress-related isoprostanes in healthy humans.

Type of study: non-rct experimental

Number of citations: 49

Year: 2015

Authors: S. Medina, R. Domínguez‐Perles, D. Moreno, C. García‐Viguera, F. Ferreres, J. I. Gil, Á. Gil-Izquierdo

Journal: Food chemistry

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli sprouts intake reduces inflammation and vascular biomarkers without significantly affecting oxidative stress-related isoprostanes in healthy humans.

Absorption and metabolism of isothiocyanates formed from broccoli glucosinolates: effects of BMI and daily consumption in a randomised clinical trial

Type of study: rct

Number of citations: 34

Year: 2018

Authors: C. Charron, B. Vinyard, S. Ross, H. Seifried, E. Jeffery, J. Novotny

Journal: British Journal of Nutrition

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Daily consumption of broccoli increases the absorption and metabolism of sulphoraphane-derived compounds, potentially offering cancer protection, but its effects depend on BMI and not on GSTM1 genotype.

Abstract: Abstract Sulphoraphane originates from glucoraphanin in broccoli and is associated with anti-cancer effects. A preclinical study suggested that daily consumption of broccoli may increase the production of sulphoraphane and sulphoraphane metabolites available for absorption. The objective of this study was to determine whether daily broccoli consumption alters the absorption and metabolism of isothiocyanates derived from broccoli glucosinolates. We conducted a randomised cross-over human study (n 18) balanced for BMI and glutathione S-transferase μ 1 (GSTM1) genotype in which subjects consumed a control diet with no broccoli (NB) for 16 d or the same diet with 200 g of cooked broccoli and 20 g of raw daikon radish daily for 15 d (daily broccoli, DB) and 100 g of broccoli and 10 g of daikon radish on day 16. On day 17, all subjects consumed a meal of 200 g of broccoli and 20 g of daikon radish. Plasma and urine were collected for 24 h and analysed for sulphoraphane and metabolites of sulphoraphane and erucin by triple quadrupole tandem MS. For subjects with BMI >26 kg/m2 (median), plasma AUC and urinary excretion rates of total metabolites were higher on the NB diet than on the DB diet, whereas for subjects with BMI <26 kg/m2, plasma AUC and urinary excretion rates were higher on the DB diet than on the NB diet. Daily consumption of broccoli interacted with BMI but not GSTM1 genotype to affect plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of glucosinolate-derived compounds believed to confer protection against cancer. This trial was registered as NCT02346812.

Profiling glucosinolate metabolites in human urine and plasma after broccoli consumption using non-targeted and targeted metabolomic analyses.

Type of study:

Number of citations: 26

Year: 2020

Authors: Jianghao Sun, C. Charron, J. Novotny, Bing Peng, L. Yu, Pei Chen

Journal: Food chemistry

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli consumption leads to the release of glucosinolate metabolites in human urine and plasma, which may serve as markers for its intake.

Nutritional values, beneficial effects, and food applications of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck)

Type of study: literature review

Number of citations: 127

Year: 2022

Authors: Hang Li, Yu Xia, Hong-Yan Liu, Huan Guo, Xiao-Qin He, Yi Liu, Dingtao Wu, Ying-Hui Mai, Huabin Li, Liang Zou, R. Gan

Journal: Trends in Food Science & Technology

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other health benefits, and can be developed into functional foods for preventing and treating chronic disorders.

Broccoli Florets Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Alters Gut Microbiome Population—A Steatosis Mice Model Induced by High-Fat Diet

Type of study:

Number of citations: 20

Year: 2021

Authors: Gil Zandani, Sarit Anavi-Cohen, Nina Tsybina-Shimshilashvili, N. Sela, A. Nyska, Z. Madar

Journal: Frontiers in Nutrition

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli floret supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and alters gut microbiome in mice on a high-fat diet, potentially benefiting those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and gut dysbiosis. Gut microbiota profoundly affects the host energy homeostasis, which, in turn, is affected by a high-fat diet (HFD) through the liver-gut axis, among others. Broccoli contains beneficial bioactive compounds and may protect against several diseases. This study aimed to determine the effects of broccoli supplementation to an HFD on metabolic parameters and gut microbiome in mice. Male (7–8 weeks old) C57BL/J6 mice were divided into four groups: normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet+10% broccoli florets (HFD + F), and high-fat diet + 10% broccoli stalks (HFD + S). Liver histology and serum biochemical factors were evaluated. Alterations in protein and gene expression of the key players in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as in gut microbiota alterations were also investigated. Broccoli florets addition to the HFD significantly reduced serum insulin levels, HOMA-IR index, and upregulated adiponectin receptor expression. Conversely, no significant difference was found in the group supplemented with broccoli stalks. Both broccoli stalks and florets did not affect fat accumulation, carbohydrate, or lipid metabolism-related parameters. Modifications in diversity and in microbial structure of proteobacteria strains, Akermansia muciniphila and Mucispirillum schaedleri were observed in the broccoli-supplemented HFD-fed mice. The present study suggests that dietary broccoli alters parameters related to insulin sensitivity and modulates the intestinal environment. More studies are needed to confirm the results of this study and to investigate the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects.

Biomarkers of Broccoli Consumption: Implications for Glutathione Metabolism and Liver Health

Type of study: non-rct experimental

Number of citations: 14

Year: 2020

Authors: A. Eve, Xiaoji Liu, Yanling Wang, Michael J. Miller, E. Jeffery, Zeynep Madak-Erdogan

Journal: Nutrients

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli consumption alters plasma metabolites and gut microbiome composition, reflecting gut-liver axis health and potential health benefits for humans.

Abstract: Diet and lifestyle choices contribute to obesity and liver disease. Broccoli, a brassica vegetable, may mitigate negative effects of both diet and lifestyle. Currently, there are no clinically relevant, established molecular biomarkers that reflect variability in human absorption of brassica bioactives, which may be the cause of variability/inconsistencies in health benefits in the human population. Here, we focused on the plasma metabolite profile and composition of the gut microbiome in rats, a relatively homogenous population in terms of gut microbiota, genetics, sex and diet, to determine if changes in the plasma metabolite profiles caused by dietary broccoli relate to molecular changes in liver. Our aim was to identify plasma indicators that reflect how liver health is impacted by dietary broccoli. Rats were fed a 10% broccoli diet for 14 days. We examined the plasma metabolite composition by metabolomics analysis using GC–MS and gut microbiota using 16S sequencing after 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14 days of broccoli feeding. We identified 25 plasma metabolites that changed with broccoli consumption, including metabolites associated with hepatic glutathione synthesis, and with de novo fatty acid synthesis. Glutamine, stearic acid, and S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC) relative abundance changes correlated with changes in gut bacteria previously implicated in metabolic disease and with validated increases in expression of hepatic NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), associated with elevated hepatic glutathione synthesis. Circulating biomarkers following broccoli consumption reflect gut–liver axis health.

Sulforaphane: A Broccoli Bioactive Phytocompound with Cancer Preventive Potential

Type of study: literature review

Number of citations: 109

Year: 2021

Authors: Anna E Kaiser, Mojdeh Baniasadi, Derrek M Giansiracusa, Matthew Giansiracusa, M. García, Zachary Fryda, T. Wong, A. Bishayee

Journal: Cancers

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in broccoli, shows potential as a cancer preventive agent, with promising results in in vitro, vivo, and clinical studies.

Abstract: Simple Summary As of the past decade, phytochemicals have become a major target of interest in cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic research. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a metabolite of the phytochemical glucoraphanin, which is found in high abundance in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, watercress, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. In both distant and recent research, SFN has been shown to have a multitude of anticancer effects, increasing the need for a comprehensive review of the literature. In this review, we critically evaluate SFN as an anticancer agent and its mechanisms of action based on an impressive number of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Abstract There is substantial and promising evidence on the health benefits of consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. The most important compound in broccoli, glucoraphanin, is metabolized to SFN by the thioglucosidase enzyme myrosinase. SFN is the major mediator of the health benefits that have been recognized for broccoli consumption. SFN represents a phytochemical of high interest as it may be useful in preventing the occurrence and/or mitigating the progression of cancer. Although several prior publications provide an excellent overview of the effect of SFN in cancer, these reports represent narrative reviews that focused mainly on SFN’s source, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action in modulating specific pathways involved in cancer without a comprehensive review of SFN’s role or value for prevention of various human malignancies. This review evaluates the most recent state of knowledge concerning SFN’s efficacy in preventing or reversing a variety of neoplasms. In this work, we have analyzed published reports based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to determine SFN’s potential as a chemopreventive agent. Furthermore, we have discussed the current limitations and challenges associated with SFN research and suggested future research directions before broccoli-derived products, especially SFN, can be used for human cancer prevention and intervention.

Cooked Broccoli Alters Cecal Microbiota and Impacts Microbial Metabolism of Glucoraphanin in Lean and Obese Mice

Type of study: rct

Number of citations: 0

Year: 2025

Authors: Anqi Zhao, Jiaxuan Li, Mark Peterson, Molly Black, Christopher A Gaulke, Elizabeth H Jeffery, Michael J. Miller

Journal: Molecular Nutrition & Food Research

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Cooked broccoli consumption enhances microbial glucoraphanin hydrolysis, producing more bioactive isothiocyanates, promoting gut health in both lean and obese mice.

Abstract: ABSTRACT Scope Brassica vegetables contain unique compounds known as glucosinolates (GSLs), which, when hydrolyzed by plant or microbial myrosinase, form bioactive isothiocyanates (ITCs) that offer health benefits to the host. The present study evaluated the impact of cooked broccoli (broccoli myrosinase inactivated) consumption on cecal microbial metabolism of glucoraphanin (GRP) in lean and obese mice and characterized the changes in cecal microbiota following broccoli‐containing diets. Methods and results Twenty lean and 20 diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice were randomized to consume control or cooked broccoli supplemented diets for 7 days. Cooked broccoli consumption increased ex vivo microbial GRP hydrolysis by cecal contents collected from lean and obese mice, led to increased production of sulforaphane (SF), sulforaphane‐cysteine (SF‐CYS), total ITC, and colonic NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity. Further investigation revealed increased abundance of health‐promoting gut microbiota, including Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Dubosiella newyorkensis, following broccoli‐containing diets. The Peptococcaseae family, the Blautia genus, and an amplicon sequence variation (ASV) from the Oscillospiraceae family exhibited negative correlation with total ITC production. Conclusion These finding suggest that cooked broccoli consumption enhances microbial GRP hydrolysis to produce more bioactive ITCs and inform future strategies toward altering microbial GSL metabolism to promote gut health in both lean and obese individuals.

The Multifaceted Health Benefits of Broccoli—A Review of Glucosinolates, Phenolics and Antimicrobial Peptides

Type of study: literature review

Number of citations: 0

Year: 2025

Authors: Celia María Curieses Andrés, J. M. Pérez de la Lastra, Elena Bustamante Munguira, Celia Andrés Juan, Eduardo Perez‐Lebeña

Journal: Molecules

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli's bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial peptides, provide various health benefits, including antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Broccoli, a highly valued Brassica vegetable, is renowned for its rich content of bioactive substances, including glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and essential minerals. Glucosinolates (GSLs), secondary plant metabolites, are particularly abundant in broccoli. The global consumption of broccoli has increased due to its high nutritional value. This review examines the essential bioactive compounds in broccoli and their biological properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that broccoli exhibits various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects. This review analyzes several aspects of the chemical and biological activity of GSLs and their hydrolysis products, isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane, as well as phenolic compounds. Particular emphasis is placed on sulforaphane’s chemical structure, the reactivity of its isothiocyanate fraction (-NCS), and given the different behavior of SFN enantiomers, a wide and detailed review of the chemical synthesis methods described, by microbial oxidation, or using a chiral ruthenium catalyst and more widely using chiral auxiliaries for synthesizing sulforaphane enantiomers. In addition, the methods of chiral resolution of racemates by HPLC are reviewed, explaining the different chiral fillers used for this resolution and a third section on resolution using the formation of diastereomeric complexes and subsequent separation on achiral columns. Additionally, this review highlights the presence of antimicrobial peptides in broccoli, which have shown potential applications in food preservation and as natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from broccoli target bacterial membranes, enzymes, oxidative stress pathways and inflammatory mediators, contributing to their effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens and with potential therapeutic applications.

Untargeted polysulfide omics analysis of alternations in polysulfide production during the germination of broccoli sprouts

Type of study:

Number of citations: 7

Year: 2023

Authors: S. Kasamatsu, Takuma Owaki, Somei Komae, Ayaka Kinno, T. Ida, Takaaki Akaike, H. Ihara

Journal: Redox Biology

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli sprouts increase their polysulfide content during germination, contributing to their health-promoting properties and potential novel pharmacological targets for human health benefits.

Anticancer activity of broccoli, its organosulfur and polyphenolic compounds

Type of study: literature review

Number of citations: 27

Year: 2023

Authors: Amin Gasmi, A. Gasmi Benahmed, M. Shanaida, S. Chirumbolo, A. Menzel, Wajiha Anzar, M. Arshad, N. Cruz-Martins, R. Lysiuk, Nataliya Beley, P. Oliinyk, V. Shanaida, Antonina Denys, M. Peana, Geir Bjørklund

Journal: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli, rich in phytochemicals and vitamins, can help prevent and treat various cancers due to its sulforaphane content and antioxidant properties.

Abstract: Abstract The use of natural bioactive constituents from various food sources for anticancer purposes has become increasingly popular worldwide. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is on the top of the consumed vegetables by the masses. Its raw matrix contains a plethora of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates and phenolic compounds, along with rich amounts of vitamins, and minerals. Consumption of broccoli-derived phytochemicals provides strong antioxidant effects, particularly due to its sulforaphane content, while modulating numerous molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, control of apoptosis, and tuning enzyme activity. Thus, the inclusion of broccoli in the daily diet lowers the susceptibility to developing cancers. Numerous studies have underlined the undisputable role of broccoli in the diet as a chemopreventive raw food, owing to the content in sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate produced as a result of hydrolysis of precursor glucosinolates called glucoraphanin. This review will provide evidence supporting the specific role of fresh florets and sprouts of broccoli and its key bioactive constituents in the prevention and treatment of different cancers; a number of studies carried out in the in vitro and in vivo conditions as well as clinical trials were analyzed.

The Effect of Broccoli Glucoraphanin Supplementation on Ameliorating High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Obesity through the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Interface

Type of study: non-rct experimental

Number of citations: 5

Year: 2024

Authors: Taiwo Bankole, Tianzhou Ma, Itika Arora, Zhentian Lei, Murugesan Raju, Zhenhai Li, Yuanyuan Li

Journal: Molecular Nutrition & Food Research

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli glucoraphanin supplementation improves glucose metabolism and reduces obesity-related traits in mice by reprogramming gut microbiome and metabolites.

Abstract: Obesity and its metabolic comorbidities pose a major global challenge for public health. Glucoraphanin (GRN) is a natural bioactive compound enriched in broccoli that is known to have potential health benefits against various human chronic diseases.

Broccoli consumption attenuates inflammation and modulates gut microbiome composition and gut integrity-related factors in mice fed with a high-fat high-cholesterol diet

Type of study:

Number of citations: 8

Year: 2021

Authors: Gil Zandani, Sarit Anavi-Cohen, N. Sela, A. Nyska, Z. Madar

Journal: Food & Nutrition Research

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Broccoli supplementation improves glucose tolerance, reduces liver inflammation, and alters gut microbiome composition in mice on a high-fat high-cholesterol diet, but does not affect gut integrity.

Abstract: Background: Nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem associated with gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability. Broccoli is a natural source of bioactive phytochemicals, characterized by health-promoting properties. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of broccoli florets and stalks on liver fat accumulation, inflammation, gut microbiome, and intestinal barrier integrity. Design: Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 32, 8-week-old) were fed with a high-fat high-cholesterol diet (HFCD) with/without 15% broccoli (florets or stalks) for 7 weeks. Liver damage was evaluated by changes in glucose response and histological and biochemical parameters. Protein and gene expressions related to liver inflammation were examined. The effect of broccoli on microbiota population together with genes related to barrier integrity in the gut was investigated. Results: Dietary broccoli improved the glycemic response assessed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Histological evaluation showed no change in hepatic steatosis. Broccoli consumption also attenuated inflammation as revealed by lower inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) expression levels in broccoli-supplemented groups. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated elevated Acidifaciens and reduced Mucispirillum schaedleri abundance in the stalks group, whereas Proteobacteria strains abundance was increased in the florets group. Gut integrity remained unchanged. Conclusion: Broccoli supplementation improves glucose tolerance, attenuates liver inflammation, and alters microbial composition, but does not affect gut integrity. This research provides new evidence on the effects of dietary broccoli under HFCD.

Cruciferous vegetable and isothiocyanate intake and multiple health outcomes.

Type of study:

Number of citations: 29

Year: 2021

Authors: Ni Li, Xiaoting Wu, Zhuang Wen, Chuncheng Wu, Zhiyong Rao, Liang Du, Yong Zhou

Journal: Food chemistry

Journal ranking: Q1

Key takeaways: Consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cancers, and depression, with a 10% decrease in all-cause mortality at 100 g/d.