Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Nov 16;21(22):8637. doi: 10.3390/ijms21228637.

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytocompound belonging to the isothiocyanate family. Although it was also found in seeds and mature plants, SFN is mainly present in sprouts of many cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. SFN is produced by the conversion of glucoraphanin through the enzyme myrosinase, which leads to the formation of this isothiocyanate. SFN is especially characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and for this reason, it aroused the interest of researchers. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies present on Pubmed that report the efficacy of SFN in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, thanks to its beneficial effects, SFN could be useful as a supplement to counteracting neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; multiple sclerosis; neuroprotective effects; sulforaphane.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Isothiocyanates / therapeutic use*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / pathology
  • Sulfoxides

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Sulfoxides
  • sulforaphane

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