Glucosinolates: the phytochemicals of nutraceutical importance

J Complement Integr Med. 2012 Jul 2:9:Article 13. doi: 10.1515/1553-3840.1611.

Abstract

Glucosinolates (thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulphates) constitute a homogeneous class of naturally occurring thiosaccharidic compounds mainly found in the botanical order Brassicales. They can be hydrolyzed by myrosinase to produce D-glucose and various other degradation products like isothiocyanates (ITCs)-depending on the aglycon part. The exact function of glucosinolates (GLSs) in the plant is unclear, however their potent odour and taste suggests a role in herbivore and microbial defense. They are known for their fungicidal, bacteriocidal, nematocidal and allelopathic properties and have recently attracted intense research interest because of their cancer chemo-protective attributes. Iso-thiocyanates, one of the hydrolyzed products, show best anti-carcinogenic activity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Ascorbic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Ascorbic Acid / chemistry
  • Ascorbic Acid / metabolism
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Brassicaceae / chemistry
  • Brassicaceae / metabolism
  • Diet*
  • Fruit
  • Glucosinolates / chemistry
  • Glucosinolates / metabolism
  • Glucosinolates / pharmacology*
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / chemistry
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Indoles / metabolism
  • Indoles / pharmacology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Vegetables

Substances

  • Glucosinolates
  • Indoles
  • ascorbigen
  • Glycoside Hydrolases
  • thioglucosidase
  • Ascorbic Acid