Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases, and recently, a variety of natural compounds with preventive effects on cancer developments have been reported. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a potent anti-cancer isothiocyanate originating from Brassica oleracea (broccoli). SFN, mainly metabolized via mercapturic acid pathway, has high bioavailability and absorption. The present reviews mainly discussed the metabolism and absorption of SFN and newly discovered mechanistic understanding recent years for SFN's anti-cancer effects including promoting autophagy, inducing epigenetic modifications, suppressing glycolysis and fat metabolism. Moreover, its inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells and synergetic effects with other anti-cancer agents are also reviewed along with the clinical trials in this realm.
Keywords: Cancer; cancer stem cells; metabolism; novel mechanisms.