Anticancer activities of dietary benzyl isothiocyanate: A comprehensive review

Pharmacol Res. 2021 Jul:169:105666. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105666. Epub 2021 May 12.

Abstract

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is one of the common isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage or watercress. Preclinical studies report of its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment against several cancers. This review aims to report and discuss findings on anticancer activities of BITC and its modes of action against 14 types of cancer. A literature search was conducted using the keywords "BITC" and "anticancer" from PubMed, Google Scholar and CINAHL Plus to obtain relevant research articles. This review highlights the anticancer efficacy of BITC through modulation of various signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, metastasis, angiogenesis, autophagy and the effects of BITC in combination with other drugs. With the available pharmacology evidence, we conclude that further studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in humans for further development and translation into prophylaxis or therapy by promoting optimal therapeutic effects and minimizing toxicity in cancer treatment.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00691132.

Keywords: Anticancer; Benzyl isothiocyanate; Chemopreventive; Chemotherapeutic; Natural compound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Autophagy / drug effects
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Diet
  • Humans
  • Isothiocyanates / administration & dosage
  • Isothiocyanates / pharmacology
  • Isothiocyanates / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Isothiocyanates
  • benzyl isothiocyanate

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00691132