Pharmacological Effects

-Anticancer Activity 

High dietary intake of glucoraphanin-rich broccoli correlates with reduced risk of multiple cancers (e.g., lung, gastric, colorectal, and breast cancer). Studies demonstrate that glucoraphanin exerts chemopreventive effects via its bioactive metabolite, sulforaphane (SFN). 

Figure 1 Effect of Sulforaphane on Growth and Viability of HT29 Cells.

 (A) Quantification of suspended and adherent cells in culture; (B) Cell viability assessed by MTT assay.

-Neuroprotective Effects   

Glucoraphanin significantly inhibits the reduction of striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) in Parkinson’s disease model mice, demonstrating neuroprotective efficacy. 

Figure 2 Protective Effect of Glucoraphanin on DAT Immunoreactivity in MPTP-Induced Mouse Striatum.

-Antiviral Activity 

Sulforaphane exhibits dose-dependent antiviral activity against coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Its high oral bioavailability and favorable safety profile position it as a potential candidate for early intervention in high-risk populations to prevent or treat coronavirus/RSV infections. 

Figure 3 Effect of Sulforaphane Pretreatment on Viability of HL-60 Neutrophils and Their Antimicrobial Activity Against Respiratory Pathogens.

-Anti-Obesity Effects   

Glucoraphanin shows significant potential in counteracting metabolic disorder-associated obesity. It markedly reduces body weight gain and fat accumulation (particularly visceral fat) in dextrinized cornstarch-fed mice. 

Figure 4 Mouse Body Weight (A), Fat Mass (B), and Lean Mass (C) (n=9)

(NC: Normal chow; NC-GR: Normal chow + glucoraphanin; HFD: High-fat dextrinized cornstarch diet; HFD-GR: HFD + glucoraphanin)

-Other Pharmacological Activities   

Muscle Protection & Exercise Recovery: Reduces post-exercise creatine kinase levels and oxidative damage; accelerates lactate metabolism.

Skin Protection: Activates Nrf2 pathway to mitigate UV-induced collagen degradation and inhibit MMP-1 activity, enhancing skin barrier function. 

Antimicrobial Action: Inhibits pathogens like Helicobacter pylori and  Staphylococcus aureus. 

Behavioral Intervention: Alleviates autism-related social deficits in short-term studies.  

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