Sulforaphane is a compound within the isothiocyanate group of organosulfur compounds. It is obtained from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbages. It is produced when the enzyme myrosinase transforms glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate, into sulforaphane upon damage to the plant (such as from chewing), which allows the two compounds to mix and react. Young sprouts of broccoli and cauliflower are particularly rich in glucoraphanin.Sulphur compounds in sulphur rich food have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer development. One such compound is sulforaphane (SF), a cancer chemopreventive agent identified in broccoli (F. cruciferae). Except for red cabbage and kale, crucifer extracts displayed moderate to weak activity in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) free radicals relative to vitamin E standard.
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