Open Access Isothiocyanates: A Chemical Class of Potential Nutraceuticals

Abstract: Isothiocyanates comprise the most promising class of chemopreventive phytochemicals. They are encountered at substantial amounts in cruciferous vegetables where they exist in the form of glucosinolates. Epidemiological studies have linked consumption of isothiocyanates to low cancer incidence at a number of sites. Furthermore, laboratory studies in animal models of cancer have established that various isothiocyanates can effectively antagonise the carcinogenicity of chemicals. A principal mechanism of action of these chemicals is to modulate the metabolism of chemical carcinogens so as to favour their metabolic detoxification. In this mini review we discuss the ability of isothiocyanates to influence carcinogen-metabolising enzyme systems, such as cytochromes P450 and conjugation systems, at dietary levels of exposure