A study has shown that sulforaphane cell death induces and apoptosis triggers in human colon cancer cells. Sulforaphane is only found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

The results of the study, conducted by researchers from China Medical University in Taiwan, were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate that has anti-tumor and chemopreventive activity, but the effects on human colon cancer cells have not been investigated before.

Apoptotic cell death

The researchers discovered that SFN can induce cell morphological changes and reduce the viability of HCT 166 cells. HCT116 is a human colon cancer cell line used in therapeutic research and drug screening. Apoptotic cell death, a natural process of cell death that shows abnormality and no longer functioning properly, was also confirmed after exposure to SFN.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that SFN can be used in the future as a new anticancer medicine for the treatment of human colon cancer.

Sources: World Scientific