Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Multiple sclerosis patients alerted to possible benefits of sulforaphane supplements.

Sulforaphane is a substance found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli sprouts. In recent years it has excited the interest of cancer researchers because of its ability to detoxify carcinogens and block the initiation of chemically-induced cancers. Studies have also shown that sulforaphane inhibits the growth of tumors, and causes cancer cells to ‘commit suicide’. Breast and skin cancer cells seem to be especially sensitive to this substance. Extremely small mounts of sulforaphane used on the skin can block the development of skin tumors.

A recent report now suggests that sulforaphane should be investigated as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The progression of MS involves chronic inflammation of ‘glial’ tissues in the nervous system. (Glial cells form the myelin sheaths that protect, nourish, and insulate nerve cells.) Researchers in Holland have shown that sulforaphane has anti-inflammatory effects on glial cells and also promotes the destruction of neurotoxic chemicals that may contribute to the progression of MS.

Links to research articles:

Detoxication enzyme inducers modify cytokine production in rat mixed glial cells.

Sulforaphane prevents mouse skin tumorigenesis during the stage of promotion.

Mechanisms of Action and Antiproliferative Properties of Brassica oleracea Juice in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

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LifeLink carries sulforaphane (‘Broccoli Sprouts Extract’) in 1 mg tablets.