Sulforaphane and Cancer Prevention: A Comprehensive Study of Extraction, Structural Properties, and Therapeutic Potential
Affiliations: Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding author: Muhammad Pervaiz
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, primarily driven by uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Natural bioactive compounds have gained attention as safer and potentially effective complements to synthetic drugs. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate generated from glucoraphanin in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. This review examines the structural properties, natural sources, extraction strategies, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic mechanisms of SFN in cancer prevention and treatment. Advances in solvent-based, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, high-pressure, and green-solvent extraction have improved SFN recovery and purity. Mechanistically, SFN modulates carcinogen metabolism, inhibits phase I enzymes, induces phase II detoxification enzymes, activates Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling, regulates epigenetic modifications, and triggers apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Preclinical studies indicate that SFN can suppress tumor initiation, progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis across multiple cancer types. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems, particularly polymeric micelles and related formulations, may further enhance stability, bioavailability, and targeted release. Collectively, SFN represents a promising nutraceutical and adjunctive therapeutic candidate. Future research should prioritize standardized extraction, dose optimization, long-term safety evaluation, and well-designed clinical trials.
Keywords: Sulforaphane; cruciferous vegetables; glucoraphanin; extraction methods; anticancer activity
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This research received no external funding.
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The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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No new datasets were generated or analyzed in this review. Data sharing is not applicable.
Author contributions
Muhammad Umair Afzal: Conceptualization, literature search, data curation, and writing—original draft preparation. Rashida Bashir: Literature analysis, validation, and writing—review and editing. Muhammad Pervaiz: Conceptualization, supervision, validation, project administration, and writing—review and editing. Muhammad Ahmad Azam, Zohaib Saeed, Rana Rashad Mahmood Khan, Muhammad Summer, and Samiullah: Literature search, data curation, preparation of manuscript sections, and writing—review and editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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Muhammad Umair Afzal, Rashida Bashir, Muhammad Pervaiz*, Muhammad Ahmad Azam, Zohaib Saeed, Rana Rashad Mahmood Khan, Muhammad Summer, Samiullah. Sulforaphane and Cancer Prevention: A Comprehensive Study of Extraction, Structural Properties, and Therapeutic Potential. Journal of Biological and Sustainability Sciences. 2025;1(1):50-67. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21529906