In recent years, the importance of a healthy diet for our overall health and longevity has gained increasing significance. Scientific studies have shown that certain nutrients and compounds in foods can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage associated with a variety of chronic diseases. One such compound that has received a lot of attention lately is sulforaphane. In this MoleQlar article, we will explore what sulforaphane is, which foods contain the molecule, and what effect the molecule might have on our longevity.
What is sulforaphane?
Sulforaphane is a completely natural compound found in certain cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage .It is produced by the combination of two compounds called glucoraphanin and myrosinase, which are present in the cells of these vegetables. When the cells of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables are damaged – for example, when they are chopped or chewed – a chemical reaction occurs in which glucoraphanin (precursor) and myrosinase (activating enzyme) come together and sulforaphane is formed. This process can also be triggered by heating, when the heat breaks the cell walls of the vegetables and releases the two compounds. Sulforaphane is a powerful antioxidant and a significant anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.Both are factors that are associated with a variety of diseases and aging processes. But before we take a closer look at the molecule, let's take a look at the mentioned precursor glucoraphanin and the activating enzyme myrosinase. Why? These two substances form the basis for the formation of sulforaphane and are therefore particularly important.
What is glucoraphanin?
Glucoraphanin belongs to the family of glucosinolates, which are known as secondary plant substances and are receiving increasing attention due to their health-promoting effects.They are also referred to as glucosinolates . Glucoraphanin has a characteristic molecular structure consisting of a glucose molecule and a sulfur-containing molecule known as a sulfoxide group. When glucoraphanin is activated by enzymes, it converts into sulforaphane by cleaving off the sulfoxide group. Therefore, glucoraphanin is used in innovative dietary supplements combined with myrosinase (activating enzyme). The conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane mainly occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. We will explain what the activating enzyme myrosinase is in the next section.
What is myrosinase?
Myrosinase is an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane .Without myrosinase, glucoraphanin could not be converted into sulforaphane. During the cooking of cruciferous vegetables, the myrosinase enzyme can be destroyed due to heat or pH changes, reducing the conversion of glucoraphanin into the target molecule. For this reason, it is recommended to cook cruciferous vegetables gently or consume them raw to ensure that sufficient myrosinase is present to facilitate the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. Alternatively, a combination of glucoraphanin and myrosinase can be taken as a dietary supplement.
What is the Nrf2 signaling pathway?
Nrf2 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating the expression of genes involved in the detoxification of harmful substances and combating oxidative stress . When sulforaphane is absorbed into the body, it activates this signaling pathway by interacting with certain proteins in the cells and stimulating their release from the cytoplasm (cellular fluid) into the nucleus.
The Nrf2 signaling pathway has a number of positive effects on health health.On the one hand, it protects the cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can lead to cell damage, inflammation, and diseases. On the other hand, it helps with the detoxification of harmful substances that may be present in the body. By activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, various protective mechanisms in the body are activated. Sounds good? Okay. But how should I best take sulforaphane now? Why should one take sulforaphane in capsule form? Although the best sources of sulforaphane are cruciferous vegetables, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of the bioactive molecule through food alone. The absorption of sulforaphane is more complex than it seems at first glance. Sulforaphane in its pure form is very unstable and usually does not reach our body or is already destroyed on the way to the intestine. The combination of glucoraphanin and myrosinase mimics the natural formation of activated sulforaphane in our digestive tract. To prevent stomach acid from attacking the molecular structures, the capsule is coated with a stomach acid-resistant layer. Only in this way can the highly pure and bioactive vital substance fully unfold its effect in the body. Our Sulforapro is an innovative molecular complex made from the sulforaphane precursor glucoraphanin and its activating enzyme myrosinase, combined with natural broccoli extract.
