Abstract: Glucosinolates are a kind of important sulfur-containing anionic hydrophilic natural products in cruciferous vegetables. Under the catalysis of endogenous myrosinase, glucosinolates can be hydrolyzed to produce active substances with anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, antimicrobial and other effects, which have attracted wide attention of researchers. Sulforaphane is a thioglucose monomer with the best anticancer effect and the strongest efficacy. As an effective component of drugs or functional foods, it has high research value and broad application prospects. In this study, the source, structure, properties, functional activities of sulforaphane are summarized, and its extraction technology, separation and purification methods and anticancer applications are systematically introduced. The research prospect is discussed and anticipated, in order to provide research basis and technical support for the research and development of sulforaphane functional components and high value-added utilization.