Research Progress on Anticancer Effects of Sulforaphane

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in human health, with the highest rate among all diseases. Unfortunately, most of the current cancer treatments inevitably come with certain side effects. Therefore, a significant amount of research is focused on the development of safe and effective anticancer drugs. Sulforaphane is one of the most bioactive natural compounds isolated from cruciferous plants. Numerous studies show its anti-cancer, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, as well as its anticancer mechanisms. Sulforaphane can inhibit the growth of cancer cells by regulating the cell cycle, controlling cell migration and invasion, as well as modulating the expression of apoptosis proteins. Some reports also indicate that sulforaphane can impede the development of cancer cells through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Compared to most traditional cancer treatment methods, sulforaphane is much safer and more reliable. It is also more readily available and has great anticancer potential. This paper review the anticancer mechanisms of sulforaphane over the past two years and provide the corresponding theoretical basis for further research on the anticancer effects of sulforaphane.