Myrosinase (thioglucosidase, EC 3.2.1.147) is the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of glucosinolates (GLs). In plant tissue, myrosinase and GLs are sequestered in separate cellular compartments. As a result of cell disruption, e.g., after pathogen attack or on chopping or grinding during food preparation, the myrosinase comes into contact with GLs and catalyzes the hydrolysis of thioglucosidic bond in GL structure. Consequently,...

Chemopreventive properties of Brassica vegetables are attributed mainly to their characteristic compounds—glucosinolates (GLs) and their main hydrolysis products—isothiocyanates (ITCs) and indoles. In this study, we compared antiproliferative activity (MTT test in HT29 cells) and genotoxic effects (comet assay in HT29 cells and restriction analysis in a cell-free system) of three GLs (sinigrin (SIN), glucotropaeolin (GTL), and...

Lepidium peruvianum (maca) (Brassicaceae) is a naturally occurring plant mainly in the high Andes of Peru. In recent years, it has been intensively researched in terms of its influence on various diseases and towards health improvement. Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable disease that most often affects adults over the age of 60. As since 2003 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve any new drug for Alzheimer’s...

The bioactive phytochemicals found in Brassica vegetables, in this number glucosinolates (GLS), as well as products of their degradation such as isothiocyanates (ITC) and indoles, are regarded as the most promising chemopreventive compounds. These secondary metabolites display stron antibiological activity and constitute defence system preventing the development of agrophages attacking Brassica plants. Such properties suggest...