The Chemopreventive and Anticancer Potential of Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolysis Products from Cruciferous Vegetables

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Glucosinolates (GSLs) from cruciferous vegetables (CVs), sulfur (S)- and nitrogen-containing compounds, are enzymatically hydrolyzed by myrosinase (EC 3.2.1.147) to yield bioactive derivatives such as isothiocyanates (ITCs) and indoles. These metabolites exhibit chemopreventive and anticancer properties. The article compiles evidence regarding the following: (i) the molecular mechanisms regulating the biosynthesis of key derivatives, including sulforaphane (SFN), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), and indole-3-carbinol (I3C); (ii) epidemiological and clinical findings; and (iii) strategies to link plant science with nutritional interventions for cancer prevention. METHODS: An integrative literature review was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed. English-language studies addressing mechanistic insights, nutritional factors, epidemiology, and clinical trials were included. RESULTS: The biosynthesis and metabolism of GSL in plants are regulated by S and several transcription factors that promote or repress GSL production. Additionally, food processing has been shown to influence retention time and the formation of ITCs. In humans, ITCs activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated detoxification, induce apoptosis, and modulate epigenetic pathways. Epidemiological data show inverse associations between CV intake and cancer risk, though variability exists. Clinical trials have confirmed the bioavailability and effects of glucoraphanin and SFN on cancer-related biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: The described compounds are bioavailable in humans and modulate the clinically relevant pathways linked to carcinogenesis. Larger, standardized interventions are needed to determine effective intake levels, optimize bioavailability, and define their potential role in evidence-based nutritional strategies for cancer prevention.