Glucoraphanin (also known as sulforaphane glucosinolate or “sgs”) is a naturally occurring phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables and in OncoPLEX™ formulas. Glucoraphanin, which is heat stable and water soluble, is metabolized in the body to the biologically active isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SFN). Scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine isolated sulforaphane in 1992 and identified glucoraphanin as its precursor. Since their discovery, over 500 scientific studies have been conducted on SFN and glucoraphanin, documenting their positive effects on antioxidant activity, detoxification, cellular metabolism, and cell-life regulation. Glucoraphanin and SFN appear to be the “missing link” that correlates a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (from the Brassicaceae family) with good health. Glucoraphanin from food is enzymatically converted to SFN via the action of the myrosinase enzyme during chewing and food preparation (cutting/slicing). Gastrointestinal microorganisms are able to produce SFN from glucoraphanin as well. Microorganism conversion is an important contribution to SFN production as the myrosinase enzyme is easily inactivated by heat.

Early research identified broccoli sprouts as a concentrated source of glucoraphanin. It is present in much higher concentrations in broccoli seeds and three-day–old broccoli sprouts than in the mature vegetable. One capsule of OncoPLEX provides 30 g of glucoraphanin, which equates to approximately 0.33 oz of broccoli sprouts or 8 oz of broccoli. 

Antioxidant and Detoxification Support Sulforaphane, upon conversion from glucoraphanin, is found to be an effective long-acting indirect antioxidant and significant inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes. Research suggests that SFN strongly induces expression of key enzymes (via the KEAP1/Nrf2/ARE pathway), which in turn supports antioxidant activity, redox cycling, and phase II detoxification. The antioxidant enzymes generated are believed to participate in the recycling and maintenance of vitamins A, C, and E as well. After studying the effects of various doses of glucoraphanin administered to study subjects, researchers suggest that there may be a dosedependent association between glucoraphanin and antioxidant enzyme induction. Accordingly, a metabolically effective dose may vary from tissue to tissue (e.g., upper airway, gastric mucosa, mammary, etc.).

Activation of transcription factor Nrf2 induces increased output of specialized enzymes, an output that can extend antioxidant activity 72 hours or more. This is a significantly longer activity phase than direct antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, are able to promote. Adequate antioxidant protection is crucial to maintaining the health and function of cells, tissues, and organs. Because they assist in maintaining health throughout adult life, phytonutrients, such as glucoraphanin and SFN, are considered “lifespan essentials.”

Support for Cellular Health and Cell-Life Cycles Glucoraphanin and SFN are believed to play an important role in maintaining healthy gastrointestinal flora; healthy cellular life cycles; immune, eye, and cardiovascular health; and a normal response to inflammation. Sulforaphane’s induction of phase II enzymes, coupled with an inhibitory effect on certain phase I enzymes, is considered to have a protective effect on cells. Research suggests that SFN plays a multidimensional role in maintaining normal cellular life cycles, inhibiting tubulin polymerization, activating checkpoint 2 kinase, and inhibiting histone deacetylase activity. These actions assist in
gene regulation, normal cell growth, and cytokine balance.

Research suggests that sulforaphane’s effect on Nrf2 pathways, macrophage activation, and NF-kappa B may support a normal, healthy response to inflammation and promote cardiovascular and eye health. Sulforaphane is also studied for its role in maintaining immune health and a healthy gastrointestinal microflora.

» Provides Concentrated Glucoraphanin from Broccoli Seed Extract
» Supports Healthy Cell-Life Cycles
» Supports Phase II Detoxification Enzymes
» Supports Extended Antioxidant Activity

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.