Broccoli juice treated by high pressure: chemoprotective effects of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol

Numerous animal and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that consumption of cruciferous vegetables is inversely correlated with cancer incidence. Using the short-term mutagenicity test - in vivo micronucleus test, we investigated inhibition of mutagenicity of 2-amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazo(4,5-f)-quinoline (IQ) and N-nitroso-N-methyfurea (MNU) by broccoli juice treated by high pressure (500 MPa), for a period of 10 min. This technique of treatment suppresses the growth of microorganisms at simultaneous conservation of nutritionally important substances (vitamins, polyphenols, and glucosinolates). We also investigated anticlastogenic activity of sulforaphane (SFN) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C). These two substances are found in inactive form (glucosinolate) in cruciferous vegetables. Fourteen-day's application of broccoli juice and three-day's application of I3C and SFN led to statistically significant inhibition of mutagenicity IQ and MNU. It seems that, broccoli juice treated by high pressure and its main biologically active substances show antimutagenic activity, which can affect the process of carcinogenesis.