Man-made broccoli compound may become a future osteoarthritis treatment

A new drug based on a compound found in broccoli could offer hope to people with osteoarthritis, says research presented at a conference (but yet to be published).
The therapy is based on a synthetic version of sulforaphane, which is a substance found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, sprouts and broccoli.
Experts have found that the compound blocks enzymes that destroy joint cartilage and processes that cause inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. But people would have to consume unrealistically large quantities in order for it to have an effect.
Now, however, a team has managed to incorporate sulforaphane into a medication called Sulforadex (SFX-01), in which a single dose provides as much sulforaphane as eating around 2.5 kg of broccoli in a day.
Tests on mice showed that SFX-01 delivered significantly improved bone architecture, gait balance and movement in comparison to untreated mice.
“These initial results are very positive for such an experiment and we have convinced ourselves that sulforaphane is a promising agent for the treatment of osteoarthritis,” outlines Prof Andrew Pitsillides who is involved in the research. “However, the clinical development of sulforaphane has been held back by the fact that it is inherently unstable. Thus, SFX-01 is a major advance in this area.”
A spokeswoman from Arthritis Research UK comments:
“We know that sulforaphane helps to block inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, but so far it has been difficult to see how this finding could be applied to humans without them having to consume vast amounts of broccoli every day. This new research could take us a step closer to being able to take a daily supplement.”

Image credit: cyclonebill

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