Planta Med 2008; 74(7): 747-750
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1074520
Pharmacology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Growth Inhibition of a Spectrum of Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens by Sulforaphane, an Isothiocyanate Product Found in Broccoli and Other Cruciferous Vegetables

Noelle L. Johansson1 , Charles S. Pavia1 , 2 , Jen Wei Chiao2
  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY, USA
  • 2Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Received: November 16, 2007 Revised: March 4, 2008

Accepted: March 13, 2008

Publication Date:
16 May 2008 (online)

Abstract

In addition to its documented antitumor effects, previous in vitro and in vivo infectivity experiments have shown that sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate compound found abundantly in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, inhibits the growth of the bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori. No recent evidence exists, however, on the possible microbial activity of SFN against a broader range of microorganisms, including those that may develop resistance to conventional antibiotics. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility patterns of SFN against a wide variety of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Sensitivity testing was done on 28 different microbial species using a modified Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method and results were interpreted based on guidelines established by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. The broad-spectrum antibiotic, ceftriaxone (CTX), was used as a positive control for antimicrobial inhibition. It was found that 23 out of 28 different microbial species were inhibited by SFN with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 - 4 μg/mL. Five pathogens - Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 3 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates and Candida albicans - were considered resistant to SFN, having MICs ≥ 16 - 32 μg/mL. These findings suggest that, with the dual action of SFN against a select group of microorganisms and its ability to inhibit tumor growth, SFN (or the consumption of SFN-containing vegetables) might be especially helpful in preventing certain types of infections in both cancer and non-cancer patients.

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Dr. Charles Pavia

Department of Biomedical Sciences

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT

NYCOM 1 building

Old Westbury

NY 11568

USA

Phone: +1/516/686/3778

Fax: +1/516/686/3832

Email: cpavia@nyit.edu