The cytotoxic and phytochemical effects of Brassicaceae plants on cancers inhibition

Introduction: Plants are a rich source of secondary metabolites that have pharmacological and remedial effects, and many people use plants in health and therapeutic procedures. Brassicaceae contains a family of plants with a wide variety of species and is one of the most widely used products by humans, and they are also very important in medicine (1). This study was conducted to become more identified and also to be emphasized on the importance of Brassicaceae plants position in cancer treatment.Methods: The research is based on studies and published articles in this subject and data has been collected and analyzed from valid scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer and Science Direct.Results: Some researchers in their studies have shown that the extract of Brassicaceae family has hepatoprotective, pulmonary protective, nephro-protective, antioxidant, immunological, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic strong effects against cancer and they can be a significant potential for the development of new natural anticancer drugs (2- 5).The genera of this family contain glucosinolates (GLSs), phenolic compounds, flavonoids, fatty acids, coumarin compounds, as well as high amounts of fiber, carotenoids, chlorophyll, protein, calcium, flavonoids, selenium and a rich source of vitamins and by enhancing the protective mechanisms and antioxidant properties it would be effective in strengthening the immune system (5, 6).Glucosinolates (β-thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulfates) are secondary compounds containing sulfur and nitrogen and are composed of glucose and amino acids and the mechanism predicted for the protective role of Brassicaceae may be due to the presence of isothiocyanate derived from the hydrolysis of GLS compounds which helps to inhibit cancer and regulate oxidative stress(7). Mechanisms of cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of isothiocyanate included: induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell cycle progression and inhibition of angiogenesis (8).Conclusion: Based on evidence from epidemiological experiments and phytochemical tests in vitro, and also due to the high richness of isothiocyanate such as sulfuraphane in Brassicaceae vegetables family, these plants can be a promising therapeutic factor in some cancers such as prostate and breast cancers and also some chronic degenerative diseases.

Keywords:

Brassicaceae plants , Glucosinolates , Phenolic Compounds , Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects , Anti-Cancer