Sulforaphane Case Study

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Sulforaphane is a molecule that has been used in the medical community, over the years, for many medical issues. Sulforaphane is a compound commonly found it vegetables, primarily broccoli. While sulforaphane is a major staple in medical treatment, limited studies have been done regarding the molecules effects on lung development. Premature birth with underdeveloped lungs is a serious problem that is sadly very common. A possible way to help speed the lung development process is by using sulforaphane. By feeding broccoli with sulforaphane to developing tadpoles, and studying their growth rates in relation to tadpoles that are not given the broccoli, it can be observed whether the molecule sulforaphane can actually help excelarate lung development …show more content…

When consuming broccoli for the benefits of sulforaphane, heating must be neutralized. While minimal heat will help the molecule's production occur more rapidly, the overuse of heat will deter the engagement of sulforaphane in the intended organism; furthermore, research indicates that freezing agents lead to the obliteration of Myrosinase. Fresh broccoli is ten times more rich in sulforaphane than frozen broccoli. After an organism absorbs sulforaphane, it begins to help the organism's body in a number of ways. This molecule is an antioxidant, has anti-aging properties, detoxifies the human body, and most notably, is used in the treatment of cancer. In a UCLA clinical trial, doctors found that due to the work of sulforaphane and Phase II enzyme RNA, cellular oxidative stress went through major shutdown; this in turn lead to the disarmament of asthma. "Several studies have analyzed the biological and molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of synthetic R,S-sulforaphane, which is thought to be a result of its antioxidant properties and its ability to inhibit histone deacetylase enzymes" (Marc A. Riedl, Andrew Saxon, and David Diaz-Sanchez 2011, April 6). Moreover, it has been concluded that sulforaphane can help fight aging by stopping the oxidation of free radicals. Although free radicals will always be absorbed, sulforaphane is one known molecule that can deplete the amount present in humans. Sulforaphane …show more content…

By feeding broccoli with sulforaphane to developing tadpoles and studying their growth rates in relation to tadpoles that are not given the broccoli, it can be observed whether the molecule sulforaphane can actually help excelarate lung development. While sulforaphane has been linked to the lungs through asthma and lung cancer, the study of its effects on lung development are quite limited; consequently, there are many lung diseases and conditions with the scientific potential to be linked with sulforaphane. Some such conditions include, but are not limited to: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pneumothorax, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, and Apnea of

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