Science News Archive

Broccoli Harbours a Powerful Antimicrobial Agent

According to a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institution have found a compound in Broccoli and Broccoli Sprouts that can kill the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers and cancers. after hearing about people suffering from ulcers who experienced relief after eating 3-day old broccoli, the Hopkins research group began investigating plants and isolateda compound from Broccoli seeds called sulfoprophane. They found that pure sulfoprophane was able to kill 48 strains of bacteria, including some that were resistant to antibiotics. Moreover, the compound killed the bacteria both inside and outside of cells. The results are extremely encouraging although further research is needed to determine if dietary sources of sulfoprophane will be as effective as the pure form. So there you have it - vegetables are good for you !
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1st Jun 2002