Sulforaphane in Human Health: Molecular Mechanisms, Pharmacokinetics, and Therapeutic Potential

This concise research overview examines sulforaphane, a bioactive isothiocyanate that has become a central focus in nutritional biochemistry, molecular pharmacology, and translational health science. Bringing together evidence from plant biology, enzymology, human metabolism, and clinical research, it traces the compound’s pathway from its glucosinolate precursor in Brassicaceae vegetables to its biologically active forms in humans. The book integrates current knowledge on chemical properties, biosynthesis, myrosinase‑mediated hydrolysis, and the factors influencing bioavailability, stability, and metabolic variability. Through a critical synthesis of experimental, molecular, and clinical findings, the volume explains how sulforaphane modulates pathways relevant to detoxification, oxidative stress, inflammation, epigenetic regulation, and pharmacokinetics. Coverage of preclinical and human studies outlines therapeutic potential in oncology, neurodegeneration, cardiometabolic disorders, and immune modulation, while also addressing limitations in clinical translation, formulation challenges, and interindividual differences in response. By combining foundational biochemical insights with emerging biomedical applications, the book provides an integrated resource for researchers and professionals in nutrition science, pharmacology, toxicology, functional foods, and translational medicine seeking an authoritative and balanced synthesis of current evidence.