Anticancer Effects of Broccoli Sprout Extract and Sulforaphane Through ROS-Induced MAPK Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells and Xenografts

The study explored the anticancer effects of sulforaphane (SFN) and broccoli sprout extract (BSE) on breast cancer cells, specifically MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. BSE and SFN were found to reduce cell viability, suppress growth, and induce apoptosis through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of MAPK signaling pathways. These effects were linked to mitochondrial depolarization, cell cycle arrest, and caspase activation. In rat models, oral BSE administration led to sustained SFN exposure and significantly inhibited tumor growth in breast cancer xenografts. The findings suggest that BSE, as an SFN-rich formulation, could be a promising oral treatment for breast cancer by modulating ROS-associated pathways and inducing apoptosis.