A new study showed sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables including cabbage and Brussels sprouts, could help fight osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.
Researchers found that sulforaphane slows down the destruction of cartilage in joints associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease affecting the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees. The study was published Wednesday, August 28, in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
The researchers conducted tests on mice and found that those who were fed a diet rich in the compound suffered significantly less wear to their joints, helping protect against osteoarthritis.
The researchers discovered that sulforaphane blocks the enzymes that cause joint destruction by stopping a key molecule known to cause inflammation.
Previous research has suggested that sulforaphane has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, but this is the first major study into its effects on joint health, the researchers noted.
Ian Clark, professor of musculoskeletal biology said: "The results from this study are very promising.
"We have shown that this works in the three laboratory models we have tried, in cartilage cells, tissue and mice.
"We now want to show this works in humans. It would be very powerful if we could.
"As well as treating those who already have the condition, you need to be able to tell healthy people how to protect their joints into the future."
