




































Gaonkar S et al.                                                      Pharmacology review on Brassica oleracea var.italica Sprouts 

Vol 2 | Issue 3 | Jul – Sep 2023                                                                           Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 103  

Review Article 

A Brief Review on Pharmacological Potential of Brassica oleracea sprouts 

Sonia Gaonkar1, Ashoka Shenoy M2, A R Shabaraya3 

From 1PG Scholar,, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, 3Principle and Head of the Department of 

Pharmaceutics, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Post Farangipete, Mangalore, Karnataka, India-574143. 

ABSTRACT 

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is an important vegetable crop of the family are essential to maintain quality. Glucosinolate levels 

mirror visual quality in broccoli as they generally decrease during post-harvest handling, with low temperatures (<4 °C) slowing 

the loss of both quality and glucosinolates. Glucosinolates content in broccoli florets declined by 82% after 5 days at 20 °C, but 

by only 31% at 4 °C. A high relative humidity (RH) of 98–100% is recommended to maintain post-harvest quality in broccoli. 

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage is very effective in maintaining broccoli quality and can double post-harvest life. Ideal 

atmospheres to maintain quality were 1–2% O2; 5–10% CO2 when temperatures were kept between 0 and 5 °C. Care needs to 

be taken that O2 does not drop below 1% as this can cause the development of off-order. Broccoli is a vegetable with a high 

nutrient content in Brassica oleracea. It possesses a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins A and K, antioxidants, β-

carotene, calcium, riboflavin, and iron, as well as phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, minerals, and 

selenium. The biological abilities of these defense-related secondary metabolites, such as their anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, 

anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, have been favorably connected. The anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of 

broccoli sprouts have drawn the most interest and have been the subject of substantial research in recent years.  

Key words: Botanical description, Biological abilities, Controlled atmosphere storage, Chemical constituents, Phytochemical, 

Relative humidity. 

bout cauliflower, the history, and evolution of 

broccoli are examined, as well as how it has 

changed over time to include both annual and 

biennial varieties [1]. China and India produced the 

majority (19.7 million tonnes) of this vegetable in 2019, 

accounting for 73% of global output, while the United 

States, Spain, and Mexico each contributed about 1 million 

tonnes [2]. The bioactive chemicals found in broccoli are 

thought to be responsible for many of the vegetable's 

functional qualities. These include functions that regulate 

enzymes, cell cycles, apoptosis, antioxidant activity, and 

other processes [3].  

Isothiocyanate, an organic phytochemical substance 

generated after glucosinolates were hydrolyzed by an 

enzyme, is one of broccoli's components that promotes 

health. In addition, broccoli contains minerals like iron,  

Access this article online 

Received – 09th June 2023 

Initial review – 17th June 2023 

Accepted – 21st June 2023 Quick Response Code 

zinc, and selenium, vitamins like ascorbic acid and 

tocopherol, and polyphenols like kaempferol and quercetin. 

These substances probably play a role in lowering the risk 

of degenerative illnesses including cancer and 

cardiovascular conditions [4, 5]. 

In addition to being a great source of fiber, broccoli also 

has a lot of other nutrients, including a lot of water (89%), 

carbs (6.27%), protein (2.57%), lipids (0.34%), ash (0.83%), 

and the aforementioned vitamins and minerals (1%). Despite 

the nutritional benefits of broccoli, people with developed 

palates prefer to consume it [6].  

The sulfur-containing molecules are thought to produce 

a strong odor and unpleasant taste. However, these 

substances have demonstrated antitumor action [4]. Table 1 

depicts the vernacular names of Brassica oleracea and Table 

2 elaborates its taxonomical classification. 

________________________________________ 

Correspondence to: Sonia Gaonkar, PG Scholar, 

Department of Pharmacology, Srinivas College of 

Pharmacy, Valachil, Post Farangipete, Mangalore, 

Karnataka, India. Email: soniangaonkar@gmail.com  

A 

mailto:soniangaonkar@gmail.com


Gaonkar S et al.                                                      Pharmacology review on Brassica oleracea var.italica Sprouts 

Vol 2 | Issue 3 | Jul – Sep 2023                                                                           Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 104  

Table 1: Vernacular names of Brassica oleracea [7] 

Languages Name 

English Broccoli  

Sanskrit Kapishank 

Kannada Kosugadde 

Malayalam Breakkeali 

Hindi Brokolee 

Table 2: Taxonomical classification of Brassica oleracea 

[7, 8] 

Kingdom Plantae 

Order Brassicales 

Family Brassicaceae 

Genus Brassica 

Species  Brassica oleracea 

HABITAT 

Brassica oleracea, or broccoli, is a highly prized hardy 

biennial crop produced as a cool-season annual. Although 

broccoli may be grown in a variety of soil types, choosing 

the right soil unintentionally has an impact on how the plant 

grows. As porous and well-drained soil encourages higher 

root penetration, impacting broccoli development, sandy and 

silt loam soils with a pH range of 5.5–6.5 are often favoured 

for the growth of broccoli. A cool-weather crop, broccoli is 

ready for harvest before daily highs reach over 75°F [8]. The 

head is chopped with shears around 25 mm (1 in) from the 

tip. Broccoli should be plu- ked before the blossoms on the 

head bloom brilliant yellow [9]. 

Distribution 

Beginning in the northern Mediterranean region in the sixth 

century BC, land-race Brassica crops were crossed to 

produce broccoli. The Roman Empire produced early 

varieties of broccoli, which were later enhanced by artificial 

selection in Sicily or the southern Italian Peninsula. By the 

18th century, broccoli had reached northern Europe, and 

Italian immigrants had brought it to North America in the 

previous century. The most widely used cultivars since then 

are "Premium Crop," "Pack-man," and "Marathon," which 

were created via the breeding of American and Japanese F1 

hybrids during World War II to boost yields, quality, growth 

speed, and geographical adaptability [10, 11]. 

Botanical Description: The cabbage family's (family 

Brassicaceae, genus Brassica) enormous blooming head, 

stalk, and little accompanying leaves are all consumed as 

vegetables in the form of broccoli. Large, typically dark-

green flower heads on a thick, typically light-green stalk are 

the distinguishing feature of broccoli. These flower heads are 

arranged in a tree-like structure. Leafy bushes around the 

multitude of flower heads [12]. 

Broccoli Buds: The vegetable broccoli is a flower. A crown 

of broccoli has several small flower buds that have not yet 

blossomed or opened out. A bud is each of the little, green 

pieces of the crown. Before it blooms, broccoli is picked so 

that the little buds can be eaten. The adorable buds will 

eventually bloom into little yellow flowers [13]. 

Broccoli Crown: Broccoli develops on a sturdy, medium-

height stem. It is cut at the base of the stalk when taken from 

fields or gardens. The portion that is left over is known as the 

broccoli's head or crown. The tops (heads) of the broccoli 

stem, which are made up of the florets, steam, and other 

components, are known as broccoli crowns. In essence, it is 

the entire stalk, excluding the actual stalk [13]. 

Broccoli Florets: It is a short segment of broccoli buds that 

have been cut off from the crown [13]. 

Broccoli Leaf: Compared to a typical head of broccoli, 

Broccolini or broccoli rabe often have more leaves. Broccoli 

leaves are the plant's most delicate and brittle component 

[13]. 

Broccoli Stalk: The stem of a plant is called a stalk. Also, 

the stem of a broccoli plant is referred to as the stalk. The 

area between the stem and the florets with broccoli bud-filled 

florets is called the stalk [13]. 

Broccoli Stem: The component of the broccoli plant that 

sprouts from the soil is the stem. It is substantial and 

ultimately divides into distinct stalks that emerge from the 

stem's base. As the stem is rough, most people chop it off and 

don't eat it [13]. 

Chemical Constituents: The typical broccoli 

phytochemical is sulfur-containing compounds, including 

glucosinolates, hydroxycinnamic acids (sinapic and 

caffeoyl-quinic\acid derivatives), minerals (Calcium, 

phosphorus, potassium, sodium), vitamins (B, C, E, K), 

\Fibers, indoles, Flavonoids (kaempferol), glucoraphanin, S-

methyl cysteine, sulfoxide \isothiocyanates, and indole-3-

carbinol, etc [14]. 

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES 

Anti-amnesic activity: Researchers tested amyloid beta 

[A]-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo to determine 

the anti-amnesic properties of broccoli [Brassica oleracea var. 

italica] leaves. A notable neuronal cell-protective effect and 

acetylcholinesterase [AChE] inhibition were demonstrated 

by the broccoli leaf chloroform fraction (CBL). The Y-maze, 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brassica_oleracea


Gaonkar S et al.                                                      Pharmacology review on Brassica oleracea var.italica Sprouts 

Vol 2 | Issue 3 | Jul – Sep 2023                                                                           Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 105  

passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests were used to 

assess the ameliorating impact of CBL on A1-42-induced 

learning and memory deficits. The findings showed that the 

CBL group's cognitive performance was improving. As a 

result, our research suggests that CBL may be exploited as a 

natural resource to treat learning and memory problems 

brought on by A1-42 [15]. 

Anti-oxidant activity: Samples made from fresh broccoli 

sprouts using freeze-drying or water distillation were tested 

for antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity that was dosage 

dependent was present in all samples. The maximum DPPH 

radical scavenging activity was found in the broccoli 

methanol extract. Both samples of dichloromethane extract 

from broccoli sprout water distillate and freeze-dried 

broccoli sprouts had a strong antioxidant activity that was 

equivalent to BHT. It is well known that these 

isothiocyanates have antioxidant qualities. The compounds 

4-(1-methyl propyl) phenol (0.012 g/g), 4-methyl phenol 

(0.159 g/g), and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (0.009 g/g) may 

be phenolic antioxidants. The current study shows that 

broccoli sprouts are an excellent source of natural 

antioxidants [16]. 

Anti-diabetic activity: After 28 days of therapy, type 2 

diabetic HFD-STZ rats with the plant's ethanolic extracts of 

Brassica oleracea var. Italica showed clear antihyperglyce- 

mic capabilities. These effects were tested in STZ-induced 

type 2 diabetic SD rats at dosages of 800 mg/kg [17]. 

Anti-cancer activity: In addition to being effective in 

treating other diseases, broccoli plays a significant and 

advantageous role in treating cancer in its various forms that 

can occur in various parts of the body. Uncontrolled cell 

division is the end consequence of a multi-step process called 

cancer. The primary active components of many cruciferous 

vegetables, isothiocyanates, inhibit the development of 

tumors by producing reactive oxygen species or by causing 

cycle arrest that results in cell apoptosis. Broccoli sprouts 

with added selenium are superior to regular broccoli sprouts 

in that they cause prostate cancer cells to die, restrict cell 

growth, and secrete less prostate-specific antigens. Phytoch- 

emicals offer significant promise for preventing cancer given 

their degree of safety, cost, and oral absorption [18]. 

Anti-obesity activity: Obesity has emerged as a major 

global health issue and is a precursor to harmful metabolic 

illnesses including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular 

disease. According to a few studies, broccoli sprouts reduce 

obesity by modulating lipid metabolism. In double-blind 

clinical research, the use of broccoli sprout powder as 

adjunctive therapy in type 2 diabetes patients may have 

positive effects on lipid profiles and the OX-LDL/LDL ratio, 

risk factors for obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Based on 

a recent study, glucoraphanin from broccoli sprouts can 

boost Nrf2 activation and reduce lipid build-up. It results in 

the expression of several genes involved in gluconeogenesis 

and lipogenesis being down regulated, which reduces obesity 

[19]. 

Anti-microbial activity: According to a study, broccoli 

sprouts high in gallic acid, esculetin, ferulic acid, and myri- 

cetin have antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens 

like Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli as well as 

Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with minimum 

inhibition concentrations (MIC) ranging from 390 to 1560 

g/mL. Similar to previously reported findings from other 

plant extracts, this study found that Gram-positive bacteria 

were more susceptible to broccoli sprout extract than Gram-

negative bacteria. These findings indicate that broccoli 

sprout extracts might serve as a potential source of antimi- 

crobial agents in the food and pharmaceutical industry [20]. 

Anti-inflammatory activity: Several studies proved that 

broccoli sprouts and their bioactive components possess anti-

inflammatory activity. Using broccoli sprouts and 

microgreens might help prevent and cure inflammatory 

bowel conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative 

colitis. The main anti-inflammatory effects of broccoli 

sprouts have been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo 

studies as well as clinical trials. These studies found that 

broccoli sprouts had high concentrations of sulforaphane and 

a group of phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, 

isoquercitrin, chlorogenic, and cinnamic acids, which 

inhibited inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide (NO), 

decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, 

type 2 diabetes individuals' blood levels of high-sensitive C 

reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6, and TNF- were shown to be 

lower after eating broccoli sprouts rich in sulforaphane [21]. 

Hepatoprotective activity: In-depth research has been done 

on the preventative and therapeutic benefits of broccoli 

extracts on paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats. 

According to histological research and the measurement of 

biochemical indicators, broccoli extracts exhibit protective 

effects against liver injury. Three chemicals, obtucarbamate, 

N-(4-hydroxy phenyl) acetamide, and p-hydroxy benzoic 

acid, were isolated by phytochemical analysis of an 80% 

ethanolic extract and are suitable candidates for the 

prevention of liver damage brought on by paracetamol [22]. 

CONCLUSION 

Brassica oleracea belonging to the family Brassicaceae is 

widely accepted for its traditional medicinal uses and 

pharmacological potential. Various parts of Brassica 

oleracea have reported the presence of several 



Gaonkar S et al.                                                      Pharmacology review on Brassica oleracea var.italica Sprouts 

Vol 2 | Issue 3 | Jul – Sep 2023                                                                           Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 106  

phytochemicals such as glucosinolates, dithiolthiones, 

indoles, glucoraphanin, s-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, 

isothiocyanates, indole-3-carbinol, and other constituents. 

Brassica oleracea revealed various pharmacological 

activities such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-

diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and hepato-

protective activity. Every part of the broccoli plant possesses 

medicinal and nutritional value, with numerous other 

applications. Further scientific investigation on different 

parts of Brassica oleracea must be undertaken to unveil 

additional pharmacological properties. 

REFERENCE 

1. Gray AR. Taxonomy and evolution of broccoli (Brassica 

oleracea var. Italica). Economic Botany. 1982 Oct;36(4):397-

410. 

2. Hartman S, Chiarelli DD, Rulli MC, et al. A growing produce 

bubble: United States produce tied to Mexico’s unsustainable 

agricultural water use. Environmental Research Letters. 2021 

Oct 5;16(10):105008. 

3. Ilahy R, Tlili I, Pék Z, et al. Pre-and post-harvest factors 

affecting glucosinolate content in broccoli. Frontiers in 

nutrition. 2020 Sep 10;7:147. 

4. Vasanthi HR, Mukherjee S, Das DK. Potential health benefits 

of broccoli-a chemico-biological overview. Mini reviews in 

medicinal chemistry. 2009 Jun 1;9(6):749-759. 

5. Alvarez-Jubete L, Valverde J, Kehoe K, et al. Development of 

a novel functional soup rich in bioactive sulforaphane using 

broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. italica) florets and 

byproducts. Food and bioprocess technology. 2014 

May;7:1310-21. 

6. Nagraj GS, Chouksey A, Jaiswal S, et al. Broccoli. In 

Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits 

and Vegetables. Academic Press. 2020;1:5-17.  

7. Soengas P, Velasco P, Fernández JC, et al. New Vegetable 

Brassica Foods: A Promising source of bioactive compounds 

Foods. 2021 Nov 24;10(12) 2911. 

8. Sagar L. Exotic and uncommon vegetable production in poly 

tunnels. Protected Cultivation and Smart Agriculture. S. Maitra, 

DJ Gaikwad, T. Shankar (Eds.). New Delhi Publishers, New 

Delhi. 2020:146-60. 

9. Björkman T, Pearson KJ. High temperature arrest of 

inflorescence development in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. 

italica L.) J of Exp. Botany. 1998 Jan 1;49(318):101-6. 

10. Maggioni L, Von Bothmer R, Poulsen G, et al. Origin and 

domestication of cole crops (Brassica oleracea L.): linguistic 

and literary considerations. Economic botany. 2010 

Jun;64:109-23. 

11. Stansell Z, Björkman T. From land-race to modern hybrid 

broccoli: the genomics and morphological domestication 

syndrome within a diverse B. oleracea collection. Horticulture 

research. 2020 Dec 1;7:159. 

 

12. Nugrahedi PY, Verkerk R, Widianarko B, et al. A mechanistic 

perspective on process-induced changes in glucosinolates 

content in Brassica vegetables: A review. Critical Reviews in 

Food Science and Nutrition. 2015 May 12;55(6):823-38. 

13. Luo F, Fang H, Wei B, et al. Advance in yellowing mechanism 

and the regulation technology of post-harvested broccoli. Food 

Quality and Safety. 2020 Aug;4(3):107-13. 

14. Krishnaiah D, Sarbatly R, Nithyanandam R. A review of the 

antioxidant potential of medicinal plant species. Food and bio-

products processing. 2011 Jul 1;89(3):217-33. 

15. Miraj S. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica): Potential 

candidate in the health management. Der Pharmacia Lettre. 

2016;8(14):61-5. 

16. Jang HW, Moon JK, Shibamoto T. Analysis and antioxidant 

activity of extracts from broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) sprouts. 

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2015 Feb 

4;63(4):1169-74. 

17. Shah MA, Sarker MM, Gousuddin M. Antidiabetic potential of 

Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica in type 2 diabetic sprague dawley 

(sd) rats. Int. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem. Res. 2016;8(3):462-

9. 

18. Ravikumar C. Therapeutic potential of Brassica oleracea 

(broccoli)–a review. Int J Drug Dev Res. 2015;7(7):9-10. 

19. Bahadoran Z, Mirmiran P, Hosseinpanah F, et al. Broccoli 

sprouts powder could improve serum triglyceride and oxidized 

LDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio in type 2 diabetic patients: a 

randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. 

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2012 Jun 1;96(3):348-

54. 

20. Le TN, Luong HQ, Li HP, et al. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. 

var. italica) sprouts as the potential food source for bioactive 

properties: A comprehensive study on in vitro disease models. 

Foods. 2019 Oct 30;8(11):532. 

21. Subedi L, Cho K, Park YU, et al. Sulforaphane-enriched 

broccoli sprouts pretreated by pulsed electric fields reduces 

neuroinflammation and ameliorates scopolamine -induced 

amnesia in mouse brain through its antioxidant ability via Nrf2-

HO-1 activation. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 

2019 Mar 27;2019:3549247. 

22. Hashem FA, Motawea HM, El-Shabrawy AR, et al. Hep- 

atoprotective activity of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica. 

Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal. 2013 Jul 1;12(2):177. 

 

 

 

How to cite this article: Sonia Gaonkar, Ashoka Shenoy 

M, A R Shabaraya. A Brief Review on Pharmacological 

Potential of Brassica oleracea sprouts. Indian J Pharm 

Drug Studies. 2023: 2(3) 103-106 

Funding: None              Conflict of Interest: None Stated 

 


