Glucosinolates are naturally occurring chemicals found in cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, sprouts kale and mustard seeds).   The term glucosinolates refer to a library of more than one hundred sulfur-containing compounds (glycosides).   Upon hydrolysis, (addition of water) these glycosides yield isothiocyanates, thiocyanates, and indoles. Thiocyanates and isothiocyanates block tumor production and inhibit tumor growth in a variety of body sites. Presumably, this occurs due to plant compound's inhibition of the…

The most significant group of biologically active botanical molecules are the flavonoids. The flavonoids are a library of molecules that are widely distributed among various plant species.   Over 2000 individual chemicals have been isolated, investigated and tested.   Flavonoids as a group are potent antioxidants with specific ones also capable of inhibiting the metabolism of certain carcinogens. Flavonoids are more pharmacologically diverse and more powerful than carotenoids. Catechins for…

Carotenoids are the primary pigments found in red, yellow and orange colored plants (fruits and vegetables). They are synthesized by plants in the chromoplast, an organelle different from the chloroplast, which synthesizes chlorophyll. Carotenoids are lipid-soluble antioxidants that are involved in the normal maintenance of mucus membranes in the eye. Beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are the most important of the carotenoids and in addition to supporting the eye, they are…