Sulforaphane in Broccoli slows Cancer in Dogs?
For decades, the word was out that something in cruciferous vegetables
protects animals from cancer; in 1992, scientists from Johns Hopkins University
identified the active constituent as a chemical called sulforaphane. Broccoli contains more sulforaphane than the other
vegetables. The best source of it comes from sprouts that have grown to the
second leaf stage; these seedlings contain between 10 to 100 times as much
sulforaphane as a full-grown broccoli.
To date the sulforaphane research
focusing on cancer has discovered that this protection results
from stimulation of the body's own antioxidant and detoxification
system, which is comprised of what scientists call Phase 2 Enzymes. The enzymes eliminate carcinogens from the
body before they can cause DNA damage. This action protects healthy cells from
cancer triggering chemicals.
More exciting from a cutting edge point of view is a paper
in the March 2000 issue of Cancer
Research which reported for the first time that sulforaphane can cause
cancer cells to self-destruct, that it triggers programmed cell death or
apoptosis. Research
that is more recent reports on the genetic mechanisms by which these broccoli
chemicals work. For example, a recent study on breast cancer showed
sulforaphane binding to mammary tissue after just a single dose of broccoli
sprouts. Earlier
studies from 1997 and 2000 demonstrated that sulforaphane prevented carcinogens
from triggering cancer in breast tissue. Other benefits
of this supplement include increasing the liver’s capacity to detoxify
potential carcinogens. S
A anecdotal quote:
"When Jazzie was first diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in May,
2007, I started her on Sulforaphone supplemental. That may be an explanation why her lung mets
did not show symptoms until January of 2008; they usually show metastasis
within 3 or 4 months. I still have her on it and recommend it to
everyone who owns a dog! Use it as prevention, especially in those breeds
most prone to develop cancer."
You can
order it online at swansonvitamins pretty cheap or most health food sites or stores. I give Lucy 1 pill in her evening snack.