Previous laboratory studies had concluded that broccoli sprouts can boost the body's detoxifying system to help prevent cancer. However, this is the first time direct evidence using human subjects had occurred.

This rural area has an extremely high incidence of liver cancer, which is thought to be because of foods tainted with aflatoxin, a powerful carcinogen produced by contaminated grain that the population grows and eats.

In the study, three-day-old broccoli sprouts with known levels of sulforaphane glucosinolate were grown at the site in China and then turned into a liquid extract for purposes of ensuring standard dosages. The test subjects (100) drank five ounces of the extract, which is the same as eating about two ounces of broccoli sprouts each day for two weeks. A control group drank a placebo.

Urine was tested and it showed that carcinogens were being detoxified and removed from the bodies of those who drank the extract. As the levels of sulforaphane derivatives in the urine increased, the amount of DNA damage decreased, which may indicate a reduction in cancer risk.

This was only a preliminary study, but based on the very positive results of this one, further studies will be done. Although this one did not directly target liver cancer, that disease has had devastating consequences in this region of China as well as in other parts of the world. The next step will be to evaluate dietary means of preventing the disease. It is hoped that it may be applied to other types of cancers. Dose levels will be examined in an upcoming study also.

Broccoli sprouts are being studied in many places in the world, based on the 1992 discovery of the link between these sprouts and cancer prevention at Johns Hopkins University Medical School. Sulforaphane, the cancer-preventing compound found in broccoli and certain other vegetables has been proven to be beneficial in treatment of cancers in most parts of the body. Even tea made from broccoli has been shown in the laboratory to increase levels of phase 2 enzymes, which have been demonstrated to protect cells from cancer-causing agents. It can even decrease inflammation and eliminate harmful types of oxygen molecules and damaged cells.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide but one Johns Hopkins investigators Drs. Thomas Kensler, Kala Visvanathan, Charles Rudin, William Nelson, Shyam Biswal, Jed Fahey, are hoping can be successfully treated. For that reason, they are launching several research projects on the effects of broccoli sprouts in humans for its ability to prevent liver cancer as well as other kinds of cancer.

Because of its cost, it is prohibitive in some parts of the world. Broccoli sprouts have been found to trigger the same molecular pathways as the drug and they are much more affordable.

The liver is the largest gland in the body. It is in the upper right abdomen. Its purpose is to take out, store, and dispose of nutrients. It also produces synthetic proteins that are essential for blood clotting and metabolism of substances produced by the body.

Liver disease is quickly recognized by external signs: a coated tongue, bad breath, skin rashes, itchy skin, excessive sweating, offensive body odor, dark circles under the eye, red swollen and itchy eyes, acne rosacea, spots on the skin, and flushed facial appearances. Digestive problems, blood sugar problems, disorders of the immune system may also accompany liver disease. There are liver function tests if you suspect that you might have this disease.

None of us wants a disease that has these symptoms, so we need to start eating broccoli sprouts!

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari