Examination of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Xenobiotic-Inducing Potential of Broccoli Extract and Various Essential Oils during a Mild DSS-Induced Colitis in Rats.

Phytogenic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are currently discussed as promising complementary agents in prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our study aimed to evaluate possible protective and curative effects of broccoli extract (BE) and of the essential oils of turmeric (Cuo), thyme (To), and rosemary (Ro) in a rat model with a mild dextran sulphate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis. Therefore Wistar rats were fed a diet without an additive (Con) or diets with the addition of BE, Cuo, To, and Ro during the whole experiment.

Feeding of selenium alone or in combination with glucoraphanin differentially affects intestinal and hepatic antioxidant and phase II enzymes in growing rats.

The anti-carcinogenic effects of sulforaphane (SFN) are based on the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes (AE) and phase II enzymes (PIIE) through the transcription factor Nrf2. Current knowledge on the roles of the SFN precursor glucoraphanin (GRA) on these processes is limited. Anti-carcinogenic effects of Se depending on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity have also been reported.

Influence of broccoli extract and various essential oils on performance and expression of xenobiotic- and antioxidant enzymes in broiler chickens.

The aim of our present study was to examine the regulation of xenobiotic- and antioxidant enzymes by phytogenic feed additives in the intestine and the liver of broilers. A total of 240 male Ross-308 broiler chickens (1 d old) were fed a commercial starter diet for 2 weeks. On day 15, the birds were assigned to six treatment groups of forty birds each.

Glucoraphanin does not reduce plasma homocysteine in rats with sufficient Se supply via the induction of liver ARE-regulated glutathione biosynthesis enzymes.

Data from human and animal trials have revealed contradictory results regarding the influence of selenium (Se) status on homocysteine (HCys) metabolism. It was hypothesised that sufficient Se reduces the flux of HCys through the transsulphuration pathway by decreasing the expression of glutathione (GSH) synthesising enzymes. Glucoraphanin (GRA) is a potent inducer of genes regulated via an antioxidant response element (ARE), including those of GSH biosynthesis.