Synergy among phytochemicals within crucifers: does it translate into chemoprotection?

The association between cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention has been linked to glucosinolate derivatives. These phytochemicals enhance endogenous detoxification, leading to inactivation of potential carcinogens before initiation occurs. Two derivatives, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 1-cyano-2-hydroxy-3-butene (crambene) were shown in rats to induce a synergistic enhancement of detoxification enzyme activity.