Independent effects of the broccoli-derived compound sulforaphane on Ca²⁺ influx and apoptosis in Madin-Darby canine renal tubular cells.

This study explored whether sulforaphane changed basal [Ca²⁺]i levels in suspended Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by using fura-2 as a Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye. Sulforaphane at concentrations between 2.5-10 microM increased [Ca²⁺]i in a concentration-dependent manner.

Induction of apoptosis by [8]-shogaol via reactive oxygen species generation, glutathione depletion, and caspase activation in human leukemia cells.

Ginger, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale , is a traditional medicine with a carminative effect and antinausea, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. This study examined the growth inhibitory effects of [8]-shogaol, one of the pungent phenolic compounds in ginger, on human leukemia HL-60 cells. It demonstrated that [8]-shogaol was able to induce apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.