The Role of Glucosinolates Beyond Plant Defense: Harnessing their Therapeutic Potential from Gut Health to Cancer Prevention

Glucosinolates are plant-derived secondary metabolites with significant antimicrobial, anticancer, and gut microbiota-modulating properties. Their hydrolysis products, such as isothiocyanates, contribute to planting defense mechanisms and exhibit potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to explore the metabolism, biosynthesis, antimicrobial activity, and therapeutic potential of glucosinolates, emphasizing their role in human health. This literature review focuses on the analysis of existing studies on glucosinolate biosynthesis, metabolism, and biological activity. Research data have been gathered from scientific databases, focusing on in vivo and in vitro studies that have examined the antimicrobial, anticancer, and gut microbiota- modulating effects of glucosinolates and their derivatives. Findings suggest that glucosinolates play a crucial role in human health by exerting antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains, modulating gut microbiota composition, and reducing cancer risk through their bioactive breakdown products. Their biosynthetic pathway involves key enzymatic reactions, and variations in these processes affect their biological efficacy. However, bacterial resistance to isothiocyanates poses a challenge that requires further investigation. Glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products offer promising therapeutic applications, particularly in disease prevention and gut health modulation. Future research should focus on optimizing their bioavailability and understanding resistance mechanisms to enhance their efficacy in clinical applications.