Glucosinolates Hydrolysis Products: Promising Bioactives for the Prevention of Diabetes

Glucosinolates (GSLs), the characteristic sulfur-rich components of Brassicaceae plants and their therapeutically active hydrolysis products, including aliphatic isothiocyanates (sulforaphane, allyl isothiocyanate); aromatic isothiocyanate (benzyl isothiocyanate); and indole-3-carbinol metabolites, predominantly contribute to their anti-diabetic efficacy. They possess the propensity to reduce insulin resistance, enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms via Nrf2 activation, impede inflammation via NF-κB inhibition, prevent exaggerated hepatic glucose production, restore β-cell function via activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB, regulate lipid and glucose metabolism via PGC-1α and Nrf2-dependent mitochondrial regulation, regulation of AMPK, downregulation of SREBP1, and activate transient receptor potential (TRP vanilloid type 1 and TRP ankyrin 1). The current review summarizes the underlying mechanistic pathways and research outcomes that follow the anti-diabetic intervention of GSLs and their derivatives. Although consumption of GSLs has been linked to the prevention of diabetic conditions, most of the studies investigating underlying mechanisms and other evaluations are based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, the currently available clinical studies have certain limitations due to heterogeneity in the source, dosage, formulation, study designs, lack of proper standardization, inadequate sample sizes, and clearly defined target populations. Thus, there is a pressing need for more clinical studies using standardized glucosinolate supplements.