Crucifers and related vegetables and supplements for neurologic disorders: what is the evidence?
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review summarizing preclinical and clinical literature without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 30199394 · doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000511
What was done
This narrative review synthesized evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials regarding the role of cruciferous vegetables and their key bioactive compounds—primarily isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane—in preventing and treating neurological disorders.
What was found
The abstract reports that at least nine clinical studies have assessed these compounds in neurodevelopmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, alongside extensive animal model research in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. No quantitative metrics, effect sizes, or trial results are reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
It highlights crucifer-derived isothiocyanates, particularly sulforaphane, as potential dietary compounds targeting shared aberrant molecular pathways across distinct neurological conditions.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis, providing no search protocol, quality assessment, or specific quantitative data. Much of the neurodegenerative evidence remains restricted to animal models.
Cited by
- supports In preclinical neurodegenerative disease models, sulforaphane inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC), enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and reduces amyloid-beta levels.