Isothiocyanates from cruciferous plants as geroprotectors.

Abstract

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are plant secondary metabolites predominantly found in the Brassicaceae family, responsible for their characteristic pungent taste and noted for their bioactive properties. The pungency of these plants arises from mustard oils, which are generated from glucosinolates when the plant material is chewed, cut, or otherwise damaged. This chapter delves into the potential of ITCs as promising geroprotectors - agents capable of delaying aging and mitigating age-related diseases. Compounds such as sulforaphane, a well-studied ITC, exhibit remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which modulate key cellular signaling pathways involved in aging. Additionally, ITCs have been shown to induce autophagy, a critical cellular process that reduces the accumulation of damaged proteins and age-related aggregates, thereby supporting cellular health. The chapter reviews the biosynthesis and bioavailability of ITCs, their role in promoting longevity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their protective effects. It also addresses potential adverse effects and challenges associated with their application. The evidence presented underscores the potential of ITCs to contribute to healthy aging and the prevention of age-associated conditions, highlighting the need for further exploration in geriatric medicine and therapeutic development.