Comprehensive overview of glucosinolates in crucifers: occurrence, roles, metabolism, and transport mechanisms—a review

Plants of the Brassicaceae family exhibit a sophisticated defense mechanism against plant pathogens and insect herbivores, leading to the production of diverse hydrolytic derivatives such as thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, nitriles, and epithionitriles. These chemical transformations are catalyzed through the enzymatic action of myrosinase on glucosinolates (GSLs), which are otherwise inactive in the intact plant. The hydrolytic products of GSLs are incredibly effective at protecting plants from pests, weeds, herbivores, bacterial and fungal attack. The impact of GSLs on animal health is multifaceted, with nutritional attributes varying based on chemical structure and concentration. While certain GSLs and their derivatives in Brassica plants are associated with health benefits and cancer prevention, others have been linked to goitrogenic effects in ruminants, with concentrations ranging from 50 to 120 μmol g⁻¹. This variability has implications for the use of rapeseed–mustard meal in food and feed. Despite considerable efforts to modify the chemical profile of GSLs in Brassica species, a comprehensive understanding of their composition and metabolism is still essential for achieving effective and targeted manipulation. This review aims to consolidate both foundational and recent advancements in GSLs research, with a focus on their biological properties, role in plant-pathogen interactions, transport and strategies for managing their accumulation in Brassica seeds. Our goal is to enhance the utilization of this crop by maximizing its potential benefits. This information could be pivotal in developing new varieties with tailored GSLs content and profile, resulting in improved crop yields, enhanced nutritional quality, and greater biofumigation efficacy, thereby benefiting both agriculture and human health.