Gaby
This vegetable has long been considered beneficial for health. A new study by researchers at the University of Sydney (Australia) has uncovered yet another incredibly important property of broccoli.
One of the chemical compounds found in broccoli may help prevent blood clots that lead to strokes. As we know, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide.
What Scientists Discovered
Researchers have previously noted the significant role of broccoli in boosting the body’s resistance to various diseases, including cancer.
Now, the scientists conducted a series of laboratory tests on 23 compounds present in broccoli to determine their tendency to bind with blood platelets. Platelets play a crucial role in sealing wounds and stopping bleeding; however, under certain circumstances, they can form dangerous clots that completely block blood flow. In vital organs like the brain and heart, even a momentary loss of oxygen can cause irreversible damage.
The chemical compound sulforaphane (SFN), commonly found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, inhibits blood clotting. This compound has previously attracted medical attention for its potential in cancer prevention and cholesterol reduction.
A thorough analysis of SFN’s effects at the molecular level showed that it can slow down platelet aggregation and prevent clot formation under conditions similar to those found in our arteries. This is likely due to its modification of the activity of a protein called PDIA6.
“Broccoli compounds are not only effective in enhancing the action of drugs that dissolve clots after a stroke, but they can also be used as a preventive measure for patients at high risk of stroke,” noted biomedical researcher Xu Liu, the lead author of the study.
The study’s findings make SFN a worthy candidate for further investigation as a means of reducing stroke risk in certain vulnerable groups. This is especially significant since it is naturally found in foods like broccoli, which are beneficial for heart health and protect against various ailments.
SFN could also be utilized in emergency situations. For instance, it may help treat patients who have suffered a stroke, aiming to minimize its impact on the brain. These treatment methods could mitigate the damage caused by clots and ultimately save lives.
Current thrombolytic medications (known as tissue plasminogen activators, or tPA) protect against brain damage in only 20 percent of cases. In experiments with mice, when SFN was combined with tPA, the success rate soared to 60 percent, according to Science Alert.
“It’s remarkable that this natural compound (SFN) does not cause bleeding, a common side effect associated with blood-thinning medications used to treat strokes,” Dr. Xu Liu pointed out.
This research is still in its early stages. However, the Australian team believes the results are significant enough for scientists to pay attention to them in future stroke prevention research.
This study is particularly important given that approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer strokes each year. About one-third of these cases result in death, while another third lead to disability.
Researchers are pleased to have identified a “huge positive effect” from consuming this popular vegetable: its ability to prevent strokes and aid recovery for those who have experienced one.
The study’s results were published in the journal ACS Central Science.
