Broccoli derivative limits breast cancer growth

A derivative from the vegetable broccoli has been linked to treatment and the halt of spread of breast cancer stem cells. A recent study from the University of Michigan has associated the component of broccoli, sulforaphane, in preventing the spread of cancer cells and destroying these cells. This has been injected into animal studies with very promising results.

"Sulforaphane has been studied previously for its effects on cancer, but this study shows that its benefit is in inhibiting the breast cancer stem cells. This new insight suggests the potential of sulforaphane or broccoli extract to prevent or treat cancer by targeting the critical cancer stem cells," says study author Duxin Sun, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the U-M College of Pharmacy and a researcher with the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Thus far, although preliminary results are favorable, it has not been tested in human studies. At this time, there is no recommendation in increasing the amount of broccoli in one's diet. But current research continues.