Immunomodulatory activity of Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate from broccoli (Brassica oleracea)

The effect of Sulforaphane on the immune system was studied using BALB/c mice. Intraperitoneal administration of five doses of Sulforaphane (500 μg/dose/animal/day) was found to enhance the total WBC count (12,950 cells/mm3) on 9th day. Bone marrow cellularity (23×106 cells/femur) and number of α-esterase positive cells (1346.66/4000 cells) were also increased by the administration of Sulforaphane. Treatment with Sulforaphane along with the antigen, sheep red blood cells (SRBC), produced an enhancement in the circulating antibody titre and the number of plaque forming cells (PFC) in the spleen. Maximum number of PFC (315.83 PFC/106 spleen cells) was obtained on the 6th day. Administration of Sulforaphane also showed an enhancement in the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages. Moreover administration of Sulforaphane significantly reduced the elevated level of TNF-α production by LPS stimulated macrophages. These results indicate the immunomodulatory activity of Sulforaphane.