Glucosinolates: the phytochemicals of nutraceutical importance.

Glucosinolates (thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulphates) constitute a homogeneous class of naturally occurring thiosaccharidic compounds mainly found in the botanical order Brassicales. They can be hydrolyzed by myrosinase to produce D-glucose and various other degradation products like isothiocyanates (ITCs)-depending on the aglycon part. The exact function of glucosinolates (GLSs) in the plant is unclear, however their potent odour and taste suggests a role in herbivore and microbial defense. They are known for their fungicidal, bacteriocidal, nematocidal and allelopathic properties and have recently attracted intense research interest because of their cancer chemo-protective attributes. Iso-thiocyanates, one of the hydrolyzed products, show best anti-carcinogenic activity.