An unexpected vegetable turned out to be effective against an incurable disease

The natural compound sulforaphane found in broccoli could become the basis of a new approach to treating Friedreich's ataxia, a rare hereditary nervous system disorder.

This conclusion was reached by researchers from Swinburne University of Technology. The study was published in the journal Antioxidants & Redox Signaling (ARS).

Friedreich's ataxia is associated with a deficiency of the protein frataxin, which is essential for normal cell function. As the disease progresses, nerve cells become damaged, causing the person to gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, and independently perform everyday activities. The disease is currently considered incurable.

In experiments, the scientists found that sulforaphane was able to increase frataxin levels. In addition, the compound reduced inflammation and cellular stress and helped protect nerve cells from damage.

Thus, the substance from broccoli may simultaneously affect multiple processes associated with the development of the disease. However, these are still laboratory research results rather than a proven treatment for patients.

The researchers note that sulforaphane has already been studied for safety in children and adults and is available in the form of dietary supplements. The next step should be clinical trials involving humans. If they confirm the compound's effectiveness, sulforaphane could become the basis of a new affordable therapy for Friedreich's ataxia.