Evidence supporting the use of: Isothiocyanates
For the body system: Lungs
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Isothiocyanates, a group of phytochemicals found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, watercress, and Brussels sprouts, have been studied for their potential benefits to lung health. Scientific evidence suggests that isothiocyanates—especially sulforaphane—may help protect the lungs by inducing phase II detoxification enzymes and enhancing antioxidant defenses. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that isothiocyanates can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in lung tissue, which are key contributors to the development and progression of respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A few human studies also indicate that intake of cruciferous vegetables and their constituents may be associated with improved lung function and reduced risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers. For example, sulforaphane has been observed to activate the NRF2 pathway, which regulates antioxidant and cytoprotective responses in lung cells. However, while preclinical data are promising, large-scale clinical trials directly linking isothiocyanate supplementation to improved lung health in humans are limited, and more research is needed for conclusive recommendations.
In summary, there is moderate scientific support for the role of isothiocyanates in promoting lung health, primarily through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, but the evidence is not yet robust enough for unequivocal clinical endorsement.
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astragalus
bamboo
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benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-carotene
black cumin
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Indian frankincense
broccoli
cabbage leaf
carrot
caterpillar mushroom
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
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cordyceps
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curcumin
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fennel
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glehnia root
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horseradish
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L-glutathione
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marine lipid
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mixed carotenoids
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
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parsley
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plantain
platycodon root
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pumpkin
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
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vitamin D3
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boneset
mullein
chickweed
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trichosanthes
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horehound
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Allicin
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Adrenergic amines
Agarwood
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Ampelopsis
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Adenophora
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Allium tuberosum
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Bryonia
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
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Balsam
Brassica
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Boswellic Acid
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Codonopsis
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Cineole
Capsaicin
Catecholamine
Chinese Pond Turtle
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Cruciferous
Curcumen
Coca
Cinnamic Acid
Cedar
Cinidium
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Corktree
Cubeb
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Cowslip
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Elephant's Head
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Ephedrine
Enokitake
Fruit
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Fritillary
Fang-Feng
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Ficus religiosa
Fatty acids
Fungus
Flavanones
Fleabane
Forskolin
Frankincense
Flavonones
Flammulina velutipes
Flavones
fibroblast growth factor
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Glehnia littoralis
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Ilex
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Other body systems supported by Isothiocyanates
ArteriesBladder
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Glandular System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
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Skin
Stomach