Proprietary Broccoli; Myrosinase & Maitake Mushroom Extracts Blend
Also known as: Proprietary Broccoli; Myrosinase & Maitake Mushroom Extracts Blend, Broccoli extract, sulforaphane precursor, glucoraphanin, myrosinase enzyme, maitake mushroom extract, Sulforaphane Precursor, Myrosinase, and Maitake Mushroom Extracts Blend
Overview
This blend combines glucoraphanin from Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), the enzyme myrosinase (EC 3.2.1.147), and extracts from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom). Glucoraphanin is a precursor to sulforaphane, a potent chemoprotective compound, and myrosinase is crucial for its efficient conversion. Maitake mushrooms contribute bioactive polysaccharides and other phytochemicals known for their immunomodulatory properties. The primary goal of this blend is to enhance sulforaphane bioavailability and leverage the synergistic effects of both components for potential anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant benefits. Sulforaphane is a well-researched inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes via the Nrf2 pathway, while Maitake bioactives stimulate immune responses. Research on sulforaphane and broccoli extracts is extensive, including numerous clinical trials, while Maitake mushroom research is emerging with promising preclinical and some clinical studies.
Benefits
The blend offers several evidence-based benefits. Sulforaphane, formed from broccoli glucoraphanin by myrosinase, demonstrates significant cancer chemopreventive effects in animal models and human trials, primarily through the induction of detoxification enzymes like NQO1, reduction of oxidative stress, and modulation of inflammatory pathways. Clinical trials show sulforaphane can significantly induce phase II enzymes (p < 0.05). Maitake mushroom extracts exhibit immunomodulatory effects, including enhanced natural killer cell activity and potential antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. These effects are promising, though larger randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive effect sizes. Secondary benefits include potential improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic health markers from sulforaphane, and anti-diabetic and antimicrobial effects from Maitake. Populations undergoing cancer prevention or adjunct therapy, particularly for breast, prostate, colon, lung, and bladder cancers, may benefit from this blend. Enzyme induction by sulforaphane can occur within hours to days, while Maitake immunomodulation may require weeks of supplementation.
How it works
The blend's primary mechanism involves two key components. Sulforaphane, derived from glucoraphanin by myrosinase, activates the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. This activation leads to the upregulation of antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), thereby enhancing the body's cellular defense systems against oxidative stress and inflammation. Maitake mushroom polysaccharides stimulate immune responses by activating macrophages, modulating cytokine production, and enhancing the activity of natural killer cells. Sulforaphane primarily targets the Nrf2 transcription factor, while Maitake targets immune cell receptors and signaling pathways. Sulforaphane bioavailability is highly dependent on myrosinase activity; exogenous myrosinase supplementation significantly enhances its formation and absorption. Maitake bioactives are absorbed variably, with polysaccharides potentially acting locally in the gut or systemically after absorption.
Side effects
Both sulforaphane (from broccoli) and maitake mushroom extracts are generally considered safe with low toxicity. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or gas, has been reported with high doses of either component in some individuals, but this is uncommon. Allergic reactions to mushroom components are possible but rare. No serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials with standard doses of either ingredient. Caution is advised regarding potential interactions with chemotherapy agents due to sulforaphane's antioxidant effects, which could theoretically interfere with certain treatments. Contraindications include known allergies to mushrooms or cruciferous vegetables. Data on pregnant or breastfeeding women is limited, so use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
Clinical studies involving broccoli/sulforaphane typically use glucoraphanin doses ranging from 30 to 100 µmol daily. The inclusion of myrosinase is crucial for improving conversion efficiency to sulforaphane. Sulforaphane doses up to 200 µmol/day have been safely used in trials. Maitake extract doses vary widely, and for consistency, standardized beta-glucan content is recommended. There is no established maximum safe dose, though high doses are generally well-tolerated, long-term safety data is limited. For optimal sulforaphane formation, myrosinase should be present or co-administered; cooking methods that destroy myrosinase should be avoided if relying on dietary broccoli. Supplements combining glucoraphanin with active myrosinase and maitake extracts are preferred for enhanced bioavailability. Absorption of sulforaphane is influenced by the food matrix, cooking, and gut microbiota, with myrosinase supplementation mitigating this variability.
FAQs
Is myrosinase necessary?
Yes, myrosinase significantly enhances sulforaphane formation from glucoraphanin. Without it, the bioavailability of sulforaphane drops substantially, as the conversion is less efficient.
Are broccoli supplements effective without myrosinase?
They are less effective. While gut microbiota can convert some glucoraphanin to sulforaphane, the efficiency is much lower compared to when active myrosinase is present.
Can cooking destroy myrosinase?
Yes, thermal processing, such as cooking, often inactivates myrosinase. This inactivation reduces the enzyme's ability to convert glucoraphanin into sulforaphane.
What benefits does maitake add?
Maitake mushroom extracts contribute immunomodulatory effects and potential antitumor activity, complementing sulforaphane's chemoprotective and detoxification actions for a broader health benefit.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Enzyme induction by sulforaphane can occur within hours to days of supplementation. However, clinical benefits, especially for long-term outcomes, may require weeks to months of consistent use.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6804255/ – This systematic review highlights that sulforaphane bioavailability is critically dependent on myrosinase activity. It synthesizes findings from clinical trials demonstrating the chemoprotective enzyme induction by sulforaphane, emphasizing that dosage and formulation are key factors influencing its efficacy. The review notes that while many studies are preclinical or small human trials, they provide strong evidence for sulforaphane's biological activity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11068609/ – This literature review explores the bioactive compounds in Maitake mushroom and their immunomodulatory and anticancer potential. It identifies various polysaccharides and other phytochemicals responsible for these effects. The review concludes that while preclinical evidence is strong, more quantitative clinical studies, particularly large-scale randomized controlled trials, are needed to fully establish the clinical efficacy and optimal dosing of Maitake extracts.
- https://patents.justia.com/patent/10960057 – This patent describes a combination of sulforaphane precursor, myrosinase, and maitake extract, claiming antitumor effects and NQO1 induction. While patent data can be indicative of potential applications, it is not peer-reviewed clinical trial data. It suggests a synergistic effect of the blend but requires independent scientific verification through rigorous research.
- https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/49866 – This source discusses the impact of processing on myrosinase activity in broccoli. It highlights that thermal treatments commonly used in food preparation can inactivate myrosinase, thereby reducing the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane. The research underscores the importance of preserving myrosinase activity for maximizing sulforaphane bioavailability.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2015.00831/full – This article delves into the role of gut microbiota in glucoraphanin metabolism. It explains that while myrosinase is the primary enzyme for sulforaphane formation, gut bacteria can also contribute to this conversion, especially when dietary myrosinase is inactivated. However, the efficiency of microbial conversion is generally lower, emphasizing the benefit of exogenous myrosinase supplementation.
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