Glucosinolates
Sulfur-rich metabolites of cabbage-family plants converted by myrosinase enzymes into pungent mustard oils when tissue is damaged.
Core Principles & Analysis
- Tissue damage triggers the 'mustard oil bomb': myrosinase hydrolyzes glucosinolates into sharp isothiocyanates.
- Responsible for the pungency of mustard, horseradish, and wasabi.
- Sulforaphane, derived from broccoli glucoraphanin, is under study for cancer-preventive activity.
Specifications & Metrics
- CHEMICAL CLASS: Thioglucosides