A newly published study on broccoli indicates that the vegetable contains some substances that may battle inflammation.

Inflammation is the cause of much more and less severe diseases and chronic dysfunctions. Among those dysfunctions are osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis. It is a fairly common diagnosis that affects the joints and leads to a loss of cartilage. It can lead to exposing and damaging the underlying bone. Inflammation of the surrounding joint capsule can often occur due to continued stress, making a bad situation worse.

This study Inhibition of synovial hyperplasia, rheumatoid T cell activation, and experimental arthritis in mice by sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate was recently published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism.

It suggests that broccoli may be a dietary source that helps to protect against this affliction. Since the researchers found that a diet high in sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli, correlates to significantly less cartilage damage and improved diagnoses of osteoarthritis. The study was first done on mice with one group receiving broccoli or another no broccoli.

Encouraged by their findings, the same team then broadened their study to include human and cow cartilage cells. They then found that this compound was equally effective in protecting these cells from damage.

Their conclusions are that the sulfur-based compound may block enzymes that contribute to inflammation in the cartilage.

The next stage includes a trial to see if broccoli can protect a group of arthritis patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. If this trial is proven successful, this may imply a new and significant way to protect against a worsened diagnoses for which its later stages implies an incurable condition – with only surgery to help alleviate.

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Inhibition of synovial hyperplasia, rheumatoid T cell activation, and experimental arthritis in mice by sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate
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