How a big dose of Broccoli offers hope to osteoarthritis sufferers

An artificial version of an ingredient in broccoli could prove to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, say researchers. The broccoli compound sulforophane is known to block the inflammation and damage to cartilage associated with the condition. But patients would have to eat a great deal of the vegetable every day to derive any significant benefit.

These initial results are very positive for such an experiment and we have convinced ourselves that sulforaphane is a promising agent for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Professor Andrew Pitsillides, who co-led the research at the Royal Veterinary College in London

In tests on mice affected by osteoarthritis, Sulforadex significantly improved bone architecture, gait balance and movement. Professor Andrew Pitsillides, who co-led the research at the Royal Veterinary College in London, said: “There is no cure or effective treatment for the disease other than pain relief or joint replacement, so the potential for SFX-01 is massive.” Results from the study were presented at the 4th Joint Meeting of European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) and the International Bone and Mineral Society (IBMS) in Rotterdam.

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