Also called " mustard oils", many natural isothiocyanates from plants are produced by enzymatic conversion (myrosinase-mediated hydrolysis) of metabolites called glucosinolates - sulfur-containing compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.
Examples: Allylisothiocyanate, Benzyl Isothiocyanate, Phenyl Isothiocyanate, Sulforophane. Isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane, may help prevent cancer by promoting the elimination of potential carcinogens from the body and by enhancing the transcription of tumor suppressor proteins. The isothiocyanates with the stongest anticancer effects are phenylethylisothiocyanate, benzylisothiocyanate and 3-phenylpropylisothiocyanate. Studies have shown that isothiocyanates help to prevent lung cancer and esophageal cancer. Isothiocyanates can also lower the risk of other cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer. Several patented applications propose to use Isothiocyanates as pesticides, and as supplements in the diet to help prevent cancer.