Compound Found in Broccoli Could Help Fight a Rare Genetic Disease
Researchers at Australia's Swinburne University found that sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli, raises levels of the protein frataxin and protects nerve cells. It could become an accessible therapy for Friedreich ataxia, but clinical trials are still needed.
Scientists at Swinburne University in Australia have found in a new study that sulforaphane, a compound that occurs naturally in broccoli, could offer a new approach to treating Friedreich ataxia. The rare genetic disease progressively damages the nervous system and currently has no cure. About 200 Australians live with it.
About the disease
In Friedreich ataxia, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord gradually deteriorate. Patients lose the ability to coordinate movements, walk and speak, and life expectancy can be shortened. A genetic defect reduces production of frataxin, a protein that keeps cells working properly, especially those with high energy demands such as nerve cells.
What the study found
The researchers found that sulforaphane can raise frataxin levels and help protect vulnerable nerve cells from damage. According to the team, it also influences other processes involved in the disease, including cellular stress and inflammation, which makes it a valuable candidate for further investigation.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Faith Kwa says children make up a large share of those affected, yet no treatments specifically approved for pediatric patients are available. She says the compound can target the underlying cause of the disease and could be offered affordably worldwide.
Accessibility and next steps
Sulforaphane already has an established safety record in both children and adults, and its purified, biologically active forms are commercially available. If clinical trials confirm that it works, this could speed up its rollout. The scientists stress, however, that further research is essential to determine whether the findings will translate into real benefits for patients.
The Swinburne team hopes to secure funding for clinical trials. Kwa notes that because the disease is rare, public awareness is limited, which makes it harder to attract funding. The researchers hope their work will also draw more attention to a condition that remains largely unknown to the public.
