Broccoli Could Prevent or Slow Down Onset of Osteoarthritis - Scientific Study

The key to potential benefits for osteoarthritis sufferers from broccoli is sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a chemical compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts. It is thought that the sulforaphane present in broccoli may helps to slow down or even prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.

How could sulforaphane benefit arthritis sufferers? Broccoli increases the sulforaphane levels in the blood and this, in turn, blocks enzymes which cause the painful and debilitating joint destruction associated with osteoarthritis.

However, scientists at UEA want to find out if enough sulforaphane is entering the joints to actually fight the arthritis. In 2010, this was not clear. Therefore, this three-year study was launched with funding of £650,000, which will eventually enable vital patient trials to be undertaken. The results could lead to safe ways of administering sulforaphane to osteoarthritis sufferers.

In the United Kingdom osteoarthritis brings misery to approximately six million people. (In the United States, according to Centers for Disease Control, twenty-seven million people live with the disease).

Professor Ian Clark of UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, who is leading the research, has pointed out that apart from the very real suffering of people with osteoarthritis, the UK also has a rapidly aging population. It is therefore vitally important to ensure a good life for the elderly, but equally important that research is carried out that will ultimately reduce the cost of elderly health care in the future.

At the same time as researching the beneficial effects of broccoli, Professor Clark and his team will be looking into garlic which has high amounts of diallyl disulphide. Diallyl disulphide is another dietary compound found in garlic which, like sulforaphane in broccoli, is thought to slow down the destruction of cartilege.

 Osteoarthritis, depending on the severity, can limit the lives of those who suffer from it. Movement of joints, often in the arms, hands, wrists, knees and hips, can be limited by pain and disability. Depression can be a side effect.

Any research that can bring about the effective relief of the painful symptoms of this degenerative joint disease will be good news for sufferers, not only in the United Kingdom, but worldwide.

According to Professor Clark, contacted by the author in May 2013, the researchers are re-submitting their findings around all the laboratory models for publication in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. 

They are also embarking upon a ‘proof-of-principle’ study in man, to make sure that the active compound in broccoli gets to the human joint and can have an effect.  They aim to start that very soon, and the results should all be analysed by early 2014. 

Whilst acknowledging that this research is 'all very slow',  Professor Clark adds, '...but we are definitely making progress!'.

It's really good to know that this kind of work is going on.  Let us hope that in the near future there could be good news for all those who suffer from this painful and debilitating condition. 

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

Sources:

Eating broccoli could guard against arthritis (University of East Anglia - Communications Office, 15 Sep 2010)

Fighting Arthritis With Broccoli by MyHealthNewsDaily Staff, 15th September 2010.

E-mail from Professor Clark to the Author, 31st May 2013.