What active substances do glucosinolates break down into after arugula leaves are chewed or digested?
Answer
Isothiocyanates
Arugula, by virtue of being a cruciferous vegetable, contains glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for its sharp flavor. When the physical structure of the leaves is broken down—whether by chewing, chopping, or during digestion—these glucosinolates undergo chemical transformation. This breakdown process yields biologically active substances known specifically as isothiocyanates. These resultant compounds are actively researched due to their potential chemopreventive properties, suggesting they may assist the body in neutralizing various carcinogens, thereby offering a protective mechanism against certain cancers.
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