Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate: A Bioactive Agent for Gastrointestinal Health

The incidence of gastrointestinal pathologies (cancer in particular) has increased progressively, with considerable morbidity and mortality, and a high economic impact on the healthcare system. The dietary intake of natural phytochemicals with certain bioactive properties has shown therapeutic and preventive effects on these pathologies. This includes the cruciferous vegetable derivative phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a bioactive compound present in some vegetables, such as watercress. Notably, PEITC has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and anticarcinogenic properties. This review summarized the current knowledge on the role of PEITC as a potential natural nutraceutical or an adjuvant against oxidative/inflammatory-related disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. We also discussed the safe and recommended dose of PEITC. In addition, we established a framework to guide the research and development of sustainable methodologies for obtaining and stabilizing this natural molecule for industrial use. With PEITC, there is great potential to develop a viable strategy for preventing cancer and other associated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, this topic still needs more scientific studies to help develop new PEITC products for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or food industries.

Automated summary

The incidence of gastrointestinal pathologies, particularly cancer, has been increasing, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden on the healthcare system. Natural phytochemicals, such as phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) found in cruciferous vegetables like watercress, have shown therapeutic and preventive effects on these diseases. PEITC possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and anticarcinogenic properties. This review provides an overview of the role of PEITC in the prevention and treatment of oxidative/inflammatory-related gastrointestinal disorders and discusses the safe and recommended dosage of PEITC. Moreover, it proposes a framework for sustainable methodologies to obtain and stabilize PEITC for industrial use. Further scientific studies are needed to develop PEITC products for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or food industries.