Glucosinolates in the subantarctic crucifer Kerguelen cabbage (Pringlea antiscorbutica)

Glucosinolates in the subantarctic Kerguelen cabbage (Pringlea antiscorbutica) were determined by HPLC. Glucoerucin (6) was present only in the seeds, whereas sinigrin (2), gluconapin (3), n-butyl glucosinolate (4), glucoraphanin (1), and glucotropaeolin (5) were present in both the seeds and leaves. High concentrations of glucosinolates, precursors of bioactive isothiocyanates, were found in the leaves of Kerguelen cabbage. In particular, the lack of unhealthy beta-hydroxylated aliphatic side-chain glucosinolates is supportive of this vegetable being a possible dietary source with a high nutritional value.