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This Month's Plant and Phytochemical

Brassica rapa / Cabbage

Brassica rapa / Cabbage

Brassica rapa

Cabbage, Nappa, napa

Brassica rapa (Cabbage) belonging to the Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae) family is a well-known leafy vegetable. The genus Brassica consists of several species (e.g., Mustard (Brassica alba), Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), Broccoli (Brassica oleracea), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Botrytis Group), Brussels sprout (Brassica oleracea Gemmifera Group), cabbage (Brassica oleracea Capitata Group), kale (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), Pak choi (Brassica campestris), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) ). The plants belonging to the genus contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, sinapic acid, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, glucosinolates, gluconapin, glucobrassicin and others. In traditional medicines, several Brassica species (e.g., Brassica alba, Brassica juncea) have been used for treating hemorrhage, back pain, rheumatism, stomach pain, and bladder inflammation. In Oriental medicines, some parts of Brassica species may have been used as anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and cytotoxic agents. In this country, cabbage is used as a leafy culinary vegetable for preparing many dishes, because Brassica plants contain numerous phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids and others. Also, the seed of canola (Brassica napus) is a good source for producing a general cooking oil.

Glucobrassicin

447

C16H19N2O9S2-

Glucobrassicin (syn: 3-Indolylmethylglucosinolate) is a bitter glucosinolate belonging to a class of sulfur nitrogen compounds conjugated with glucose. Glucosinolates are found as secondary metabolites in plants; Brassica alba, Brassica oleracea, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, Brassica campestris, Brassica carinata, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Raphanus sativus, Armoracia lapathifolia, Wasabia japonica, Nasturtium officinale and others. In plants, glucosinolates and derivatives are likely synthesized as phytoalexins from amino acids. Glucosinolates can be converted into isothiocyanates and other cyanogenics via myrosinase once accessible. Initially, the use of glucosinolate-containing crops was considered not beneficial to humans. However, plants producing glucosinolates are often advantageous, because the substances have several potential biological activities including anti-cancer.

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