Glucosinolates and respective derivatives (isothiocyanates) from plants

Abstract

Glucosinolates (GLs) comprise a distinctive group of bioactive compounds exhibiting a wide range of activities in plants, as their major defense system, as well as in humans in many ways. This chapter discusses the biosynthesis and functionality (e.g., chemopreventative and antimicrobial activity) of GLs. In addition, the effect of processing (e.g., enzymatic degradation and post-harvesting) on the content and stability of GLs is denoted. Finally, an insight of different methods that can be applied for the extraction of GLs is discussed. GLs can lose their beneficial properties and transform into antinutrients depending on the processing conditions. For this reason, this chapter focuses also on emerging technologies (e.g., high-pressure processing , ultrasound and microwave extraction, pulsed electric field, and supercritical fluids extraction) that promise mild treatment and preservation of GLs during processing.