Antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential of broccoli, cauliflower and kale seedlings

Vegetables from cruciferous plants (family Brassicaceae) are known as a great source of healthpromoting chemicals. In recent years, focus shifted from mature plants to seedlings of cruciferous plants, which are nowadays often branded as microgreens. They emerged as a rich source of phenolics and glucosinolates. However, detailed analysis of their bioactivity is still lacking. Considering a rise in prevalence of chronic illnesses, plant foods are considered as food supplements that could be used in fighting illnesses such as type II diabetes and obesity. Gastrointestinal enzymes, such as α-amylase, α- glucosidase and pancreatic lipase are often targeted in treatment of those diseases. Search for inhibitors of these enzymes continues, with plant foods being a potential source. In this study, antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) and kale (B. oleracea var. acephala) seedlings was assessed by testing the inhibitory capacity of their ethanolic extract on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase in vitro. Results revealed that broccoli seedlings had the highest inhibitory capacity against α-amylase, and kale seedlings had the highest inhibitory capacity against α- glucosidase. Kale and cauliflower had a similar inhibitory capacity against pancreatic lipase, while inhibitory capacity of broccoli extracts was lower. However, neither had an inhibitory capacity higher than standard compounds used as inhibitors of these enzymes. Nevertheless, extracts of broccoli, cauliflower and kale seedlings extracts could be used as supplements in treating diseases like diabetes and obesity, considering they possess inhibitory capacity against α-amylase, α- glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. Further studies should aim to identify compounds from seedlings extract that contribute to inhibitory capacity of those enzymes the most, and evaluate their antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties in vivo.