A 2024 cell study compared and contrasted findings of previous plant compound Nrf2 inducer studies with a newer assay type:
“Various plants have been reported to contain compounds that promote transcriptional activity of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to induce a set of xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes, such as NAD(P)H-quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), via the antioxidant response element (ARE). An ARE luciferase reporter assay was recently developed to specifically assess Nrf2 induction potency of compounds.
33 compounds were sorted in the order of their transcriptional activity of Nrf2. CD value is the concentration of a compound required to double the basal activities of individual enzymes or luciferase activity.
I was kind of interested in the sources of some of these - make a list and find out what plants they come from. Some of them seem fairly obvious and some less so.
sulforaphane of course we know the sources- broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, and collard greens
I typed up this list because it can be cut and pasted if a person wants to print the list since you cannot cut and paste the chart in the study. Now that I have the list I can find out all the plant sources of each of them. Some are available as single supplements and I will underline the ones I have seen. Having the list the sources could be listed
foods that activate Nrf2 according to ChatGPT include;
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that plays a key role in cellular defense against oxidative stress by regulating the expression of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. While Nrf2 itself isn’t a food component, certain compounds in foods can activate Nrf2 pathways, enhancing its beneficial effects. These foods often contain phytochemicals such as sulforaphane, curcumin, or polyphenols.
Here are some foods known to activate Nrf2:
1. Cruciferous Vegetables (Rich in Sulforaphane)
Broccoli (especially broccoli sprouts)
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Cabbage
2. Berries (Rich in Polyphenols)
Blueberries
Strawberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
3. Spices
Turmeric (contains curcumin)
Black pepper (enhances curcumin absorption)
Ginger
4. Green Tea
Contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a strong Nrf2 activator.
5. Citrus Fruits
Oranges
Lemons
Grapefruits (rich in flavonoids like hesperidin and naringenin).
6. Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts
Flaxseeds
Sunflower seeds
7. Dark Leafy Greens
Spinach
Swiss chard
Arugula
8. Allium Vegetables
Garlic
Onions
Leeks
9. Fermented Foods
Kimchi
Sauerkraut (may support overall antioxidant pathways).
10. Legumes and Pulses
Lentils
Chickpeas
Black beans
Additional Tips:
To maximize Nrf2 activation, focus on lightly steaming vegetables (like broccoli) to preserve sulforaphane. Also, pairing foods with complementary compounds—such as turmeric with black pepper—can enhance their bioavailability and effectiveness
The current pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) is focused on symptom alleviation rather than disease prevention. In this study, we look at a new strategy to neuroprotection that focuses on nutrition, by a supplementation with Açai berry in an experimental models of PD. Daily orally supplementation with Açai berry dissolved in saline at the dose of 500 mg/kg considerably reduced motor and non-motor symptom and neuronal cell death of the dopaminergic tract induced by 4 injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, Açai berry administration reduced α-synuclein aggregation in neurons, enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter activities, and avoided dopamine depletion. Moreover, Açai berry administration was able to reduce astrogliosis and microgliosis as well as neuronal death. Its beneficial effects could be due to its bioactive phytochemical components that are able to stimulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by counteracting the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that are the basis of this neurodegenerative disease.
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