Compositions and methods for converting at least one
glucosinolate to an
isothiocyanate using
Bacillus subtilis 839,
Bacillus subtilis CO4_4,
Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and / or
Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, are provided. Conversion of glucosinolates, such as
glucoraphanin, to isothiocyanates, such as
sulforaphane, leads to the stimulation of the Nrf2 / Keap pathway and phase II enzymes, providing
chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions comprising
Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4,
Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and / or
Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, for administration to subjects for increasing
isothiocyanate (e.g.,
sulforaphane) production, increasing the expression of genes regulated by the Nrf2
transcription factor, including phase II enzymes, decreasing
inflammation, and treating or preventing an
inflammatory disorder or a
cancer. The composition can comprise at least one
glucosinolate or a
plant,
plant part or an extract thereof comprising
glucosinolate(s).