Sulforaphane Extract Encapsulation for Prostate Cancer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for prostate cancer, particularly after surgical resection, are limited in preventing recurrence and are associated with significant side effects, with existing options like androgen deprivation having limited effectiveness and causing adverse reactions.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous extract of ungerminated broccoli seeds from the variety Brassica Oleracea Italica, rich in sulforaphane, is encapsulated in acacia gum or maltodextrin and administered orally to treat or prevent prostate cancer recurrence, utilizing a process that includes cold mechanical pressing, enzymatic hydrolysis, and solvent extraction to produce a stable sulforaphane extract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical resection is performed to treat prostate cancer, then the tumor is removed, but recurrence occurs in 30-50% of patients within 10 years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering sulforaphane-containing compositions before recurrence occurs. The composition is given to patients after surgical resection to prevent cancer recurrence, acting in advance to block the development of residual malignant cells and prevent the 30-50% recurrence rate that typically occurs within 10 years.
2Speed
If androgen deprivation therapy is used to treat recurrent prostate cancer, then tumor growth is slowed, but treatment effectiveness is limited due to hormone-independent clone development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sulforaphane as an intermediary substance that activates phase II detoxification enzymes and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This mechanism provides an alternative pathway to control tumor growth that does not rely on hormonal pathways, thereby preventing the development of hormone-independent clones that limit the effectiveness of androgen deprivation therapy.
3Reliability
If conventional cancer treatments are administered, then tumor control is achieved, but significant side effects occur including nausea, fatigue, and erectile disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a natural, biologically active compound (sulforaphane) derived from broccoli that acts as a gentle alternative to harsh conventional treatments. This substance provides cancer control through activation of protective enzymes and induction of apoptosis, achieving therapeutic effects with minimal side effects compared to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions.
4Quantity of substance
If sulforaphane is extracted from crucifers using conventional methods, then the active ingredient is obtained, but the extract is unstable and difficult to standardize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing extraction conditions including using specific particle sizes (0.5-2 mm), controlling extraction temperature (4-25°C), and adjusting solvent ratios (water:ethanol:acetic acid in 4:5:1). These parameter optimizations stabilize the sulforaphane extract and enable consistent standardization of the active ingredient concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite extraction system combining multiple solvents (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) in specific proportions. This composite approach enhances the stability and extractability of sulforaphane compared to single-solvent methods, allowing for better preservation of the active ingredient during extraction and storage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively slows down the doubling time of PSA levels, indicating reduced tumor growth and regression, with minimal side effects, and can be used as a nutraceutical or pharmaceutical intervention to complement existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Sulforaphane is obtained through the enzymatic hydrolysis of its precursor, glucoraphanin, by myrosinase, an endogenous enzyme of crucifers.
Implementation Method 2
purifying said hydrolyzate obtained in step b by adding acetone in order to reduce the lipid content of said hydrolyzate obtained in step b
Implementation Method 3
extracting the sulforaphane from the said aqueous phase obtained in step e by adding ethyl acetate to recover a phase containing the said ethyl acetate and the sulforaphane
Implementation Method 4
a step of evaporating said acetone contained in said filtrate obtained in step d to recover an aqueous phase, f. a step for extracting the sulforaphane from the said aqueous phase obtained in step e by adding ethyl acetate to recover a phase containing the said ethyl acetate and the sulforaphane, g. a step of evaporating said ethyl acetate contained in said phase recovered in step f
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition for treating or preventing prostate cancer or the recurrence thereof, including a non-aqueous extract of non-germinated broccoli seeds of the Brassica Oleracea Italica variety that are rich in sulforaphane. The extract is encapsulated by a compound selected from the group including acacia gum, maltodextrin, and the mixture thereof, and said composition can be provided in the form of a capsule, tablet, sugarcoated tablet, or film-coated tablet, and is orally administered one to three times a day at a daily dose of 2 to 200 mg.