Work

Geraniol treatment enhances sulforaphane content through modulation of the glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway in kale (Brassica oleracea)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Kale ( Brassica oleracea ) is a cruciferous vegetable known for health benefits, primarily due to sulforaphane, a compound with notable anticancer properties. Recently, we reported that the application of geraniol can significantly increase sulforaphane content in kale. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this enhancement remain unexplored. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the metabolic pathways by which geraniol influences sulforaphane biosynthesis. Geraniol was applied as a 500-ppm solution, sprayed on the leaves of kale cultivated in an indoor aeroponic farm, once daily for two consecutive days, one week prior to harvest. As a result, we found that the sulforaphane content in the geraniol-treated group was 2.2 times higher than in the control group. Moreover, gene expression analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of CYP83, SUR1, and UGT, which are key genes involved in sulforaphane biosynthesis, with increases of 1.7, 1.3, and 1.1-fold, respectively, in the geraniol-treated group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that geraniol enhances sulforaphane content by upregulating genes critical to its biosynthesis.

Source: Applied Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1186/s13765-025-01053-2

Authors: Jong-Moon Ju, Heang-Lim Lee, Yu-Sin Jang, Jaeil Byeon

Institution: Gyeongsang National University

Language: English

Topic: Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690