Sulforaphane (SFN) is a molecule within the isothiocyanate (ITC) group of organosulfur compounds. SFN is a phytochemical commonly found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbages. It has been widely studied in order to evaluate its chemopreventive properties and some of those have already been established by means of animal and human models. The SFN induces Phase I and II enzymes involved in detoxification processes of chemical carcinogens in order to prevent the start of carcinogenesis. It also presents anti-tumor action at post-initiation Phase, suggesting supplementary roles in cancer prevention. In a dose dependent manner, ITC inhibits the viability of human cancer cells, modifies epigenetic events that occur in cancer cells and present antiinflammatory effect acting during the initial of uncontrolled cell proliferation. This protective effect may be due to its antioxidant status, its recognized capacity to induce the expression and/or activity of of different cytoprotective proteins involved in the activating “Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2” (Nrf2). Nevertheless, the effects on health and the possible connections among different diet constituents in humans must be carefully studied as there are limitations in the current data in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for those effects. This survey also includes relevant patents on the use of SFN, like its use in skin cancer treatment (US2015038580); and as an adjuvant in anti-cancer treatment (US2014228419). The use of SFN as an antioxidant dietary supplement, methods for compositions that promote glutathione production (WO2015002279) and methods for extracting and purifying SFN from broccoli seeds (CN104086469) are also included in this review.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and watercress, have been studied extensively aiming to evaluate their chemopreventive properties. Some of them have already been established using animal models. The ITCs induce Phase II enzymes related to detoxification processes of chemical carcinogens to prevent the start of carcinogenesis. They also exhibit antitumor activity at post-initiation phase, suggesting their additional role(s) in cancer prevention. Sulforaphane is the most extensively studied isothiocyanate, focused in its anti-tumoral activity and it is mainly found in great amounts in broccoli and other cruciferous. In a dose dependent manner, ITCs inhibit the cell viability of human cervical cancer cells, human pancreatic cancer cells, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, human ovarian cancer cells, and have antiinflammatory properties in the treatment of human T-cell leukemia cells. This protective effect may be due to improved antioxidant status. Although the health effects of diet in humans are generally considered promising, there are definite challenges and limitations of the current data in better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for this effect, together with the possible interactions between different dietary constituents. The survey of relevant patents on the use of isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane for cancer and cardiovascular diseases treatments is also included in this review.

Propolis is a resinous material collected by honeybees from numerous plants and serves as a defense against intruders. Because of its relevant curative properties, it is now gaining popularity in health foods and in cosmetic products. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals has become a good strategy in bioprospection for new anti-inflammatory compounds. The biological activity of propolis derives from its high levels of phenolic acids, while flavonoids are thought to account for the activity of propolis extracts. The comprehension of the relationship between propolis and the immune system has progressed in the last years, recent articles have provided important contributions to this investigation field. Studies have shown that propolis suppressed the “IL-6-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and STAT3”, an essential cytokine-activated transcription factor in Th17 development. Therefore, action mechanisms of “propolis on Th17 differentiation could be instrumental in controlling disturbed cytokine networks in inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and infections.” The use of propolis has been proposed in some patents as: WO2013163714; CN102885854, WO2013142936, US20130266521, and US20130129808, which are related to the treatment of dental diseases; adjuvant in anti-cancer treatment; in cosmetic products; as an anti-inflammatory agent and natural antibiotic. Although there are many publications regarding the propolis efficacy, its applicability to human health and mechanisms of action are not completely understood, creating opportunities for new studies.

Leishmaniasis is considered a neglected tropical disease having a worldwide distribution. The disease is caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania, being clinically divided into visceral leishmaniasis (VL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Domestic dogs are the main parasite reservoir and effectively participate in the protozoa transmission. The human leishmaniasis treatment is based on a selection of therapeutic compounds, but the available drugs are toxic, presenting adverse side effects. The decision to treat or not to treat seropositive dogs is under discussion in some countries, because treatment is even more toxic to animals and, also, can generate drug resistant strains. Therefore, very few treatment choices have reached the clinic for this disease and there is an urgent need of new chemotherapy for both humans and animals. This study presents a review of new patents related to treatment and prevention of Leishmania infections. Some of these patents are related to new vaccine formulations for combating leishmaniasis. Likewise, the inventions related to the cream formulations for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis are very important, avoiding the side effects of drugs during the treatment. Furthermore, anti leishmaniasis products that are extracted from nature has increasingly been patented each year, demonstrating the importance of bioprospection studies to improve the armamentarium of anti leishmaniasis drugs.

A family of 4kDa neurotoxic peptides was purified from venoms of Phoneutria spiders. All have six cysteine residues, and low similarity with other neurotoxins. Three toxins caused moderate inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels. The structure of toxin PRTx27C3 was modeled and compared with toxin ADO1. The importance of four residues is suggested.