LVPEI study finds natural compounds in broccoli may protect against eye disease
A natural compound, Sulforaphane, found in abundance in broccoli could hold the key to treating Keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder that weakens, thins, and distorts the cornea, according to a landmark study by researchers from Hyderabad-based LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in collaboration with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (May, 2026), the research reveals that Keratoconus is closely linked to a breakdown in NRF2, the body’s primary cellular defense pathway against oxidative stress. When the natural defense fails, corneal stromal cells suffer damage and die, leading to progressive vision loss.
To counter the cellular damage, researchers turned to Sulforaphane, a potent dietary compound produced when cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and broccoli sprouts, often referred to as a superfood due to its nutritional value, are chewed or crushed.
In laboratory experiments, treating damaged corneal cells with sulforaphane successfully activated the NRF2 defense system. The compound lowered oxidative stress, prevented cell death, and restored the production of collagen essential for maintaining corneal shape and strength, the LVPEI-NYU researchers in their study said.
Published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (May, 2026), the research reveals that Keratoconus is closely linked to a breakdown in NRF2, the body’s primary cellular defense pathway against oxidative stress. When the natural defense fails, corneal stromal cells suffer damage and die, leading to progressive vision loss.
To counter the cellular damage, researchers turned to Sulforaphane, a potent dietary compound produced when cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and broccoli sprouts, often referred to as a superfood due to its nutritional value, are chewed or crushed.
In laboratory experiments, treating damaged corneal cells with sulforaphane successfully activated the NRF2 defense system. The compound lowered oxidative stress, prevented cell death, and restored the production of collagen essential for maintaining corneal shape and strength, the LVPEI-NYU researchers in their study said.