Broccoli could hold the key to treating osteoarthritis

Research conducted at the Royal Veterinary College in London has suggested that an artificial version of an ingredient in broccoli could be used as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

The compound sulforophane is known to block the inflammation and damage to cartilage associated with the condition. However, in its natural form it is too unstable to turn into a medicine.

Instead the UK drug company Evgen Pharma has developed a stable synthetic version of the chemical which could potentially be used in pill form. A single dose of it would be equivalent to eating two and a half kilograms of broccoli.

In tests on mice affected by osteoarthritis, the drug, known as Sulforadex, significantly improved bone architecture, balance and movement.