Broccoli could treat untreatable rare nerve disease, Swinburne research finds

The secret ingredient for treating a rare nervous system disease could be hiding in the back of your fridge, Swinburne research has discovered.

Friedreich ataxia is caused by deterioration of neurons in the spinal cord and brain, leading to the gradual loss of speech, movement and survival. There is no cure for the roughly 200 Australians with the condition.

The paper establishes that sulforaphane, a natural compound found in broccoli, can improve frataxin levels, the key protein deficient in Friedreich ataxia while also protecting vulnerable nerve cells from damage.

The broccoli compound has been found to target multiple diseases’ processes, including cellular stress and inflammation.  

Lead author, Swinburne’s Associate Professor Faith Kwa, says the findings offer new hope, as there are currently no approved treatments specifically available for children, despite children making up most people affected by the condition.

“Friedreich ataxia is a devastating rare genetic disease that progressively steals a child's ability to walk, speak, play, and ultimately survive,” she says.

“This novel therapeutic agent can target the underlying cause of the disease, while delivering an affordable and accessible therapy worldwide, improving treatment opportunities for families affected by this life-limiting disease.

“This discovery brings us closer to a future where children with Friedreich ataxia experience a better quality of life, greater independence, and an improved chance of long-term survival.”

Associate Professor Kwa says the condition is so rare that many people do not know about it, which has an impact on funding.

“We are hoping to gain funding to conduct clinical trials and further prove the positive impact the broccoli compound could have on those suffering from Friedreich ataxia,” she says. 

“Sulforaphane already has an established safety record in children and adults, and its pure and bioactive form is commercially available. This means if clinical trials prove successful, its rollout could accelerate the path to patient impact.

“Even if we can raise awareness of this debilitating condition or improve one person’s quality of life, our efforts will have been worth it.”