Scientists hope to use cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli to develop anti-melanoma medication in the form of sunscreen lotion.

Previous studies had reported broccoli to be effective in reducing respiratory inflammation that causes conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to a new study conducted at Penn State College of Medicine, the extract of broccoli and cabbage acts as a potent drug against melanoma, an invasive form of skin cancer.

The isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables inhibit the development of melanoma through targeting the Akt3 protein.

Considering the fact that large amounts of the compound were needed to produce the required anti-cancer results, scientists replaced the sulfur bonds in the extract with selenium aiming to increase its potency.

Compared to conventional therapy, the combination of broccoli extract and selenium is reported to be 30 to 70 percent more effective in treating certain cancers such as melanoma.

Scientists are optimistic that their findings will pave the way for the development of an effective anti-melanoma medication in the form of sunscreen lotion or injection in the near future.

PKH/HGH