Determination of indole-type phytonutrients in cruciferous vegetables

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables has been associated with a low risk of developing cancer. Indole-type phytonutrients, derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of glucobrassicin, exhibit cancer-preventive properties and occur in all vegetables of the Brassicaceae family. A LC-Q-TOF-MS methodology was developed and applied in extracts from seven cruciferous vegetables allowing the rapid determination of indole-3-carbinol, indole-3-carbaldehyde, ascorbigen, indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-acetonitrile. The novel method described herein, was validated and is characterized by low detection limits and excellent linearity. The simultaneous determination of indole-type phytonutrients in turnip and radish was performed for the first time.