benzyl isothiocyanate

PhytochemicalIsothiocyanateBest with a meal

What is it

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is an organosulfur compound formed when the glucosinolate glucotropaeolin is hydrolyzed by the enzyme myrosinase, primarily in cruciferous and Brassicales plants such as garden cress, papaya seeds, and nasturtium.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cancer chemoprevention (preclinical)

Mixed Evidence

Animal and cell evidence suggests Nrf2-mediated chemoprevention. No human clinical trials of isolated BITC support specific cancer prevention claims.

How it works

BITC, like other isothiocyanates (sulforaphane, allyl isothiocyanate), induces Phase II detoxification enzymes via Nrf2/Keap1 signaling, increasing cellular antioxidant capacity. It also has direct antimicrobial activity (it is one of the active compounds in nasturtium and watercress used historically for urinary infections). In cell and animal studies BITC has shown chemopreventive activity against several cancer cell types via induction of apoptosis. Human clinical evidence for isolated BITC is limited.

Dosage

There is no established evidence-based dose for isolated BITC. Dietary intake comes from cruciferous vegetables. DSLD label data is limited.

When and how to take it

When consumed via vegetables, simply with meals.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Constituent of cruciferous vegetables (myrosinase-released)

Practical dietary form.

Generated on chewing or chopping; absorbed via lipid pathways.

Safety

Isothiocyanates as a class are pungent and can be irritating at high concentrations. Dietary intake from foods is generally safe. Concentrated isolates have less safety data.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: foods are fine; isolated supplement safety unknown.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with hepatic CYP enzymes (induction/inhibition variable by isoenzyme) and warfarin via vitamin K from cruciferous source plants.

Food sources

Garden cress, watercress, nasturtium, papaya seeds

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get BITC in my diet?⌄

Garden cress, watercress, papaya seeds, and nasturtium are common sources.

References

benzyl isothiocyanate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

benzyl isothiocyanate (ChEBI:17484) — ChEBI link

benzyl isothiocyanate (PubChem CID 2346) — PubChem link

benzyl isothiocyanate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on benzyl isothiocyanate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.