Preparation and stability investigation of the inclusion complex of sulforaphane with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Sulforaphane (SF) is an anticancer agent present naturally in widely consumed cruciferous vegetables, and it can easily be decomposed by heat, oxygen and alkaline conditions. In order to enhance stability of SF, the inclusion complex of SF with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was prepared successfully using co-precipitation method and the inclusion ratio was found to be 1:1. The results showed that the stability of the inclusion complex against heat, oxygen and alkaline conditions was greatly enhanced compared with that of SF. Furthermore, FTIR, H-1 NMR and UV/visible spectroscopy were performed to prove the formation of the inclusion complex SF/HP-beta-CD. Therefore, it is a very effective method to maintain the anticancer and antioxidant function of SF by preparing the inclusion complex SF/HP-beta-CD. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.