PEITC

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a low-toxicity compound that naturally exists in watercress as a thioglucoside conjugate. PEITC is formed from gluconasturtiin. It is released when watercress is crushed or chewed. PEITC has been widely researched for its role in the epigenetic regulation of cancers. Preclinical studies in diverse cancer models have shown that PEITC can inhibit DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), alter chromatin-binding of epigenetic regulators, and reprogram gene expression. In vivo data (animal models) show that PEITC’s epigenetic reprogramming translates to tumor suppression across cancer types( glioblastoma, melanoma, lung, colon, and others [ref | ref]).

Vegetable	PEITC Content	Notes
Watercress	High	The richest known source of gluconasturtiin.
Broccoli	Moderate to High	Contains various glucosinolates, including gluconasturtiin.
Mustard Greens	Moderate	Significant PEITC levels
Radishes	Moderate	It contains gluconasturtiin and contributes to PEITC upon digestion.
Turnips	Moderate	Source of gluconasturtiin; PEITC is formed during digestion.
Cabbage	Low to Moderate	Contains glucosinolates; PEITC formation depends on preparation.
Kale	Low to Moderate	Contains various glucosinolates; PEITC levels vary.
Brussels Sprouts	Low to Moderate	Contains glucosinolates; PEITC content is influenced by cooking methods.

Embedding PEITC in a food matrix can improve its uptake. A “Nutri-PEITC Jelly” (a gelatinous oral PEITC supplement) dramatically enhanced human bioavailability. In a pharmacokinetic study, jelly-formulated PEITC (40 mg/day) gave a higher C_max and shorter T_max than an equivalent dose of pure PEITC. This means the jelly delivered PEITC to plasma faster and at higher peak levels. Embedding PEITC in foods or gels likely protects it from degradation and improves transport across the GI tract. {ref}

PEITC Jelly (1 Dose, ~10 mg PEITC)

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh Watercress	30 g	Chopped and rested 2 hours to activate myrosinase
Water	100 mL	For extraction
Unflavored Gelatin	1 tsp (~2.5 g)
Honey or Sweetener	1 tsp	Optional, to improve taste
Lemon Juice	1 tsp	Adds flavor and antioxidant support
Fruit Juice (Optional)	Up to 50 mL	Apple or pomegranate for enhanced taste

Preparation Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Activate Myrosinase	Chop/crush watercress, let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
2. Extract PEITC	Add 100 mL water, stir and lightly blend, then strain the extract.
3. Prepare Jelly Base	Bloom gelatin in water/juice. Heat gently to dissolve, cool below 40°C.
4. Mix & Flavor	Combine cooled gelatin with extract, add lemon juice and sweetener.
5. Set & Store	Pour into mold, refrigerate until set (~2 hours). Use within 1–2 days.