Nutraceutical potential of radish (Raphanus sativus cv. Tango) microgreens as sustainable and reproducible sources of hydrogen sulfide-releasing compounds

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a key endogenous gasotransmitter involved in vascular homeostasis. Among dietary phytochemicals, glucosinolates (GSLs) from Brassicaceae represent natural H2S-releasing compounds with nutraceutical potential. This study introduces Raphanus sativus cv. Tango microgreens, grown through a fully controlled soilless hydroponic system, as a standardized and sustainable bioplatform for GSLs production. An HPLC-qQq-MS/MS method was validated for the accurate identification and quantification of intact GSLs, and cultivation conditions were optimized to maximize their accumulation. The optimized microgreens sample enriched in GSLs (70.71 mg/g DW), particularly glucoraphasatin, also displayed a valuable polyphenolic profile associated with relevant antioxidant in vitro activity. The optimized extract showed concentration-dependent H2S-releasing activity in both cell-free conditions and bovine aortic endothelial cells. In an in vitro model of endothelial lipid overload, it reduced ROS production and improved nitric oxide bioavailability, showing a protective antioxidant profile. These findings support radish microgreens as promising sulfanutraceuticals for cardiovascular health management.