Brassica oleracea var. acephala (Lacinato Kale)
Lacinato kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) contains glucosinolates that convert to bioactive isothiocyanates through myrosinase enzyme activity. These compounds exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of inflammatory cytokine production.
Origin & History
Lacinato kale (Tuscan black kale or dinosaur kale) is a dark leafy cruciferous vegetable from Brassica oleracea, characterized by deeply textured, dark blue-green leaves with a wrinkled appearance. Bioactive compounds are extracted through lyophilization (freeze-drying) or enzymatic bioactivation with myrosinase to enhance glucosinolate metabolite availability.
Historical & Cultural Context
The provided research does not contain information about traditional medicine use of Lacinato kale or other Brassica oleracea varieties in historical medical systems. Traditional use data is not available in these sources.
Health Benefits
• Neuroprotection: Animal studies show myrosinase-bioactivated kale extract preserved blood-brain barrier integrity and reduced apoptosis markers in rat cerebral ischemia models (preliminary evidence) • Anti-inflammatory effects: Lyophilized kale (500 mg/kg) decreased TNFα and IL-1β production in rat colitis models (preliminary evidence) • Gut microbiota modulation: Kale increased bacterial diversity and enhanced metabolic functions in high-fat diet mice studies (preliminary evidence) • Detoxification support: R-sulforaphane metabolite enhanced quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities in liver and lung tissue (preliminary evidence) • Blood parameter restoration: One human clinical study showed kale powder consumption for 8 weeks restored blood parameters, though specific outcomes not detailed (limited evidence)
How It Works
Lacinato kale's glucosinolates undergo myrosinase-mediated hydrolysis to produce bioactive isothiocyanates. These compounds preserve blood-brain barrier integrity and reduce neuronal apoptosis markers during cerebral ischemia. The anti-inflammatory effects occur through suppression of TNFα and IL-1β cytokine production pathways.
Scientific Research
The research base consists primarily of animal models and mechanistic studies rather than human clinical trials. One human study referenced 8-week kale powder consumption restoring blood parameters (PMID not provided), while most evidence comes from rat neuroprotection models and mouse microbiota studies.
Clinical Summary
Current evidence is limited to preliminary animal studies. Myrosinase-bioactivated kale extract demonstrated neuroprotective effects in rat cerebral ischemia models by preserving blood-brain barrier function. Lyophilized kale at 500 mg/kg significantly decreased TNFα and IL-1β inflammatory markers in rats. Human clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
Nutritional Profile
Per 100g raw Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale: Calories ~35 kcal, Water ~89g, Protein ~2.9g (contains all essential amino acids at low levels), Total Carbohydrates ~5.6g, Dietary Fiber ~3.6g (mix of insoluble cellulose/hemicellulose and soluble pectin), Fat ~0.7g (including alpha-linolenic acid ~0.18g). Key Vitamins: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) ~704µg (587% DV) — bioavailability enhanced by dietary fat co-consumption; Vitamin C ~93mg (103% DV) — partially degraded by cooking (~30-50% loss); Vitamin A as beta-carotene ~500µg RAE, with carotenoid bioavailability improved by fat and heat; Folate (B9) ~141µg; Vitamin B6 ~0.27mg; Riboflavin (B2) ~0.13mg; Thiamine (B1) ~0.11mg. Key Minerals: Calcium ~150mg (bioavailability ~40-50%, lower than dairy but higher than spinach due to moderate oxalate levels ~20mg/100g); Potassium ~447mg; Manganese ~0.66mg; Magnesium ~47mg; Iron ~1.5mg (non-heme, bioavailability ~5-12%, enhanced by Vitamin C co-consumption); Phosphorus ~92mg; Copper ~0.29mg; Zinc ~0.56mg. Bioactive Compounds: Glucosinolates (primarily glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin) ~70-100mg/100g total — hydrolyzed by myrosinase enzyme upon cell disruption to bioactive isothiocyanates (sulforaphane), indoles (indole-3-carbinol), and nitriles; myrosinase activity is destroyed by cooking but gut microbiota can provide partial conversion; Lacinato variety tends to have moderate-to-high glucosinolate content versus curly kale. Carotenoids: Lutein + Zeaxanthin ~18mg/100g (among highest of leafy greens, bioavailability 10-15%, markedly improved with fat); Beta-carotene ~9.2mg/100g. Flavonoids: Quercetin ~34mg/100g and Kaempferol ~47mg/100g (among richest dietary sources); these are present largely as glycosides, hydrolyzed to aglycones post-absorption. Chlorophyll ~300-400mg/100g. Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio approximately 1:1, favorable profile. Bioavailability Notes: Goitrogens (thiocyanates from glucosinolate hydrolysis) may inhibit thyroid iodine uptake when consumed raw in very large quantities; cooking reduces this risk. Oxalates present at low-moderate levels (~20mg/100g), substantially lower than spinach, with minimal impact on calcium absorption. Lightly steaming preserves glucosinolate substrate while reducing myrosinase activity, but chopping raw and resting 5-10 minutes before cooking maximizes sulforaphane formation.
Preparation & Dosage
Animal studies used lyophilized powder at 500 mg/kg body weight or bioactivated extract (17 mg TBK-SE plus 20 μl myrosinase per 1 ml) administered daily for 7 days. Human clinical study used kale powder for 8 weeks (specific dose not detailed). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Synergy & Pairings
Myrosinase enzyme, Sulforaphane, Broccoli sprouts, Turmeric, Probiotics
Safety & Interactions
Lacinato kale is generally safe as a food ingredient with no established toxic dosage levels. High intake may interfere with thyroid function due to goitrogen content, particularly in individuals with iodine deficiency. May interact with anticoagulant medications due to vitamin K content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume normal dietary amounts without supplemental concentrates until safety data is established.