Abstract: The present study investigated the contents of bioactive compounds and nutrients, as well as antioxidant capacities in heads, stems, leaves and roots of mature broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Planck) plants. The results showed that the heads had the highest amounts of aliphatic glucosinolates, indole glucosinolates, total glucosinolates and glucoraphanin, which was one of the most potential anticarcinogenic glucosinolate identified thus far. The contents of gluconasturtiin, glucoerucin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin in the roots were remarkably higher than those in the other organs. As for the nutrients, the broccoli heads contained markedly higher concentrations of soluble proteins, reducing sugars and soluble solids than those in the leaves, roots and stems. The highest contents of total phenols, L-ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and carotenoids, as well as antioxidant capacities were observed in leaves, and the significant differences existed between leaves and other organs. The leaves and roots of broccoli, which are rich sources of bioactive components, have great potential for producing health-promoting products and biological pesticides as raw materials.

Key words: broccoli, organ, bioactive compound, glucosinolate, nutrient