Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, watercress, and garden cress. Its potential role in supporting or treating melanoma is grounded in laboratory research, particularly in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) models. BITC has been demonstrated to exert anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of cell proliferation, and suppression of metastasis-related pathways in melanoma cells. For example, studies have shown that BITC can inhibit melanoma cell growth by modulating signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK, and by increasing oxidative stress within cancer cells, leading to their demise.

However, the evidence is currently limited to preclinical studies, and no clinical trials in humans have established the safety or efficacy of BITC for the treatment of melanoma. There is no routine clinical use or guideline that endorses BITC for melanoma management. Therefore, while there is scientific rationale and some promising early data, the overall strength of evidence remains low (rated 2/5), and BITC should not be considered a validated or approved treatment for melanoma in the absence of further research, especially human clinical trials.