Sulforaphaneis a natural plant compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
It is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, andanti-inflammatoryproperties.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
Verywell / Getty Images
What Is Sulforaphane?
Sulforaphaneis a natural plant compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
Sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables is present in a stored, inactive form called glucoraphanin.
Glucoraphanin is converted to sulforaphane’s active form by the enzyme myrosinase.
This activation is triggered by chopping or chewing but can also be produced in the gut by certain bacteria.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
In addition, its anti-inflammatory.
Inflammation can play a role in some types of tumor formation.
Sulforaphane may benefitcancer prevention.
A 2020 randomized study of adults withpancreatic cancerundergoing chemotherapy was conducted.
However, the results were not statistically significant.
Research published in 2019 studied the effects of sulforaphane supplementation on prostate cancer progression.
Participants ate broccoli soup withglucoraphanin.
The test group had a dose-dependent reduction in prostate cancer progression.
In addition, a 2016 study looked at the association between cruciferous vegetable intake and specific tumor biomarkers.
Researchers evaluated 54 people scheduled forbreast biopsiesafterabnormal mammogramfindings.
Cruciferous vegetable intake was associated with decreased cell growth in breast tissue.
However, other compounds in broccoli may have contributed to these findings.
The treatment was also reportedly well tolerated.
However, the researchers suggested further study was needed given the differences between clinician and caregiver scores.
Further research is needed.
Evidence for this use is limited.
Therefore, more research is needed.
May Boost Kidney Health
Preclinical research from 2023 suggests that sulforaphane may benefit kidney health.
These include:
What Are the Side Effects of Sulforaphane?
Your healthcare provider may recommend sulforaphane to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
However, consuming a supplement like sulforaphane may have potential side effects.
These may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
Sulforaphane is safe when consumed in plant forms, such askaleor broccoli.
In supplement form, sulforaphane has minor, if any, side effects.
The main side effects include digestive problems, such asgasand a bad aftertaste.
(Broccoli in particular is likely to cause gas.)
However, whether it’s safe when taken as a supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown.
In addition, sulforaphane may interfere with some anti-seizure medications, includingTegretol(carbamazepine).
Dosage: How Much Sulforaphane Should I Take?
Some animal studies have used a wide range of dosages, including 310 mol/kg to >100 mol/kg.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Sulforaphane?
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the severe side effects listed above.
Sources of Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is widely available through cruciferous food sources.
In addition, it’s possible for you to take it as a supplement.
According to one study, raw broccoli has 10 times more sulforaphane than cooked broccoli.
Some sulforaphane supplement manufacturers also advertise their products as combined with myrosinase enzymes for enhanced absorption.
How to Store Sulforaphane
Store sulforaphane in a cool, dry place.
Keep sulforaphane away from direct sunlight.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Summary
Sulforaphane is a natural plant compound found in cruciferous vegetables and supplements.
It is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is some evidence to support those uses, but the research is limited.
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