neuroprotectiveEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout)

aka Glucoraphanin (precursor) · Broccoli sprout extract

Isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetables. Activates Nrf2 antioxidant signaling. Studied for cancer prevention, autism, and metabolic health.

Dose range10–40mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety5/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Most potent natural activator of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response. Nrf2 activation induces phase II detoxification enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase, etc.) producing systemic antioxidant effects. Also modulates inflammation through NF-κB suppression.

History

Sulforaphane was identified by Paul Talalay's lab at Johns Hopkins in the 1990s as the active anticancer compound in broccoli. The glucoraphanin precursor in broccoli sprouts contains 20-50x more sulforaphane equivalent than mature broccoli. Modern interest accelerated with Singh 2014's autism trial showing behavioural improvement. Multiple cardiovascular, metabolic, and cancer prevention trials support use. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

Nrf2 antioxidant activation
EVIDENCEA
Universally accepted mechanism.
Cancer prevention
EVIDENCEB
Multiple epidemiological and small interventional studies.
Autism symptoms improvement
EVIDENCEB
Singh 2014.

Side effects

Mild GI upsetuncommonmild

Cited research

Sulforaphane for autism: RCT (Singh)2014
PMID 25313065 ↗
Sulforaphane Nrf2 activation review (Houghton)2016
PMID 26900194 ↗
Sulforaphane for cancer prevention (Fahey)1997
PMID 9012769 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Life Extension 4.3	Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Life Extension	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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