Skip to content
Back to glossary
Nutrition & supplements

Sulforaphane

DESulforaphan

Sulforaphane is a plant compound (an isothiocyanate). It forms when you chew or chop broccoli, broccoli sprouts, and other crucifers. It activates a pathway called Nrf2. That ramps up your antioxidant and 'phase II' detox enzymes. Human studies report effects on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. They also report effects on heart-and-metabolic risk. The signals in autism and cancer prevention are promising but mixed. Long-term clinical outcomes from sulforaphane supplements are not established yet.

Last reviewed:

This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer

Sources

  1. Fahey JW, Zhang Y, Talalay P. (1997). Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USAdoi:10.1073/pnas.94.19.10367
  2. Houghton CA. (2019). Sulforaphane: its 'coming of age' as a clinically relevant nutraceutical in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevitydoi:10.1155/2019/2716870

Used in