Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is a sulfur compound that forms from glucoraphanin when cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts, are chopped or chewed.
Also listed as Broccoli extract
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Why study sulforaphane?
Sulforaphane activates Nrf2, a regulator of cellular defense genes. Cell and animal experiments link this pathway to antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Those mechanisms support research into metabolic health, but do not by themselves establish disease prevention in people. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Sulforaphane's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does Nrf2 activation prove an anti-aging effect?
No. A cellular defense mechanism is a hypothesis to test against meaningful human outcomes. 1
Are broccoli extract labels interchangeable?
No. Glucoraphanin content and the availability of active myrosinase affect conversion to sulforaphane. 2
Do the thyroid results prove long-term safety?
No. They cover selected thyroid measures over twelve weeks, not lifetime use. 3
Sources
- Broccoli sprout beverage is safe for thyroid hormonal and autoimmune status: Results of a 12-week randomized trial Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2019