Supplements Antioxidants What Is Sulforaphane? By Brittany Poulson, MDA, RDN, CD, CDCES Updated on November 20, 2022 Medically reviewed by Erika Prouty, PharmD Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses of Sulforaphane Side Effects Precautions Dosage Overdose How To Store Sulforaphane Frequently Asked Questions Sources of Sulforaphane Sulforaphane is a natural plant compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. It is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, some research has looked at its potential health benefits, such as cancer prevention and heart and brain health. Sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables occurs in a stored, inactive form as 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. This article explains sulforaphane's uses, benefits, and side effects. It also covers proper dosage and precautions. Dietary supplements are not regulated in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF.However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily safe for everyone or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. Supplement Facts Active ingredient(s): SulforaphaneAlternate name(s): Sulphoraphane, Sulforafan, 1-Isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)butaneLegal status: Available over the counter (OTC)Suggested dose: No standard recommended dose; discuss with a healthcare providerSafety considerations: High doses may cause sedation, impair motor coordination, and decreased muscle strength. Sulforaphane may interact with anticonvulsant medication. Mint Images / Tim Pannell / Getty Images Uses of Sulforaphane Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Researchers have studied sulforaphane for its potential health effects on various conditions, including cancer prevention, blood sugar, heart disease, and autism. Cancer Sulforaphane has chemoprotective properties. That means it inhibits carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) from binding to DNA. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory, which is beneficial for cancer prevention because inflammation can play a role in some types of tumor formation. Because of these characteristics, some researchers have evaluated the possible role of sulforaphane in cancer treatment and prevention. One randomized, double-blinded study, published in 2020, looked at 40 adults in palliative chemotherapy with pancreatic cancer. The researchers reported that, though not statistically significant, the survival rate was higher in the treatment group during the first six months after intake compared to those in the placebo group. In addition, supplementation did not severely impact their self-care and overall abilities. Another study published in 2014 reported on the effects of sulforaphane supplementation in 20 people with recurrent prostate cancer. The study did not reveal statistically significant results. However, they found that sulforaphane treatment was safe with no adverse side effects. Research published in 2019 studied the effects of sulforaphane supplementation on prostate cancer progression. Researchers put 49 subjects into two groups: a control group given soup made with standard broccoli and a test group that received soup containing broccoli with enhanced concentrations of glucoraphanin, respectively. After 12 months of eating a portion of broccoli soup each week, people in 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 for breast biopsies after abnormal mammogram findings. They found that total cruciferous vegetable intake was associated with decreased cell growth in breast tissue. However, other compounds in broccoli may have contributed to these findings. Do Cancer-Fighting Foods Work? Autism Sulforaphane's role in regulating genes and its antioxidant properties has prompted some research on the nutrient's potential therapeutic role in autism. In 2014 a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study examined sulforaphane treatment in 40 males between 13 and 27 with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants received sulforaphane or a placebo for 18 weeks. After 18 weeks, participants receiving sulforaphane experienced minimal change compared to those receiving the placebo. However, the experiment group showed substantial improvements in behavior, communication, and social interaction. In addition, after stopping sulforaphane supplementation, total scores returned to levels closer to those before supplementation. Another study, published in 2018, looked at autism treated with sulforaphane from broccoli. Fifteen children with ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders participated in the 12-week study. The researchers looked at behavior and social responsiveness to sulforaphane supplementation. After the 12 weeks, both behavior and social responsiveness improved; however, only the change in the social responsiveness was significant. Cardiovascular Disease Because oxidative stress and inflammation are markers in cardiovascular disease, and sulforaphanes have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, researchers have looked at their potential role in protecting against heart disease. A 2015 paper reviewed how sulforaphane might be protective against cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies and animal experiments demonstrated that sulforaphane is potentially protective against heart diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Evidence for this use is limited. Therefore, more research is needed. The 10 Best Foods for Longevity Diabetes Sulforaphane's role in maintaining healthy cells and genes has prompted some researchers to look at its potential role in insulin resistance (when your body doesn't respond normally to the hormone insulin) and diabetes. A 2012 randomized, double-blind study examined the effects of broccoli sprouts on insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed glucose and insulin levels in 63 people who received placebo or broccoli sprout powder for four weeks. Results showed a significant decrease in serum insulin concentration and resistance in those receiving 10 grams per day of broccoli sprouts. Animal studies have also shown positive results. For example, a 2017 study published in Diabetes evaluated whether dietary glucoraphanin improved obesity and insulin resistance in mice. Researchers placed mice in one of four groups: normal food, food with 0.3% glucoraphanin, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet with 0.3% glucoraphanin. After 14 weeks, the normal food with glucoraphanin group did not have altered blood glucose. However, compared to a control group, the high-fat diet with glucoraphanin group had significantly lower fasting blood glucose. Since the study included mice, it's unclear if researchers could replicate the results in humans. Other In addition to the above, people also use sulforaphane for other health conditions, though there are few quality human studies on these topics. These include: ConstipationSun damage to the skinOsteoporosisNeurological diseasesObesity 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 as kale or broccoli. In supplement form, sulforaphane has minor, if any, side effects. The main side effects include digestive problems, such as gas and a bad aftertaste. (Broccoli in particular is likely to cause gas.) Severe Side Effects Some animal research indicates that high doses of sulforaphane could cause the following side effects associated with toxicity: Sedation Hypothermia (low body temperature) Impaired motor coordination Decreased skeletal muscle strength Death Though sulforaphane seems to be well tolerated with minimal side effects, there is insufficient quality research to know if it is safe to take by mouth as a medicine, especially in high doses and for long periods. Precautions Sulforaphane is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when eaten in whole food form, such as broccoli. However, whether it's safe when taken as a supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown. Therefore, you should avoid taking the supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or consult with a healthcare provider first. In addition, sulforaphane may interfere with some anti-seizure medications, including Tegretol (carbamazepine). Dosage: How Much Sulforaphane Should I Take? Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. There are no daily intake recommendations for sulforaphane, and supplement brands vary widely in how much they suggest taking. Some animal studies have used a wide range of dosages, including 3–10 µmol/kg to >100 µmol/kg. Although there is a wide availability of sulforaphane in supplemental form, more research is needed to determine the ideal dose, safety, and effectiveness. So, be sure to speak with a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate amount in your situation. What Happens If I Take Too Much Sulforaphane? While there is no established upper limit for sulforaphane, some research has found evidence of toxicity at higher doses (150–300 mg/kg). Talk to a healthcare provider before taking a sulforaphane supplement to avoid toxicity. If you consume a high amount or more than what is recommended by your healthcare provider, you may want to go to the emergency room. How To Store Sulforaphane Store sulforaphane in a cool, dry place (not the bathroom, which can get warm and steamy). Keep sulforaphane away from direct sunlight. Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Frequently Asked Questions Does cooking foods change their sulforaphane content? Cooking foods seems to decrease the amount of sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables, with raw vegetables having the highest levels of sulforaphane. According to one study, raw broccoli has ten times more sulforaphane than cooked broccoli.If you prefer your cruciferous vegetables to be cooked, steaming might have the least effect on sulforaphane levels. A study found that steaming broccoli for one to three minutes may be the best way to get the most sulforaphane when cooking, compared to microwaving and boiling. What food has the most sulforaphane? Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, have the highest sulforaphane content. Other cruciferous vegetables include kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Sources of Sulforaphane and What To Look For Sulforaphane is widely available through cruciferous food sources. In addition, you can also take it as a supplement. Food Sources of Sulforaphane Cruciferous vegetables are well known for their sulforaphane content, including: BroccoliBroccoli sproutsKaleCauliflowerBrussels sproutsCabbageBok choyWatercressCollard greensMustard greens Sulforaphane Supplements Sulforaphane supplements are available in various forms, including: TabletsCapsulesPowderLiquid They are often made from broccoli, broccoli seeds, or broccoli sprouts extract. Some sulforaphane supplement manufacturers also advertise their products as combined with myrosinase enzymes for enhanced absorption. Summary Sulforaphane is a nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables and supplements. It is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people take sulforaphane for health reasons, including to lower their risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and to treat moderate to severe autism symptoms. There is some evidence to support those uses, but the research is limited. 20 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Foundational Medicine Review. Sulforaphane glucosinolate monograph. Alt Med Rev. 2010;15(4):352-360. Yagishita Y, Fahey JW, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Kensler TW. Broccoli or sulforaphane: Is it the source or dose that matters? Molecules. 2019;24(19):3593. doi:10.3390/molecules24193593 Jiang X, Liu Y, Ma L, et al. Chemopreventive activity of sulforaphane. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:2905-2913. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S100534 Lozanovski VJ, Polychronidis G, Gross W, et al. Broccoli sprout supplementation in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is difficult despite positive effects-results from the POUDER pilot study. Invest New Drugs. 2020;38(3):776-784. doi:10.1007/s10637-019-00826-z Alumkal JJ, Slottke R, Schwartzman J, et al. A phase II study of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extracts in men with recurrent prostate cancer. Invest New Drugs. 2015;33(2):480-489. doi:10.1007/s10637-014-0189-z Traka MH, Melchini A, Coode-Bate J, et al. Transcriptional changes in prostate of men on active surveillance after a 12-mo glucoraphanin-rich broccoli intervention-results from the Effect of Sulforaphane on prostate CAncer PrEvention (ESCAPE) randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(4):1133-1144. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz012 Zhang Z, Atwell LL, Farris PE, Ho E, Shannon J. Associations between cruciferous vegetable intake and selected biomarkers among women scheduled for breast biopsies. Public Health Nutr. 2016;19(7):1288-1295. doi:10.1017/S136898001500244X Singh K, Connors SL, Macklin EA, et al. Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014;111(43):15550-15555. doi:10.1073/pnas.1416940111 Bent S, Lawton B, Warren T, et al. Identification of urinary metabolites that correlate with clinical improvements in children with autism treated with sulforaphane from broccoli. Mol Autism. 2018;9:35. doi:10.1186/s13229-018-0218-4 Bai Y, Wang X, Zhao S, Ma C, Cui J, Zheng Y. Sulforaphane protects against cardiovascular disease via Nrf2 activation. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015;2015:407580. doi:10.1155/2015/407580 Bahadoran Z, Tohidi M, Nazeri P, Mehran M, Azizi F, Mirmiran P. Effect of broccoli sprouts on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2012;63(7):767-771. doi:10.3109/09637486.2012.665043 Nagata N, Xu L, Kohno S, et al. Glucoraphanin ameliorates obesity and insulin resistance through adipose tissue browning and reduction of metabolic endotoxemia in mice. Diabetes. 2017;66(5):1222-1236. doi:10.2337/db16-0662 Yanaka A. Daily intake of broccoli sprouts normalizes bowel habits in human healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2018;62(1):75-82. doi:10.3164/jcbn.17-42 Tahata S, Singh SV, Lin Y, Hahm ER, et al. Evaluation of biodistribution of sulforaphane after administration of oral broccoli sprout extract in melanoma patients with multiple atypical nevi. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2018;11(7):429-438. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-17-0268 Lin H, Wei B, Li G, et al. Sulforaphane reverses glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in osteoblastic cells through regulation of the Nrf2 pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014;8:973-82. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S65410 Klomparens EA, Ding Y. The neuroprotective mechanisms and effects of sulforaphane. Brain Circ. 2019;5(2):74-83. doi:10.4103/bc.bc_7_19 Martins T, Colaço B, Venâncio C, et al. Potential effects of sulforaphane to fight obesity. J Sci Food Agric. 2018;98(8):2837-2844. doi:10.1002/jsfa.8898 Vermeulen M, Klöpping-Ketelaars IW, van den Berg R, Vaes WH. Bioavailability and kinetics of sulforaphane in humans after consumption of cooked versus raw broccoli. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(22):10505-10509. doi:10.1021/jf801989e Yuan GF, Sun B, Yuan J, Wang QM. Effects of different cooking methods on health-promoting compounds of broccoli. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2009;10(8):580-588. doi:10.1631/jzus.B0920051 Wang GC, Farnham M, Jeffery EH. Impact of thermal processing on sulforaphane yield from broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. ssp. italica). J Agric Food Chem. 2012;60(27):6743-6748. doi:10.1021/jf2050284 Additional Reading Kim JK, Park SU. Current potential health benefits of sulforaphane. EXCLI J. 2016;15:571-577. doi:10.17179/excli2016-485 Vanduchova A, Anzenbacher P, Anzenbacherova E. Isothiocyanate from broccoli, sulforaphane, and its properties. J Med Food. 2019;22(2):121-126. doi:10.1089/jmf.2018.0024 Zimmerman A, Diggins E, Connors S, Singh K. Sulforaphane treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – A progress report (N1.002). Neurology. 2018, 90(15):N1.002. By Brittany Poulson, MDA, RDN, CD, CDCES Brittany Poulson, MDA, RDN, CDCES, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. 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