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Supplements/Compound

Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout)

Most potent natural Nrf2 activator — upregulates phase II detox enzymes.

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Overview

Most potent natural Nrf2 activator — upregulates phase II detox enzymes.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Activates Nrf2/ARE pathway, inducing glutathione, NQO1, HO-1.

Pathways
  • · Nrf2/ARE
  • · Phase II detoxification

Effects on the body

Decreases
oxidative stress markers
Supports
Possible autism behavioral benefits

Organ system effects

Liver

Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) supports hepatocyte antioxidant defenses (glutathione, Nrf2) and phase-I/II detoxification.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces oxidative stress markers

Moderate evidence

Possible autism behavioral benefits

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
Rare
  • · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
  • · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
Serious
  • · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Drug interactions

Prescription medications (general)
Always disclose Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
minor

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with
  • Milk thistle (silymarin)
    Complementary hepatoprotective antioxidant pathways.
  • NAC
    Restores hepatic glutathione.
Avoid combining with

No specific avoidances listed.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
10–40 mg sulforaphane (or fresh broccoli sprouts)
Best form
Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
Timing
Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With food?
Optional

Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Scientific evidence9Show studies
Systematic reviewOxid Med Cell Longev · 2016

Sulforaphane on Nrf2 activation and oxidative stress

Houghton CA, et al.

Review of broccoli sprout sulforaphane clinical trials.

Key findings

Induces Nrf2-target genes; benefits in autism, T2D, and asthma.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Reduces oxidative stress markers

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) Reduces oxidative stress markers" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "Reduces oxidative stress markers". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Possible autism behavioral benefits

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) Possible autism behavioral benefits" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "Possible autism behavioral benefits". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — pharmacokinetics

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Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

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Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — safety adverse events

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Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

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Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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