Seven Benefits of Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is a marvellous molecule, shown to have strong anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [1]. We present its seven potential health benefits below.

What is sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is an organic compound, derived from glucoraphanin (a glucosinate). It is formed when glucoraphanin comes in contact with enzyme myrosinase. This normally happens when the cell containing these two compounds is disrupted.

The molecular formula of sulforaphane is C₆H₁₁NOS₂.

Where can it be found?

Sulforaphane is typically found in plants rich in glucoraphanin. These are usually cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale [1].

Broccoli sprouts are particularly rich in glucoraphanins and sulforaphane [2].

Romanesco broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is a source of sulforaphane.

Seven health benefits of sulforaphane

Sulforaphane has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials and shown to, amongst many other, promote:

• Anti-cancer activity [1,3] – particularly observed in prostate cancer  [4]
• Anti-oxidation & detoxification [1,5]
• Anti-inflammatory responses [1,6]
• Anti-aging effects [1,7]
• Anti-diabetic properties [1,8]
• Neuroprotection [1] – sulforaphane was shown to the reduce oxidative stress in neural cells [9]

While one should not lightly throw around terms such as “panacea” or “superfood”, sulforaphane would make a good candidate.

How can I supplement sulforaphane?

Your daily intake of sulforaphane can easily be increased through supplementation.

At AcuIntegra, we have our own Broccoli Powder Extract. Thanks to a 10:1 extract from powdered broccoli, it can help you supplement your daily intake of sulforaphane.

Our Broccoli Powder Extract can help you with your daily intake of sulforaphane.

Read more about our Broccoli Powder Extract in our product catalog.

Scientific references & relevant research

[1] Kim JK, Park SU. Current potential health benefits of sulforaphane. EXCLI J. 2016;15:571-577. [Link]

[2] Riedl MA, Saxon A, Diaz-sanchez D. Oral sulforaphane increases Phase II antioxidant enzymes in the human upper airway. Clin Immunol. 2009;130(3):244-51. [Link]

[3] Devi JR, Thangam EB. Mechanisms of anticancer activity of sulforaphane from Brassica oleracea in HEp-2 human epithelial carcinoma cell line. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2012;13(5):2095-100. [Link]

[4] Amjad AI, Parikh RA, Appleman LJ, Hahm ER, Singh K, Singh SV. Broccoli-Derived Sulforaphane and Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer: From Bench to Bedside. Curr Pharmacol Rep. 2015;1(6):382-390. [Link]

[5] Fahey JW, Talalay P. Antioxidant functions of sulforaphane: a potent inducer of Phase II detoxication enzymes. Food Chem Toxicol. 1999;37(9-10):973-9.

[6] Greaney AJ, Maier NK, Leppla SH, Moayeri M. Sulforaphane inhibits multiple inflammasomes through an Nrf2-independent mechanism. J Leukoc Biol. 2016;99(1):189-99. [Link]

[7] Sikdar S, Papadopoulou M, Dubois J. What do we know about sulforaphane protection against photoaging?. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(1):72-7.

[8] Lee JH, Moon MH, Jeong JK, et al. Sulforaphane induced adipolysis via hormone sensitive lipase activation, regulated by AMPK signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2012;426(4):492-7.

[9] Tarozzi A, Angeloni C, Malaguti M, Morroni F, Hrelia S, Hrelia P. Sulforaphane as a potential protective phytochemical against neurodegenerative diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:415078. [Link]