What is sulforaphane glucosinolate?

Sulforaphane glucosinolate is a plant compound found in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts. It can be converted into sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate associated with cellular defense pathways.

How does sulforaphane glucosinolate work in the body?

When converted to sulforaphane, it can activate the Nrf2 pathway, which helps regulate antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. It may also influence inflammatory signaling.

What foods are high in sulforaphane glucosinolate?

Broccoli sprouts are among the richest sources, with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and other Brassica vegetables also providing related glucosinolates. Preparation and chewing can affect conversion to sulforaphane.

What is a typical dosage range for sulforaphane glucosinolate?

Common supplemental ranges are often listed around 20–100 mg per day, depending on the product and its conversion to sulforaphane. Follow label directions and consider discussing use with a clinician, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a medical condition.

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Sulforaphane
Glucosinolate

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

A potent isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane supports antioxidant defenses, anti-inflammatory processes, and cellular protection.

Anti-inflammatory Cardiovascular Support Cancer-inhibitor Antioxidant Neuroprotective

dose range

20–100 mg

Taken as a single dose or split with meals.

Consumption

Consume with meals to support absorption. Ensure supplement includes active myrosinase or co-consume with myrosinase-rich foods for optimal conversion.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Morning or first meal is preferred; avoid taking on an empty stomach if GI sensitivity occurs.

Description

Sulforaphane glucosinolate is a natural plant compound concentrated in broccoli sprouts and other Brassica vegetables. Activated during digestion, it has gained attention for its cellular protective, anti-inflammatory, and possible anticancer effects, though human trials remain limited.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Several preclinical and small human studies show antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects; chemopreventive potential is promising but not definitive in humans.

Cellular Antioxidant Support

Moderate

Activates Nrf2 pathway, boosting production of detoxification and antioxidant enzymes.

Particularly relevant for: General population · Older adults · Individuals at risk of oxidative stress

S1 · PubMed Review: The role of sulforaphane in human health S2 · NIH: Sulforaphane—Review Article

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Moderate

Reduces markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, and modulates pathways associated with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with inflammatory conditions · Cardiovascular risk groups

S2 · NIH: Sulforaphane—Review Article S3 · Examine.com: Sulforaphane Evidence Summary

Chemoprotective/Anticancer Properties

Limited

May inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis; evidence strongest in preclinical models and some human observational studies.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with higher cancer risk

S2 · NIH: Sulforaphane—Review Article S6 · Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University—Micronutrient Information Center: Sulforaphane

Neuroprotection

Limited

May reduce oxidative damage in the brain and support cognitive health, with preliminary support from animal and early human studies.

Particularly relevant for: Older adults · Neurodegenerative risk

S1 · PubMed Review: The role of sulforaphane in human health S4 · EFSA Scientific Opinion on Glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause mild gastrointestinal effects and has cautions in specific populations.

warning notices

High doses may cause nausea, bloating, or mild GI upset.
Potential goitrogenic effects, especially in those with low iodine or thyroid conditions.
Limited data on safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Avoid use if you have known thyroid disorders, as sulforaphane may act as a goitrogen.
Use only under medical supervision if pregnant or breastfeeding due to limited safety data.
Monitor for drug interactions if you take medications affected by liver enzymes (CYP450).

Known interactions with medications

CYP450 substrates

Contraindications / special precautions

Thyroid disorders
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (unless approved by clinician)

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Interactions primarily relate to effects on thyroid health and drug metabolism.

Sulforaphane may interfere with iodine uptake.

nutrient · Iodine

MonitorModerate

Why

As a goitrogen, it can reduce thyroid hormone production, especially if iodine intake is low.

recommendation

Monitor thyroid function and ensure adequate iodine intake if consuming sulforaphane regularly, especially with known thyroid disorders.

S4 · EFSA Scientific Opinion on Glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables

Sulforaphane may impact the metabolism of drugs processed by CYP450 enzymes.

drug · CYP450 substrates

MonitorLimited

Why

It can induce or inhibit certain CYP450 enzymes, altering blood levels of medications.

recommendation

Consult your healthcare provider if you are taking medications metabolized by the liver, such as warfarin, antiepileptics, or statins.

S1 · PubMed Review: The role of sulforaphane in human health S3 · Examine.com: Sulforaphane Evidence Summary

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Nrf2 Pathway Activation

Sulforaphane activates nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), leading to upregulation of antioxidant and cytoprotective enzymes.

S1 · PubMed Review: The role of sulforaphane in human health S2 · NIH: Sulforaphane—Review Article

Inflammatory Pathway Modulation (NF-κB)

Inhibits NF-κB signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.

S2 · NIH: Sulforaphane—Review Article S3 · Examine.com: Sulforaphane Evidence Summary

Epigenetic Modulation

May influence histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, impacting gene expression and cellular health.

S6 · Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University—Micronutrient Information Center: Sulforaphane

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

PubMed Review: The role of sulforaphane in human health

NIH: Sulforaphane—Review Article

Examine.com: Sulforaphane Evidence Summary

EFSA Scientific Opinion on Glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables

WebMD: Sulforaphane Supplement Overview

Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University—Micronutrient Information Center: Sulforaphane

Last updated: February 13, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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164 entries

SulforaphaneGlucosinolate

Description

benefits

Cellular Antioxidant Support

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chemoprotective/Anticancer Properties

Neuroprotection

Safety & Information

interactions

Sulforaphane may interfere with iodine uptake.

Sulforaphane may impact the metabolism of drugs processed by CYP450 enzymes.

mechanisms of action

Nrf2 Pathway Activation

Inflammatory Pathway Modulation (NF-κB)

Epigenetic Modulation

Sources & References

Botanicals & Natural Substances

Other categories

Safety & Information

interactions

Sulforaphane may interfere with iodine uptake.

Sulforaphane may impact the metabolism of drugs processed by CYP450 enzymes.

mechanisms of action

Nrf2 Pathway Activation

Inflammatory Pathway Modulation (NF-κB)

Epigenetic Modulation

Sources & References

Sulforaphane
Glucosinolate