Origin & tradition
Not traditional as an isolate: sulforaphane was identified in broccoli in 1992 and has since become the most-studied NRF2 activator.
Western tradition · Phytochemical
Sulforaphane
The most potent known NRF2 activator, from broccoli, with human trials in cancer chemoprevention and neuroprotection.
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Why longevity buyers care
Key active: Sulforaphane (isothiocyanate from broccoli/broccoli sprout extract).
Sulforaphane activates the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway, upregulating antioxidant response elements (HO-1, NQO1, GCLC). Human trials cover prostate cancer chemoprevention, autism (ABA-scale improvement), and schizophrenia. Preclinical evidence extends to senescence, neuroinflammation, and autophagy.
Effect summary
Studied health outcomes
Editorial summary — This table is curated by hand from published research consensus, not automatically calculated from our trial database. Grades reflect our interpretation of the literature. Treat as a starting point, not a definitive verdict. See the Evidence panel below for the underlying trial and paper counts sourced directly from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed.
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRF2 pathway / antioxidant enzyme induction | Increases | Strong | A |
| Inflammation (NF-κB) | Decreases | Moderate | B |
| Insulin sensitivity / blood glucose | Increases | Moderate | B |
| Cancer prevention markers (Phase 2 enzymes) | Increases | Moderate | B |
| Autism spectrum symptoms | Decreases | Moderate | C |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
How Sulforaphane is typically used
- Typical dose
- 30–60 mg sulforaphane/day
- Form
- broccoli sprout extract (with active myrosinase), or stabilized sulforaphane
- Timing
- with meals
Broccoli sprouts (3-day-old) contain 20–50× more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli. Myrosinase enzyme (also in sprouts, or added as mustard powder) is required to convert glucoraphanin to sulforaphane. Cooking inactivates myrosinase — eat sprouts raw.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
What the research actually says
80Evidence confidence
Human RCT evidence75 randomized controlled trials · 25 meta-analyses / systematic reviews
Strong preclinical + human RCTs in cancer and neuro; aging trials ongoing
Sulforaphane activates the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway, upregulating antioxidant response elements (HO-1, NQO1, GCLC). Human trials cover prostate cancer chemoprevention, autism (ABA-scale improvement), and schizophrenia. Preclinical evidence extends to senescence, neuroinflammation, and autophagy.
92registered clinical trials reference this intervention
0selected peer-reviewed papers (longevity / aging angle)
Key active: Sulforaphane (isothiocyanate from broccoli/broccoli sprout extract) — a multi-compound botanical extract, so activity is not reducible to a single molecule.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-06-12. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Sulforaphane appears in
Compare the evidence
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Compare the evidence
How Sulforaphane stacks up
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