Sulforaphane is a bioactive compound produced when glucoraphanin, found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and broccoli sprouts, is converted by the enzyme myrosinase. Research suggests it is one of the most potent naturally occurring activators of the Nrf2 pathway, a key cellular defense mechanism involved in antioxidant production and detoxification processes. Studies indicate that sulforaphane may support healthy inflammatory responses, assist in blood sugar regulation, promote gut health by influencing the microbiome, and show promise in preclinical research related to cancer risk reduction through its effects on phase II detoxification enzymes. Emerging evidence also points to potential neuroprotective properties, with researchers exploring its role in supporting brain health. Because sulforaphane is inherently unstable, many supplements use glucosinolate precursors paired with myrosinase to ensure conversion occurs after ingestion.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that sulforaphane possesses meaningful anti-inflammatory properties, acting through multiple molecu...
View studies →Research suggests that sulforaphane supports detoxification primarily by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which...
View studies →Research suggests that sulforaphane and related compounds that activate the Nrf2 cellular defense pathway may support...
View studies →Research suggests that sulforaphane, a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, may o...
View studies →Research suggests that sulforaphane, a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, may supp...
View studies →Research suggests that sulforaphane and related compounds capable of activating the Nrf2 pathway may have some releva...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 17–34 mg | Daily | blood sugar regulation, type 2 diabetes | Based on RCTs including a 2017 study in Science Translational Medicine (Axelsson et al.) using broccoli sprout extract |
| Capsule | 9–27 mg | Daily | brain health, autism spectrum disorder behavior and cognition | Based on RCTs including Singh et al. 2014 (PNAS) using sulforaphane from broccoli sprout extract |
| Capsule | 30–60 mg | Daily | cancer risk reduction, anti-inflammatory effects | Used in RCTs examining chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory outcomes |
| Capsule | 10–30 mg | Daily | general health, antioxidant support, detoxification | Common range in clinical trials using stabilized sulforaphane or glucoraphanin-rich broccoli seed extracts |
| Extract | 40–60 mg | Daily | antioxidant support, Nrf2 pathway activation | Higher-dose range found in trials targeting systemic oxidative stress markers |
| Powder | 10–40 mg | Daily | gut health, H. pylori reduction, microbiome support | Used in clinical trials examining gastric mucosal protection and gut inflammation |