# Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is a plant compound (an isothiocyanate). It forms when you chew or chop broccoli, broccoli sprouts, and other crucifers. It activates a pathway called Nrf2. That ramps up your antioxidant and 'phase II' detox enzymes. Human studies report effects on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. They also report effects on heart-and-metabolic risk. The signals in autism and cancer prevention are promising but mixed. Long-term clinical outcomes from sulforaphane supplements are not established yet.

## Sources

- Fahey JW, Zhang Y, Talalay P. (1997). Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.19.10367
- Houghton CA. (2019). Sulforaphane: its 'coming of age' as a clinically relevant nutraceutical in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2716870

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/sulforaphane · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_