Sulforaphane
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Evidence Summary
Sulforaphane is a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables that is being extensively studied for its potential in cancer prevention and metabolic modulation. Research indicates it may influence gene expression, inflammatory pathways, and xenobiotic metabolism.
Evidence by Condition
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated transcriptional changes in the prostate of men undergoing active surveillance.
A systematic review showed efficacy in animal models, but human evidence remains limited.
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews of in vitro studies suggest sulforaphane can restore estrogen receptor expression and exert biological effects.
A Phase II clinical trial is investigating its effects in former smokers at high risk.
A randomized crossover study suggests modulation of nucleotide and xenobiotic metabolism via cruciferous vegetables.
Clinical trials have investigated its use in treating atopic asthma and modulating ozone-induced inflammation.
Effective Doses
Specific dose ranges were not explicitly provided in the source text.
Key Findings
- Sulforaphane induces transcriptional changes in the prostate of men on active surveillance (PMID: 30982861).
- Sulforaphane and EGCG can restore estrogen receptor expression in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines (PMID: 29040973).
- Sulforaphane demonstrates efficacy in skin cancer animal models (PMID: 39556025).
- Sulforaphane-rich diets may modulate nucleotide and xenobiotic metabolism (PMID: 40467247).
Limitations
A significant portion of the evidence is derived from in vitro, animal models, or small-scale clinical trials, necessitating more large-scale human studies.
Safety & Interactions
No specific drug interactions or contraindications were reported in the provided research.
AI-generated summary from 9 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 95% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 90% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (9)
**Traka et al., 2019** | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct Traka Maria H, Melchini Antonietta, ... Mithen Richard F. Transcriptional changes in prostate of men on active surveillance after a 12-mo glucoraphanin-rich broccoli intervention-results from the Effect o...
**Masoom et al., 2024** | Polim Med | Systematic Review Masoom Md, Khan Mohd Ashif. Efficacy of sulforaphane in skin cancer animal models: A systematic review. Polim Med. 2024;54(2):105-111. doi:10.17219/pim/189406 Globally, skin cancer is the predom...
**Gianfredi et al., 2017** | J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics | Meta Analysis Gianfredi Vincenza, Vannini Samuele, ... Nucci Daniele. Sulforaphane and Epigallocatechin Gallate Restore Estrogen Receptor Expression by Modulating Epigenetic Events in the Brea...
**Gianfredi et al., 2017** | Nutr Cancer | Systematic Review Gianfredi Vincenza, Nucci Daniele, ... Moretti Massimo. In vitro Biological Effects of Sulforaphane (SFN), Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and Curcumin on Breast Cancer Cells: A Systemat...
**Yuan et al., 2025** | Cancer Prev Res (Phila) | Rct Yuan Jian-Min, Kensler Thomas W, ... Wilson David O. Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial of Sulforaphane in Former Smokers at High Risk for Lung Cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2025-Jun-02;18(6):3...
Colon cancer is a prevalent malignancy influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Diets rich in charred and fried red meats, thus high in heterocyclic aromatic amines [e.g., 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP)], are associat...
**NCT ID**: NCT00843167 **Phase**: PHASE2 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 54 **Completion**: 2013-12
**NCT ID**: NCT01625130 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 16 **Completion**: 2015-06
**NCT ID**: NCT01845493 **Phase**: PHASE1 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 16 **Completion**: 2014-10
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is sulforaphane and how does it work?
Sulforaphane is a bioactive compound found naturally in cruceraiferous vegetables. It is being studied for its potential to influence gene expression, inflammatory pathways, and how the body processes certain substances.
Does sulforaphane help with breast cancer?
There is moderate evidence from laboratory studies suggesting that sulforaphane may help restore estrogen receptor expression in certain breast cancer cell lines. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Is there evidence that sulforaphane works for skin cancer?
There is currently weak evidence for skin cancer, as most successful results have been observed in animal models. Human evidence for its effectiveness in treating skin cancer remains limited.
Can sulforaphane prevent prostate or colon cancer?
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm if sulforaphane helps prevent prostate or colon cancer. While some studies suggest it may influence metabolic processes, more large-scale human trials are required.
Does sulforaphane help with asthma or inflammation?
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of sulforaphane for treating atopic asthma or inflammation. While clinical trials have investigated its ability to modulate inflammation, the results are not yet conclusive.
Is sulforaphane safe to take and are there any side effects?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the available research. However, because specific effective doses were not explicitly provided in the studies, you should consult a healthcare provider before starting a supplement.
Are there any known drug interactions with sulforaphane?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for sulforaphane. As with any supplement, it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.