How Do You Use Sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane extract is a type of sulfur-containing isothiocyanates hydrolyzed from glucosinolates by myrosinase found in Brassica plants.Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring inducer of phase II enzymes in human and animal bodies to detoxify cancer-causing chemicals.Glucoraphanin is the precursor of sulforaphane and its content is greatly influenced by plant species and genotype,plant organs,pre-harvest factors,and post-harvest processing,thus sulforaphane formation is also directly influenced.Here,we review the formation mechanism of sulforaphane and the factors influencing sulforaphane formation.In the end,the future directions are also discussed.

The isothiocyanate found in the sulforaphane-generating vegetables is called glucoraphanin, a biologically active, sulfur-containing glucosinolate compound that gives them that strong smell and taste. In nature, one of its main functions is to repel pests. The glucoraphanin remains stable until the plant is broken, such as by the cutting or chewing of an insect or animal. Once that happens, the glucoraphanin comes in contact with an enzyme called myrosinase, which is stored in another compartment of the cell. Spurred on by access to myrosinase, our gut bacteria then convert glucoraphanin to sulforaphane.

You can think about it a little like those heat packs that you have to shake to activate. Shaking, or in this case chewing, brings compounds together to create new and potent effects. Sulforaphane then goes to work keeping you healthy.

Benefits of Sulforaphane

In a 2019 study published in Experimental Hematology (a journal that sadly missed the chance to be called “Messing Around with Blood”), Sulforaphane extract was found to help reduce liver damage among rats with sickle cell disease, playing a role in the detoxification of heme released from lysed (ruptured) red blood cells.

In another study, sulforaphane from a broccoli sprout extract protected the liver and induced detoxification by triggering enzymes and the creation of glutathione. Glutathione is an all-star antioxidant (wouldn’t that be a great name for a sports team: The Antioxidants?) composed of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. It works by fighting against free radicals that can cause cell damage and cancer. Just about all of life’s stresses can deplete our glutathione reserves, which is hard for the body to access in supplement form. So it’s good news that we can get it from broccoli and broccoli sprouts!

Sulforaphane may have protective effects on cognition and brain function, or as we say when we’re not pretending to be neurologists, it may keep you smarter longer. In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, after some very unfortunate rats were put into a state of hyperammonemia (characterized by high levels of ammonia in their blood), sulforaphane was found to reverse cognitive disruption. Sulforaphane may also have the potential to prevent neuronal disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF, also known as “brain fertilizer,” helps protect existing neurons and supports the growth and differentiation of new ones in the brain. And a 2018 study concluded that sulforaphane can be protective against brain diseases largely due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties.

If you know someone who’s gone through chemotherapy to fight their cancer, you’ve seen how uncomfortable and taxing a process that can be. Imagine food that could mimic the positive effects of chemotherapy without the harmful and debilitating side effects.

Sulforaphane appears to have chemopreventive properties and the capacity to be selectively toxic to malignant cells. It seems to know which cells are naughty and nice (kind of like a smelly Santa Claus) and treats them accordingly. The effects are so potent that researchers suggest it may have clinical applications on its own as well as in combination with current therapeutic and management strategies for cancer. Additionally, sulforaphane may have cancer-preventing properties for specific types of cancer, particularly pancreatic and prostate, either on its own or used with other treatment approaches.

Ways to Incorporate Sulforaphane into Your Diet

Incorporating sulforaphane into your diet can be both delicious and straightforward. Cruciferous vegetables are not only rich in sulforaphane but also in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet. 

Sulforaphane extract is synthesized only from cruciferous vegetables. The highest amounts of glucosinolates — sulforaphane’s precursor — are found in raw, uncooked crucifers. Interestingly, domesticated varieties have less glucosinolates than wild-grown varieties. (For you music-loving gardeners out there: No, blasting “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf will not increase the glucosinolate levels of your plants.) Glucosinolates are most abundant in the flower buds and seeds of these veggies, and the levels vary between species.

Supplements and Extracts

Most of the studies on sulforaphane use an extract or supplement rather than food sources. These are more concentrated forms and contain glucoraphanin (a glucosinolate), not sulforaphane. The thought behind this is that glucoraphanin will convert to sulforaphane in your stomach, as your gut bacteria contains a myrosinase-like enzyme that does the job. The problem is, without myrosinase being activated from cutting or chewing, you’re not getting the same level of sulforaphane as you would from eating a whole food (complete with a healthy supply of myrosinase on board). In fact, true broccoli sprouts outperform most supplements. So score one for getting sulforaphane from your diet if you can.

Topical Applications

Sulforaphane is a powerful antioxidant with numerous benefits, including being anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain the highest amounts of glucoraphanin, the precursor to sulforaphane, and eating them raw will give you the most benefit. But all of the cruciferous veggies bring health-boosting goodness. There are some supplements on the market that contain sulforaphane, and they may have benefits, too. But the most economical way to get it, as with most nutrients, is from your food. Incorporating broccoli and broccoli sprouts into a well-balanced, whole foods, plant-based diet will help to keep you on track to health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sulforaphane extract is a powerful compound with potential health benefits. Whether you choose to consume it through dietary sources or supplements, incorporating sulforaphane into your routine may help to support overall health and well-being.

For more information about sulforaphane and its benefits, please contact emily@jiubaiyuanbiotech.com.

References

1. Zhang, Y., Tang, L., & Gonzalez, V. (2020). "Selected isothiocyanates rapidly induce apoptosis in human melanoma cells." Nutritional Cancer, 72(5), 849-855.

2. Fahey, J. W., & Kensler, T. W. (2013). "Role of dietary isothiocyanates in human cancer prevention: Biomarkers of pharmacodynamic action in molecular epidemiology." Current Drug Metabolism, 14(2), 132-137.

3. Myzak, M. C., & Dashwood, R. H. (2006). "Chemoprotection by sulforaphane: Keep one eye beyond Keap1." Cancer Letters, 233(2), 208-218.

4. Wu, R., & Muir, J. (2011). "Dietary isothiocyanates: Detection, quantitation, and biological activities." Mol Nutr Food Res, 55(7), 987-1008.

5. Riedl, M. A., Saxon, A., & Diaz-Sanchez, D. (2009). "Oral sulforaphane increases Phase II antioxidant enzymes in the human upper airway." Clinical Immunology, 130(3), 244-251.