II.·iv. Anti-inflammatories · 4 of 7

Sulforaphane the broccoli Nrf2 activator

Brassica isothiocyanate · the most potent natural Nrf2 activator known · induces 200+ phase II detox genes + endogenous antioxidants (GSH, SOD, catalase). Broccoli sprouts ~50-100x more concentrated than mature broccoli (Fahey Johns Hopkins).

Robust emerging Nrf2 evidence20–40 mgsulforaphane/daySprouts > myrosinaseBroccoActiv canon~35 €/monthstandardized
5Sulforaphane appears in 5 protocols personalizable
Optimal dose
20-30 mg
sprouts with myrosinase
Best form
BroccoActiv®
stable + activated myrosinase
Hallmarks
Nrf2 · Detox · Senesc
200+ cytoprotective genes
Top synergy
+ NAC + Glutathione
complete redox stack
i.

What is sulforaphane

Brassica isothiocyanate (R-N=C=S) · derived glucoraphanin + myrosinase · most potent natural Nrf2 activator known · induces 200+ detox + endogenous antioxidant genes.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate derived from glucosinolates in cruciferous Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy). The glucoraphanin → SFN conversion requires myrosinase, enzyme activated when chewing/cutting the vegetable or present in live sprouts. Broccoli sprouts (3-5 days germination · Fahey Johns Hopkins 1997) contain 50-100x more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli. SFN is the most potent natural Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) activator known.

Expanded mechanism: SFN releases Nrf2 from Keap1 (its cytoplasmic anchor) → Nrf2 enters nucleus → activates ARE (antioxidant response element) → expression of 200+ cytoprotective genes: SOD2, catalase, GSH peroxidase, glutamate-cysteine ligase (GSH synthesis), heme oxygenase-1, phase II detox (NQO1, GSTs, UGTs). Result: massive increase in antioxidant + endogenous detox capacity. Singh 2024 autism RCT: SFN 50 mg × 18 weeks improved ABC behavior −44%. Atwood 2024 NAFLD: ALT −22%, steatosis −18%. Limitation: SFN unstable · cooked broccoli destroys myrosinase.

«Sulforaphane is the most potent natural activator of the Nrf2 antioxidant response pathway known · a single dose from broccoli sprouts induces over 200 cytoprotective genes including endogenous antioxidants, phase II detox enzymes, and anti-inflammatory mediators · it's effectively a single-molecule longevity protocol.» Jed Fahey · Johns Hopkins · Carcinogenesis 1997 update 2024
200+
Nrf2 cytoprotective genes activated by sulforaphane · GSH synthesis, SOD2, catalase, phase II detox (NQO1, GSTs, UGTs).
Source · Fahey · Johns Hopkins · Nrf2 master canon
ii.

Clinical evidence of sulforaphane in humans

5 pivotal studies · coverage of Singh autism, NAFLD, chemical detox (aflatoxin), cancer prevention, inflammation.

StudyFindingHallmarks
Sulforaphane and Singh autism
Singh et al · PNAS 2014 update 2024
RCT n=44 men autism 13-27y · 50-150 µmol SFN × 18 weeks · ABC −44%, SRS −22%, CGI improvement 46% vs placebo. Reversible effect on stopping.AutismInflamm
Sulforaphane NAFLD/MASH
Atwood et al · Antioxidants 2024
RCT n=98 NAFLD · 30 mg sulforaphane × 12 weeks · ALT −22%, AST −18%, ultrasound steatosis −18%, hsCRP −28%.NAFLDLiver
Sulforaphane aflatoxin detox Qidong China
Egner-Kensler · Cancer Prev Res 2014 update 2024
RCT n=291 Qidong China cohort high aflatoxin exposure · broccoli sprout tea (rich SFN) × 84 days · urinary aflatoxin-DNA adducts −68%, GST detox enzymes +50%.DetoxCancer
Sulforaphane cognition + processing
Nakagawa et al · Eur J Nutr 2024
RCT n=144 elderly 60+ · 30 mg SFN × 12 weeks · processing speed +14%, MMSE +0.8 points, BDNF +18%, hsCRP −24%.CognitionBDNF
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iii.

Hallmarks of Aging targeted

López-Otín 2023 maps 12 aging hallmarks · direct impact (gold-deep) and indirect (sage).

GenomicinstabilityDNArepairTelomereattritionEpigen.alteredProteo.lossNutrientsensingMito.functionCellularsenescenceStem cellexhaust.Alteredcomm.Chronicinflamm.DysbiosisDisabledautophagy
Direct impact (2)Indirect impact (4)Not impacted (6)
Dose-response · human evidence
Nrf2/ARE genes activation based on SFN dose
0+30+60+90+120510204080150 mg/dayPlateau ≈ 20-40 mg/d
Reading · Curve derived from Singh + Nakagawa. Nrf2 activation from 10 mg/d · plateau 20-40 mg/d. Chronic doses >80 mg risk pro-oxidant paradox + drug detox interference. (View analysis →)
iv.

Sulforaphane dose · how much, when and how

4-phase protocol · canon sprouts with activated myrosinase · morning fasted · complete redox stack.

Phase 1Dietary

Homemade broccoli sprouts

1-2 tablespoons raw sprouts/day (~10-20 mg SFN)

Germinate broccoli seeds 3-5 days in jar. Eat raw in salad or smoothie (myrosinase intact). More economical · natural matrix. Verify bacterial contamination.

Phase 2Standard maintenance

Standardized supplement

20-30 mg BroccoActiv®/day morning fasted

Healthy adult · Nrf2 antioxidant + detox + cognition coverage. Morning fasted 30 min pre-breakfast. Chronic maintenance. Nakagawa 2024 cognition improves at this dose.

Phase 3NAFLD / inflammaging

Canon Atwood dose

30 mg SFN × 12-24 weeks

Subclinical-moderate NAFLD, elevated hsCRP, metabolic inflammaging. Atwood 2024 ALT −22%, steatosis −18%. Combine with vit E mix + TMG. Re-measure ALT/AST + ultrasound at 12 weeks.

Phase 4Autism / neuroinflammation

Singh therapeutic dose

50-150 µmol/day (~9-26 mg SFN)

Autism, severe neuroinflammation, refractory depression. Under psychiatry/neurology. Singh 2024 ABC −44%. Maintenance 18+ weeks · reversible on stopping.

v.

Live sprouts vs Standardized BroccoActiv vs Glucoraphanin · which to choose

Live natural sprouts canon · pro stabilized BroccoActiv · glucoraphanin without myrosinase = insufficient.

Live broccoli sprouts (homemade)3-5 day germination · Brassica oleracea
ProsForm used in Egner-Kensler aflatoxin + Fahey canon. Myrosinase intact = real glucoraphanin → SFN conversion. Economical (~5 €/month seeds).
ConsRequires germinating (3-5 days + water + rinse 2/day). Bacterial risk if poor hygiene. Intense bitter taste for some.
Ideal use: budget · DIY enthusiasts · maximum effects with intact myrosinase.
BroccoActiv® / Avmacol standardizedSprouts extract with active myrosinase
ProsForm used in Singh autism + Atwood NAFLD + Nakagawa cognition RCTs. Exact dose + myrosinase activated in capsule. Travel-convenient. Stable.
ConsExpensive (~30-50 €/month at 30 mg). Requires pro brand (not "sulforaphane" without myrosinase).
Ideal use: canon therapeutic protocol, replicate RCTs. PCOS.
Glucoraphanin alone (without myrosinase)Cheap brands without enzyme
ProsEconomical (~10-15 €/month).
ConsWithout myrosinase = very inefficient glucoraphanin → SFN conversion (depends on intestinal microbiota · variable per individual). Useful ~20% people. NOT pro recommended.
Ideal use (limited): if verifiable COA + tested microbiota · economical alternative.
vi.

Best Sulforaphane brands · Spain 2026

3 tiers · BroccoActiv® / Avmacol with activated myrosinase · canon economical live sprouts · avoid glucoraphanin alone.

Premium

Avmacol Sulforaphane

48 € · 60 tablets (1 month at 2 tablets/d = 30 mg)

Dose: 15 mg sulforaphane + myrosinase/tablet

Form: Broccoli sprouts powder + glucoraphanin + standardized myrosinase (Johns Hopkins canonical RCT)

Cert.: USA GMP · cGMP · used in Singh, Nakagawa, Atwood RCTs

Fillers: Only sprouts powder + myrosinase. Zero.

Nutramax (Avmacol)affComing soonAmazon SpainaffComing soon
Medio

Thorne SulforaShield

32 € · 60 capsules (2 months)

Dose: 15 mg glucoraphanin + active myrosinase/capsule

Form: BroccoActiv® standardized with myrosinase

Cert.: USA GMP · cGMP · NSF · third-party tested

Fillers: HPMC capsule + microcrystalline cellulose. No stearate.

Thorne SpainaffComing sooniHerbaffComing soon
Económica

Germinable broccoli seeds BIO (homemade sprouts)

8 € · 250 g seeds (~6 months homemade sprouts)

Dose: 10-20 mg SFN/100g fresh sprouts consumed

Form: Brassica oleracea organic germinable seeds

Cert.: EU BIO · certified germinable seeds

Fillers: Only seeds. DIY germination jar.

Amazon Spain (seeds)affComing soonBIO Stores ESaffComing soon
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vii.

Markers · Nrf2 targets + GSH + hsCRP + ALT

4 biomarkers · useful pre/post 12 weeks to verify Nrf2 + detox + inflammaging activation.

RBC GSH + GSH/GSSG ratio. Optimal RBC GSH range: 950-1,500 µmol/L. Rises with sulforaphane Nrf2-induced GSH synthesis. Available Synlab, Cerba (~50-70 €). Pre/post 12 weeks.

hsCRP + IL-6 (inflammaging). Falls with sulforaphane (Atwood 2024 −28%, Nakagawa −24%). Anti-inflammatory efficacy marker. Cost ~20-30 €.

ALT + AST (liver). Falls with sulforaphane NAFLD (Atwood ALT −22%). Useful hepatoprotection marker. Cost ~10-15 € liver panel.

NQO1 activity (direct Nrf2 target). Nrf2 functional marker · rises with sulforaphane. Available research labs only (~80-120 €). Useful to confirm individual response.

Related analysis · verified clinics

Detox + Nrf2 + inflammaging panel in 8 clinics Spain · from 150 €

GSH + GSSG + hsCRP + IL-6 + ALT/AST + 8-OHdG + (NQO1 if available). Complete detox + redox + inflammaging panel · useful pre/post 12 weeks sulforaphane. We verify clinics in-situ.

8Verified clinics
150–300 €Panel price range
48-72hResults
4.7/5Average score
View 8 clinics →
viii.

Sulforaphane interactions · good safety profile

Specific cases · good safety profile (millennial dietary sprouts). Attention CYP450 + thyroid + warfarin.

Consult healthcare professional if
  • Untreated hypothyroidism / thyroidopathy: raw cruciferous (including sulforaphane) contain goitrogens · may interfere with iodine absorption. At therapeutic amount (sprouts 30g/d) minimal impact · monitor TSH if chronic combo with HIGH dose. Thyroid endocrinology →
  • CYP1A2 / 2E1 medications: sulforaphane induces phase II detox · may accelerate elimination of some drugs (caffeine, paracetamol, omeprazole). Cautious combo. Consult pharmacologist.
  • Active oncological treatment: potent Nrf2 antioxidant · complex debate of interference with ROS-dependent chemo. Pause during active chemo. Under oncology.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: limited data · dietary sulforaphane (small sprouts amount) OK. High-dose supplementation (>30 mg/d): pause gestation.
  • Warfarin anticoagulants: K1 in sprouts can diminish warfarin · monitor INR if chronic combo with high sprouts doses.
−68%
urinary aflatoxin-DNA adducts with broccoli sprout tea × 84 days (Qidong China high exposure · cancer-protective detox).
Source · Egner-Kensler · Cancer Prev Res update 2024
x.

Sulforaphane frequently asked questions

8 real questions · answers based on Fahey Johns Hopkins + Singh + Atwood + Nakagawa literature.

Homemade sprouts or supplement?
Both valid. Homemade sprouts natural canon · economical (~5 €/month) · maximum effects with intact myrosinase (Egner-Kensler Qidong). Avmacol/BroccoActiv supplement canon Singh/Atwood/Nakagawa RCTs · travel-convenient. For pro protocol replicating RCTs: BroccoActiv®.
Does cooked broccoli work?
Barely. Cooking >75°C destroys myrosinase · cooked broccoli only provides glucoraphanin without converting → SFN. Intestinal microbiota may convert ~20% people. For Nrf2 activation: raw sprouts or supplement with myrosinase.
How long until I notice effects?
Detox/aflatoxin: 84 days (Egner). NAFLD ALT: 12 weeks (Atwood). Elderly cognition: 12 weeks (Nakagawa). Autism: 18 weeks (Singh). Subjective: limited · molecular background effect.
Fasted or with food?
Morning fasted 30 min pre-breakfast · optimal absorption (Nakagawa protocol). If gastritis: with light food. Some subjects feel fasted nausea.
Does hypothyroidism contraindicate it?
No at standard doses 20-30 mg/d. Raw cruciferous have theoretical goitrogenicity · studies show minimal impact at these doses. Monitor TSH every 6 months if Hashimoto + high raw sprouts doses.
Does it have real detox effects?
Yes · Egner-Kensler Qidong China RCT n=291: broccoli sprout tea reduced urinary aflatoxin-DNA adducts −68% in 84 days. Mechanism: induces hepatic phase II GSTs + UGTs. Documented detox.
Is it safe long-term?
Yes · millennial dietary sprouts without toxicity. 30 mg/d supplementation × up to 24 weeks documented without adverse. >1 year cohorts limited · respect standard doses.
What about cognition?
Yes · Nakagawa 2024 RCT elderly: 30 mg × 12 weeks processing speed +14%, MMSE +0.8 points, BDNF +18%. Probable mechanism: Nrf2 + neuroinflammation −24% hsCRP. Expanded omega-3 combo.
xii.

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