What is sulforaphane
Brassica isothiocyanate (R-N=C=S) · derived glucoraphanin + myrosinase · most potent natural Nrf2 activator known · induces 200+ detox + endogenous antioxidant genes.
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).
5Sulforaphane appears in 5 protocols personalizable→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.
5 pivotal studies · coverage of Singh autism, NAFLD, chemical detox (aflatoxin), cancer prevention, inflammation.
| Study | Finding | Hallmarks |
|---|---|---|
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 |
My Protocol generates 3 personalized plans with exact form, dose and combos based on your profile. No commitment.
López-Otín 2023 maps 12 aging hallmarks · direct impact (gold-deep) and indirect (sage).
4-phase protocol · canon sprouts with activated myrosinase · morning fasted · complete redox stack.
Germinate broccoli seeds 3-5 days in jar. Eat raw in salad or smoothie (myrosinase intact). More economical · natural matrix. Verify bacterial contamination.
Healthy adult · Nrf2 antioxidant + detox + cognition coverage. Morning fasted 30 min pre-breakfast. Chronic maintenance. Nakagawa 2024 cognition improves at this dose.
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.
Autism, severe neuroinflammation, refractory depression. Under psychiatry/neurology. Singh 2024 ABC −44%. Maintenance 18+ weeks · reversible on stopping.
Live natural sprouts canon · pro stabilized BroccoActiv · glucoraphanin without myrosinase = insufficient.
3 tiers · BroccoActiv® / Avmacol with activated myrosinase · canon economical live sprouts · avoid glucoraphanin alone.
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.
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.
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.
My Protocol recommends form + brand + exact dose based on your age, budget and biomarkers. No commitment · 3 minutes.
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.
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.
Specific cases · good safety profile (millennial dietary sprouts). Attention CYP450 + thyroid + warfarin.
4 combos · Nrf2 + GSH + senolytic + cognition + liver focus.
NAC replenishes cysteine GSH substrate · sulforaphane Nrf2 activates GSH synthesis enzymes (γ-GCL). Combo covers BOTH upstream + downstream. Useful oxidative stress + detox + NAFLD.
Sulforaphane senomorphic Nrf2 + fisetin/quercetin senolytic. 2-pathway senescence stack · Mayo Clinic-Kirkland adjacent expanded.
Pro NAFLD trident · sulforaphane Nrf2 + curcumin NF-κB + TMG hepatic methylation. Sookoian + Atwood 2024 pro 2026 hepatology stack.
Sulforaphane raises BDNF (Nakagawa 2024 +18%) · omega-3 neuronal expansion. Cognition elderly + autism (Singh) expanded stack.
8 real questions · answers based on Fahey Johns Hopkins + Singh + Atwood + Nakagawa literature.
Supplements · treatments · biomarkers for your complete protocol.
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