Sulforaphane, its properties and dosage. What products does it occur in?

Antioxidants play an extremely important role in everyone's life. They protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and premature ageing. One of the most remarkable antioxidants of organic origin is sulforaphane, a substance found in cruciferous vegetables. The health benefits of sulforaphane are unique among plant-based substances worldwide. What is worth knowing about its fascinating properties and potential health applications?

Sulforaphane – what is it?

Sulforaphane is a phytochemical found only in certain types of vegetables. Sulforaphane is found in particular in cruciferous plants such as cabbage, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and radishes.

The substance is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Sulforaphane was first observed and extracted in 1992 at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Currently, a number of clinical studies attribute many positive properties to this substance, which has enormous therapeutic potential, for example in the prevention of cancer, microbial infections and autoimmune inflammation.

Sulforaphane – how does this compound work?

Sulforaphane is a compound that occurs naturally in plants in the inactive form of glucoraphanin. Only after direct consumption by humans do enzymes such as myrosinase convert glucoraphanin into active sulforaphane. Myrosinase itself is activated inside plants by biting or chewing, although some bacteria can also produce it directly in the intestines.

Once released and activated, sulforaphane begins to perform a variety of functions in the human body. One of these is the activation of the Nrf2 gene, which is involved in improving the body's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and protective responses. Due to such a wide range of interventions and related properties, sulforaphane is credited with a number of positive health effects.

Sulforaphane – what is worth knowing about its properties?

Due to the fact that sulforaphane intervenes in the Nrf2 signalling pathway (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathway, which controls over 200 genes in the body, the properties of the substance are considered to be more effective, longer lasting and stronger in their antioxidant action than most other compounds with proven antioxidant activity.

The compound also activates the body's natural defence systems, promoting greater production of endogenous antioxidants such as the enzyme glutathione S-transferase. The body is then able to eliminate toxins much more easily by stimulating internal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying functions.

The properties of sulforaphane include, among others:

• Activation of the body's most powerful defence system (Nrf2 gene)

• Activation of antioxidant enzymes

• Reduction of inflammation

• DNA protection

• Elimination of unhealthy cells

• Liver detoxification

• Slowing down the processes of premature ageing of the body

Comprehensive support for the body – what does sulforaphane do?

Sulforaphane is being studied for its potential health benefits in a variety of clinical conditions. However, it is known that a number of studies have proven the potential effectiveness of the substance in the prevention of conditions and diseases such as:

• Cancer – some studies have shown that sulforaphane is active against several forms of cancer, from its initial development to proliferation. The substance protects DNA and promotes cell apoptosis. Sulforaphane may also be an effective chemoprotective agent;

• Neurological disorders – the development of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis is associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and induced neurotoxicity. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, sulforaphane is being studied as a preventive measure against neurological disorders;

• Autism – according to some studies, supplementation with sulforaphane extract contributes to the improvement of autistic behaviours typical of moderate and severe autism with long-term use (up to 12 weeks);

• Ulcers – sulforaphane is an effective agent against Helicobacter Pylori bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. In fact, the substance promotes the inhibition of H. Pylori viability while improving the condition of the gastric mucosa;

• Cardiovascular diseases – oxidative stress is one of the factors that can cause problems related to the malfunctioning of the heart and arteries. For this reason, the antioxidant properties of sulforaphane are able to provide effective protection against cardiovascular diseases;

• Premature ageing of the body – the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of sulforaphane give it a real ability to protect the body against the development of certain diseases. In addition, some scientists believe that this compound may also be able to improve overall health and thus promote longevity by increasing the efficiency of the human body's immune cells;

• High blood sugar – sulforaphane extract appears to regulate fasting blood glucose levels, especially in people affected by obesity and type II diabetes. The substance has a similar effectiveness to metformin, a commonly used anti-diabetic drug.

Sulforaphane and Hashimoto's disease – is it helpful?

For many years, it was believed that cruciferous vegetables, which include species containing sulforaphane, have a negative effect on thyroid health.

As it turns out, long-term supplementation with extracts and supplements containing this compound can positively influence the reduction of oxidative stress, which can negatively affect thyroid health. Despite this, sulforaphane itself does not currently have any scientifically proven effects that could contribute to a direct improvement in serum thyrotropin, free thyroxine and thyroglobulin levels.

Sulforaphane for joints – how does it work?

In vitro studies suggest that sulforaphane may be an interesting compound for athletes. According to the results obtained by researchers, sulforaphane appears to promote the development of satellite cells and reduce the secretion of myostatin, a protein that inhibits muscle growth.

This protein is secreted by tendons in the event of structural damage or inflammation, preventing the growth of muscle volume in the joints. Reduced myostatin levels affect joint regeneration and potential muscle mass development.

Sulforaphane and autism – how does it affect it?

Some studies analysing the effects of sulforaphane consumption in people with autism spectrum disorders have shown that long-term use of the substance causes a change in the behaviour of people with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorders. After discontinuing sulforaphane supplementation, the results returned to levels closer to those before supplementation.

Scientists, analysing the behaviour and social responsiveness of the subjects, indicated that after 12 weeks of controlled sulforaphane supplementation, people on the autism spectrum may experience a visible improvement in socially-based behaviours.

Sulforaphane – how to dose and use?

Sulforaphane supplements are usually available in tablet, capsule or powder form. They can also be purchased in liquid form. They are often made from broccoli, its seeds or sprouts.

Some supplements are combined with myrosinase, for example, to improve the absorption of the extract. There are currently no recommendations for daily sulforaphane intake, and different brands of supplements vary significantly in their suggested dosages, although it is believed that the recommended dosage should be between 25 and 60 mg of sulforaphane per day.

Potential side effects of sulforaphane and contraindications

Taking sulforaphane from food or dietary supplements containing additional excipients does not pose any serious risks. At doses greater than 400 mg of sulforaphane per day, side effects such as mild intestinal disorders, flatulence and increased gas production may be observed.

Sulforaphane has no specific contraindications, but breastfeeding women, pregnant women and children under 12 years of age should refrain from supplementing with this compound.

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