Sulforaphane (isothiocyanate from broccoli sprouts)

Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate from broccoli sprouts, promoted as an antioxidant and Nrf2 activator to slow aging and extend lifespan. No convincing benefit for this use has been shown: the evidence is limited to lab models, animal experiments, and small short-term studies on biomarkers, with no confirmed effect on human lifespan or aging. Healthy aging rests on proven measures: not smoking, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and keeping blood pressure and metabolic markers in check. In this role the compound is harmless.

Sulforaphane is actively sold as «natural help for autism» after the Singh 2014 PNAS RCT. The study enrolled 44 boys and young men aged 13–27 with autism spectrum disorder receiving sulforaphane 50–150 µmol/day (~25–75 mg) or placebo × 18 weeks; the intervention group showed improvement on ABC and SRS scales, with the effect disappearing on discontinuation. Sample size small; multicentre RCTs with the same results have not been reproduced. AAP 2020 lists behavioural interventions (ABA, TEACCH, ESDM), speech and occupational therapy first-line for ASD; pharmacotherapy (risperidone, aripiprazole) – for marked aggression and self-injury; dietary supplements including sulforaphane are not in the guideline. If sulforaphane was recommended for a child with ASD instead of proven behavioural programmes, consider seeking a second opinion from a child psychiatrist.

Sulforaphane is actively sold as a «natural oncoprotector» via activation of Nrf2-dependent phase II detoxification enzymes. Epidemiology shows that regular intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) is associated with reduced lung, gastric and colon cancer risk. But – from vegetables, not from isolated supplements. No RCTs with cancer incidence or mortality endpoints in humans with isolated sulforaphane. Memorial Sloan Kettering 2024 monograph notes «promising preclinical data, no clinical efficacy data». USPSTF 2022 recommends against routine vitamin-mineral supplement use for cancer prevention. If sulforaphane was recommended for «cancer prevention» instead of proven measures (smoking cessation, weight normalisation, screening), consider seeking a second opinion from an oncologist.

Sulforaphane is sold as a «natural neuroprotector» and memory/concentration enhancer. Several small RCTs showed moderate reduction of neuroinflammation markers and cognitive scale improvement in patients with schizophrenia and mild cognitive impairment, but sample sizes were 20–40 subjects. NICE dementia 2018 (NG97) lists cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine first-line for Alzheimer and vascular dementia; sulforaphane is not mentioned. In healthy adults no native cognitive function effect is proven. If sulforaphane was recommended for cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia, consider seeking a second opinion from a neurologist.