What is sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and especially in broccoli sprouts. It has been studied for its potential protective effects on the brain and its ability to activate antioxidative pathways. Research suggests that sulforaphane can precondition the brain against injuries like ischemic strokes by priming stress response pathways, leading to significantly better outcomes in animal models. This means that animals pre-treated with sulforaphane respond better to brain injuries than those not treated 1.

Moreover, sulforaphane is known to activate pathways in the body related to glutathione, a major antioxidant. Consuming broccoli sprouts, which contain high levels of sulforaphane, significantly elevates glutathione levels, supporting overall brain health and protection against oxidative stress 2.