Evidence supporting the use of: Sulforophane
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, has attracted scientific interest for its potential role in supporting patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The justification for its use is based on preclinical and early clinical studies rather than traditional medicine. Sulforaphane is known to activate the Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2) pathway, which regulates the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes. In COPD, oxidative stress and inflammation play significant roles in disease progression, and Nrf2 activity is often impaired in these patients.

Animal studies and in vitro research have shown that sulforaphane can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in lung tissues. Small-scale human trials have investigated whether sulforaphane supplementation can enhance Nrf2 activation and improve antioxidant defenses in COPD patients. For example, a 2011 randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in Chest found that oral sulforaphane increased Nrf2 target gene expression in lymphocytes of COPD patients, but did not show clear clinical benefit. Later studies, such as a 2014 RCT in Clinical and Translational Science, failed to demonstrate significant improvements in lung function or inflammation markers after sulforaphane treatment.

Overall, while sulforaphane demonstrates a plausible mechanistic rationale and some early evidence of biological activity relevant to COPD, robust clinical evidence of efficacy is lacking. Thus, the scientific evidence supporting its use in COPD is limited and rated as 2 out of 5.

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