Evidence supporting the use of: Sulforophane
For the health condition: Metabolic Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Sulforaphane, a bioactive compound found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, has been studied for its potential effects on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Scientific evidence supporting its use stems primarily from preclinical (animal and cell culture) studies, with an increasing but limited number of small clinical trials in humans.
Mechanistically, sulforaphane has been shown to activate the Nrf2 pathway, leading to enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. These actions are relevant to MetS, which is characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity—conditions closely associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. In animal models, sulforaphane supplementation has demonstrated improvements in insulin sensitivity, reductions in blood glucose, and amelioration of lipid profiles.
Early human studies are promising but not yet conclusive. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Science Translational Medicine (2017) found that broccoli sprout extract (rich in sulforaphane) lowered fasting blood glucose levels in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Other small trials and observational studies suggest potential benefits on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in populations at risk for MetS. However, robust, large-scale clinical trials specifically targeting MetS are limited.
In summary, the use of sulforaphane for MetS is scientifically motivated, with moderate preclinical support and emerging, though not definitive, clinical evidence. More high-quality human research is needed to confirm efficacy and establish dosing guidelines.
Other ingredients used for Metabolic Syndrome
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)7-Keto-DHEA
acai berry
akkermansia muciniphila
algal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
asparagus
bacillus subtilis
banaba
barley
berberine
Beta-Glucan
beta-sitosterol
bifidobacterium longum
bitter melon
black garlic
blueberry
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
campesterol
camu camu
canola oil
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
chromium
cinnamon
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
ginger
glucomannan
guar gum
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
krill oil
l-carnitine
lactobacillus helveticus
licorice root
mackerel
maitake mushroom
maqui berry
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
naringin
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
quinoa
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rye
sardines
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
Urolithin A
vanadium
vanadyl sulfate
vitamin C
vitamin D
wheat grass
whey protein
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
algae
kidney beans
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1-deoxynojirimycin
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
12-methylcarnosic acid
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
4-hydroxyisoleucine
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
6-Paradol
Alpha Glucans
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Arjunolic acid
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blakeslea trispora
Bean
Betanin
Brazil nut
Charantin
California chia
Cardarine
Cyanobacteria
Capsinoids
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
Cystoseira canariensis
corosolic acid
Crypthecodinium
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dihydrocapsiate
Dragon Fruit
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Ergothioneine
Ecklonia
peanut
Pistachio
Other health conditions supported by Sulforophane
Alzheimer's DiseaseArthritis
Autism
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress
Ulcers