Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, has been investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are relevant to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Preclinical studies, primarily in cell cultures and animal models, have shown that sulforaphane can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-1β) and suppress NF-κB signaling, a key pathway involved in inflammation and joint destruction in RA. Some studies have also demonstrated that sulforaphane can reduce oxidative stress, which is implicated in joint damage associated with RA.

However, clinical evidence in humans is very limited. As of mid-2024, there have been no large, high-quality randomized controlled trials directly testing sulforaphane supplementation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory studies or animal models, which, while promising, do not conclusively demonstrate efficacy in humans. Thus, the use of sulforaphane for RA is supported by preliminary scientific rationale and preclinical data, but robust clinical validation is lacking. Until such studies are conducted, sulforaphane should not be considered a proven therapy for RA, but rather a compound of interest for future research.