Broccoli Sprout Extract · BroccoMax
Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate compound generated when the precursor glucoraphanin (concentrated in young broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables) is hydrolyzed by the enzyme myrosinase. Discovered in 1992 by Paul Talalay's lab at Johns Hopkins as the most potent natural Nrf2 activator known, sulforaphane has since become one of the most-studied phytochemicals for cancer chemoprevention, detoxification support, and longevity. Broccoli sprouts contain 10-100x more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli, making them the gold-standard dietary source.
Starting dose. 50mg — Glucoraphanin / 8mg sulforaphane
Take with a meal; co-administered with active myrosinase enzyme for proper conversion. Some products (BroccoMax, Avmacol, etc.) include both. Best taken with cruciferous vegetables when possible. Effects sustained 24-48 hours per dose.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
Sulforaphane's primary mechanism is covalent modification of cysteine residues on KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), the cytoplasmic anchor that normally holds Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and targets it for proteasomal degradation. Sulforaphane's electrophilic isothiocyanate group reacts with KEAP1's reactive cysteines (especially Cys151), conformationally inactivating KEAP1 and freeing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus. There it binds antioxidant response elements (AREs) and drives transcription of 200+ cytoprotective genes.
The downstream effects of Nrf2 activation include increased glutathione synthesis (via GCL/GCS upregulation), increased Phase II detoxification enzyme expression (GSTs, UGTs, NQO1), increased NADPH availability for antioxidant cycling, and increased expression of stress-response chaperones. The cellular effect is sustained for 24-48 hours per sulforaphane dose. With chronic intake, baseline antioxidant capacity rises and cells become more resistant to oxidative challenges.
Beyond Nrf2, sulforaphane inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs) - a mechanism shared with cancer chemotherapy drugs like vorinostat - reactivating tumor suppressor gene expression in cancer cells. It also inhibits NF-kB inflammatory signaling, induces apoptosis in cancer cells via mitochondrial pathway activation, and modulates STAT3 signaling. The pleiotropic activity makes sulforaphane interesting across cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, and longevity research.
Days 1-7: Cellular Nrf2 activation begins. No subjective change for most.
Each reference below was re-fetched from its PubMed record, and the quoted sentence was confirmed to appear in that abstract and to support the claim it sits under. Follow any of them to read the source.
Glucoraphanin requires the plant enzyme myrosinase for converting it into sulforaphane.
Glucoraphanin requires the plant enzyme myrosinase for converting it into sulforaphane.
Isothiocyanate from Broccoli, Sulforaphane, and Its Properties.
Evidence scope. Narrative review; supports conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane, but not the exact 50 mg/8 mg oral regimen or the card's Nrf2 claim.
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Dose/route: 50mg glucoraphanin / 8mg sulforaphane via Oral, Daily. No checked live PubMed abstract supported this complete molecule/formulation/route/dose/frequency combination.
Primary safety claim: Generally well tolerated at standard doses. No checked live abstract directly established this as the primary concern for the card's exact formulation and regimen.
Two different questions: what is documented about running these together, and what is documented about drawing them into the same syringe. A good pharmacological partner can still have to be pinned separately.
Check any specific pair in the Stack & Interaction Checker, which answers both questions separately. Absence of a documented conflict is not evidence of safety.
(free sulforaphane in blood); cellular Nrf2 effects last 24-48 hours per dose
Oral (with active myrosinase)
(metabolites); cellular gene expression effects last 48-72 hours
Variable (10-80%) depending on myrosinase activity. Active myrosinase co-administration is critical. Gut bacterial myrosinase contributes additional conversion.
Cellular antioxidant gene expression sustained 24-48 hours per dose. Daily dosing maintains plateau induction. Effects compound over weeks of regular intake.
Conjugation to glutathione, then mercapturic acid pathway (NAC conjugates excreted in urine).
Storage. Store at room temperature (20-25C) in a cool, dry place. Stabilized broccoli sprout extracts (with myrosinase) are shelf-stable for 18-24 months. Fresh broccoli sprouts have ~7 day refrigerated shelf life. Sulforaphane is unstable in water at room temperature but stable in dry capsules.
Classified as a dietary supplement in the US (no FDA pre-approval). Available widely over the counter. Several patented products (BroccoMax, Avmacol, Crucera-SGS) standardize sulforaphane delivery. Whole-food broccoli sprouts unrestricted. Generally Recognized as Safe at typical supplement and dietary doses.
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