OnePin Peptide Library · Longevity
Sulforaphane
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.,The Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathway is the master regulator of cellular antioxidant defenses, controlling expression of 200+ cytoprotective genes including glutathione synthesis enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, NQO1 (quinone reductase), and Phase II detoxification enzymes (glutathione-S-transferases, UGTs). Sulforaphane activates Nrf2 by modifying KEAP1 cysteine residues, releasing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus and drive antioxidant response element (ARE) gene transcription. This produces a sustained boost in cellular antioxidant capacity lasting 24-48 hours per dose.,Beyond Nrf2 activation, sulforaphane has demonstrated direct anti-cancer effects (apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines, HDAC inhibition, multiple cancer models showing tumor reduction), anti-inflammatory effects (NF-kB inhibition), neuroprotection (in autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's models), and cardiovascular benefits. The most-studied human supplement form is broccoli sprout extract standardized to glucoraphanin content, with co-administered active myrosinase to ensure conversion to sulforaphane in the gut. Standard doses range from 50-200mg glucoraphanin / 8-30mg sulforaphane equivalent daily.
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.
How it works
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.
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.
What to expect
Days 1-7: Cellular Nrf2 activation begins. No subjective change for most.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
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.
Regulatory status
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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The guide & community
The complete Sulforaphane walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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