Broccoli Extract
Also known as: Brassica oleracea var. italica, sulforaphane extract, glucosinolate extract, myrosinase-activated broccoli extract
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Broccoli extract is a concentrated form of compounds found in broccoli, most notably sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Small human studies suggest it may modestly lower diastolic blood pressure and reduce a marker of vascular stress (sFlt-1) in women with pregnancy hypertension. Animal and lab studies also point to potential protection against oxidative damage, heavy metal toxicity, and environmental carcinogens, though these findings have not been confirmed in human clinical trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans — lab and animal results don't automatically translate. Won't detox your body in any meaningful clinical sense. No solid evidence it boosts immunity, aids weight loss, or improves athletic performance. The blood pressure findings come from a tiny study in a very specific population — don't assume it works for everyone.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Broccoli extract, primarily through its active compound sulforaphane (an isothiocyanate), has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and modest blood pressure-lowering effects in limited human and animal studies. In a small clinical trial of women with pregnancy hypertension, activated broccoli extract was associated with modest reductions in diastolic blood pressure and circulating sFlt-1 levels (PMID: 33409874). In rodent models, broccoli extract mitigated oxidative stress and tissue damage from toxins such as paraquat and cadmium, and showed chemoprotective effects against carcinogen-induced DNA damage (PMID: 38800031, 37821783, 37821474). In vitro, a myrosinase-activated broccoli extract suppressed angiogenesis by inhibiting the VEGF-VEGFR2 axis in endothelial cells (PMID: 41900141).
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies; animal studies used 100–300 mg/kg; human clinical data limited
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — but highly formulation-dependent. Myrosinase-activated (pre-converted) extracts deliver significantly more sulforaphane than non-activated forms. Women with preeclampsia absorbed less than healthy non-pregnant women, suggesting absorption varies by health status. Most isothiocyanates distribute into the aqueous phase and are detectable in blood.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most human evidence comes from very small trials (6–12 participants) — results may not generalize
- Activated vs. non-activated formulations differ dramatically in bioavailability; product labels rarely clarify which type is used
- Pregnant women should not self-supplement without medical supervision — the one human blood pressure study was conducted under clinical monitoring
- Animal studies used intraperitoneal injection, not oral supplements — results may not reflect what a capsule does in humans
- Over 1,000 registered supplement products exist, but clinical evidence for most marketed claims is essentially absent
Products Containing Broccoli Extract
See how Broccoli Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06