Last verified: 17 days ago
Broccoli Extract
Also known as: Brassica oleracea var. italica, sulforaphane extract, glucosinolate extract, myrosinase-activated broccoli extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Broccoli-derived extract rich in sulforaphane. Early research suggests antioxidant and blood pressure benefits.
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What it does
Broccoli extract is a concentrated form of compounds found in broccoli, most notably sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Early clinical research...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
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 with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Early clinical research suggests it may modestly lower diastolic blood pressure and reduce markers of vascular stress in women with pregnancy hypertension. Lab and animal studies also point to potential anti-cancer, detoxifying, and organ-protective effects, though these have not been confirmed in large human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans. No solid evidence it detoxifies your body in any meaningful way. Animal study results don't automatically translate to humans. Not a substitute for blood pressure medication. No proven benefit for general healthy adults based on the available studies.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Activated broccoli extract modestly lowered diastolic blood pressure in women with pregnancy hypertension.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Broccoli extract reduced oxidative stress markers and boosted antioxidant enzymes in animal toxicity models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300 mg/kg in animal studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Myrosinase-activated broccoli extract suppressed blood vessel formation in lab cell studies, relevant to cancer research.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — activated (myrosinase-treated) formulations absorb significantly better than non-activated extracts. Women with preeclampsia showed lower absorption than healthy women, suggesting health status affects bioavailability.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most evidence comes from animal studies or very small human trials (6–12 participants); do not over-interpret results
- Activated vs. non-activated formulations differ significantly in bioavailability — many products don't specify which type they use
- Pregnant women should not self-medicate with broccoli extract for blood pressure without medical supervision
- Sulforaphane content can degrade rapidly depending on pH, oxygen exposure, and storage conditions — product quality varies widely
Products Containing Broccoli Extract
See how Broccoli Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Broccoli Extract do?
Broccoli-derived extract rich in sulforaphane. Early research suggests antioxidant and blood pressure benefits.
What is the effective dose of Broccoli Extract?
No established dose from provided studies
Is Broccoli Extract safe?
Most evidence comes from animal studies or very small human trials (6–12 participants); do not over-interpret results
What doesn't Broccoli Extract do?
Not proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans.
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: 2026-05-25