Last verified: 17 days ago
Broccoli Leaf
Also known as: Brassica oleracea var. italica leaf, broccoli leaf extract, BLE, BLCE
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Broccoli leaf extract shows early promise for liver health and metabolism, but human trial data is lacking.
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What it does
Broccoli leaf is the edible leafy part of the broccoli plant, typically discarded as agricultural waste but rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and sulforaphane. Animal and cell studies suggest it...
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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 (insufficient research data)
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Found in
What the Science Says
Broccoli leaf is the edible leafy part of the broccoli plant, typically discarded as agricultural waste but rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and sulforaphane. Animal and cell studies suggest it may reduce fat accumulation in the liver, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and fight oxidative stress and inflammation. Early lab research also points to potential benefits for memory and antiviral activity, though none of these effects have been confirmed in human clinical trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat fatty liver disease in humans. No evidence it burns fat or causes weight loss in people. Don't expect memory or cognitive benefits based on current data — that research was done in mice. Not a proven antiviral treatment.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Broccoli leaf extract reduced liver fat, inflammation, and oxidative stress in high-fat diet mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Broccoli leaf extract lowered LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in obese mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Broccoli leaf extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in lab and animal tests.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
A broccoli leaf extract improved memory and reduced brain oxidative stress in Alzheimer's-model mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data in the provided studies; all absorption and efficacy data comes from cell cultures and animal models
Red Flags to Watch For
- All meaningful efficacy data comes from animal and cell studies — no human clinical trials confirm these benefits
- Sulforaphane content can vary widely between products, making dosing unreliable
- May interact with thyroid function at high doses due to glucosinolate content (not studied in provided papers)
- 1,000+ supplement products registered in NIH DSLD despite very limited human evidence — marketing likely outpaces the science
Products Containing Broccoli Leaf
See how Broccoli Leaf is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Broccoli Leaf do?
Broccoli leaf extract shows early promise for liver health and metabolism, but human trial data is lacking.
What is the effective dose of Broccoli Leaf?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Broccoli Leaf safe?
All meaningful efficacy data comes from animal and cell studies — no human clinical trials confirm these benefits
What doesn't Broccoli Leaf do?
Not proven to treat fatty liver disease 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