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, often discarded as agricultural waste but rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, sulforaphane, and other bioactive compounds. Lab and animal...
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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
Live it Up Super Greens, Greens by Inspired Nutraceuticals, Transformation Super Greens (SPR BODY) and 1 more
What the Science Says
Broccoli leaf is the edible leafy part of the broccoli plant, often discarded as agricultural waste but rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, sulforaphane, and other bioactive compounds. Lab and animal studies suggest it may help reduce liver fat accumulation, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, fight oxidative stress, and support memory function. Research is still in early stages — most findings come from cell cultures and mouse models, with no robust human clinical trials yet available.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat fatty liver disease in humans. No solid evidence it boosts memory or prevents Alzheimer's in people. Don't expect meaningful weight loss from it alone. The anti-flu claims are based on lab studies, not human trials.
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):
A broccoli leaf extract fraction improved memory and reduced brain oxidative stress in amyloid-treated mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Broccoli leaf extract demonstrated antioxidant activity by restoring SOD, GSH, and MDA markers in cell and animal models.
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; key compounds like sulforaphane are generally considered bioavailable from broccoli-family plants, but leaf-specific data is absent
Red Flags to Watch For
- Nearly all evidence comes from animal and cell studies — no human clinical trials with dosing data were found
- Over 1,000 supplement products contain this ingredient despite very limited human evidence
- Sulforaphane content can vary widely between products, making dosing unreliable
- Marketing claims about liver detox or cognitive enhancement far outpace the actual 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?
Nearly all evidence comes from animal and cell studies — no human clinical trials with dosing data were found
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: 2026-07-05