Meta Information
ID:sulforaphane
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Cytotoxic Cancer Therapies (Chemotherapy & Radiation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2 pathway, which protects cells from oxidative stress. This protective effect may extend to cancer cells, potentially reducing the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation which rely on inducing oxidative stress to kill cancer cells.
Actionable advice:
Sulforaphane supplements should be avoided during active cancer treatment unless specifically approved by an oncologist.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In the placebo group, one patient with FIGO Stage IB cancer received radiation therapy and the patient with FIGO Stage IVB cancer received chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
Label source:
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The safety of concentrated sulforaphane supplements during pregnancy has not been established. Due to its potent effects on cellular pathways and detoxification enzymes, it is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Sulforaphane supplementation should be avoided during pregnancy.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
However, whether it's safe when taken as a supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown.
Label source:
Anecdotal: Verywell Health
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if sulforaphane or its metabolites pass into breast milk or what their effects on a nursing infant might be. Supplementation is not recommended due to a lack of safety data.
Actionable advice:
Sulforaphane supplementation should be avoided while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
It is not known if sulforaphane passes into breast milk.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
In vitro studies suggest that isothiocyanates like sulforaphane may have mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Actionable advice:
It is important to talk to a doctor before use while taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Some botanicals may cause bleeding events when taken alone (e.g., garlic and Ginkgo biloba) and may have anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and/or fibrinolytic properties.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Previous studies considered sulforaphane as a goitrogen, meaning it can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland. However, most recent studies cast doubt on this idea, instead they have demostrated that daily consumption of sulforaphane-rich foods and beverages did not change serum level of thyroid hormones.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution and with adequate iodine intake; it is a good idea to monitor thyroid function in those with a thyroid condition.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
The vast majority of the results cast doubt on previous assumptions claiming that brassica plants have antithyroid effects in humans. Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function.
Label source:
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Clinical studies show sulforaphane can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. This can potentiate the effects of diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose levels are best monitored closely when starting sulforaphane if on diabetes medication.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.
Label source:
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/phase-ii-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by Phase II Enzymes
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Sulforaphane is a potent inducer of Phase II detoxification enzymes (e.g., UGTs, GSTs). This can significantly accelerate the metabolism and clearance of certain drugs, potentially reducing their therapeutic effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
It is a good idea to consult a pharmacist or doctor to review medications for potential interactions involving accelerated Phase II metabolism.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/iodine
Target name:
Iodine
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Ensuring adequate iodine intake can help mitigate the potential goitrogenic (thyroid-interfering) effects of sulforaphane.
Actionable advice:
It is a good idea to maintain adequate dietary or supplemental iodine intake when taking sulforaphane long-term.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function.
Label source:
PubMed PMID 38612798
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/dietary/cruciferous-vegetables
Target name:
Myrosinase-Rich Foods (e.g., Mustard Seed)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
This applies only to supplements containing glucoraphanin (a precursor). The enzyme myrosinase is required to convert it into active sulforaphane, but this enzyme is often not present or active in such supplements.
Actionable advice:
If your supplement is glucoraphanin-only, consume it with a myrosinase source like mustard seed powder for activation.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Broccoli supplements often contain glucoraphanin but lack myrosinase, putting in question their ability to provide dietary SF.
Label source:
PubMed: Nutrition and cancer (2011)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The ability of broccoli powders sold as supplements to provide dietary SF is often of concern as many supplements contain GRP, but lack myrosinase.
Label source:
PubMed: The British journal of nutrition (2012)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
when either broccoli sprouts or seeds are administered directly to subjects without prior extraction and consequent inactivation of endogenous myrosinase, regardless of the delivery matrix or dose, the sulforaphane in those preparations is 3- to 4-fold more bioavailable than sulforaphane from glucoraphanin delivered without active plant myrosinase.
Label source:
PubMed: PloS one (2015)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/cyp1a2-substrates
Target name:
CYP1A2 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Sulforaphane may inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme, potentially slowing the metabolism and increasing levels of drugs processed by this pathway, such as caffeine, theophylline, and some antidepressants.
Actionable advice:
Increased effects of CYP1A2-metabolized drugs may occur; doses are best separated if possible.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
OPZ was a more potent inhibitor than D3T or SF, in the following order of inhibition: P450 1A2 > 3A4 > 1A1 approximately 1B1 > 2E1.
Label source:
PubMed: Chemical research in toxicology (2000)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The high dose SF resulted in a significant reduction of activity and apoproteins level of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 and activities of CYP2B1/2 and mEH.
Label source:
PubMed: Phytotherapy research : PTR (2015)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Transcriptional repression of genes involved in AFB bioactivation (CYP3A4 and CYP1A2), but not transcriptional activation of GSTs, may be responsible for the protective effects of SFN. Although GSTM1 expression was not induced by SFN, the presence of a functional GSTM1 allele can afford substantial protection against AFB-DNA damage in human liver. The downregulation of CYP3A4 by SFN may have important implications for drug interactions.
Label source:
PubMed: Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology (2010)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/class/cyp2e1-substrates
Target name:
CYP2E1 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Sulforaphane can inhibit the CYP2E1 enzyme, which is involved in metabolizing substances like acetaminophen (paracetamol) and alcohol. This could alter their effects or toxicity profile.
Actionable advice:
Caution may help when combining with substances metabolized by CYP2E1, such as acetaminophen.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Using the p-nitrophenol hydroxylation assay in microsomes from livers of acetone-treated Sprague-Dawley rats, sulforaphane was shown to be a potent competitive inhibitor of CYP2E1 with a Ki of 37.0 +/- 4.5 microM.
Label source:
PubMed: Carcinogenesis (1996)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
A number of phytochemicals can also potently inhibit CYP2E1 - most notably certain isothiocyanates found in crucifera, such as sulforaphane and phenethylisothiocyanate.
Label source:
PubMed: Medical hypotheses (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Sulforaphane treatment had no effect on levels of or activity of CYP2E1.
Label source:
PubMed: Biochimica et biophysica acta (2014)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Some evidence suggests sulforaphane may have mild blood pressure-lowering effects. This could be additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially increasing the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
It is a good idea to check blood pressure if combining sulforaphane with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Sulforaphane administration to SHRSP improved blood pressure and lowered this difference to 11%.
Label source:
PubMed: American journal of hypertension (2012)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Consistent with these data, we have found that treatment with SF resisted the progressive rise in MAP in the developing SHR in a dose-dependent manner.
Label source:
PubMed: ISRN pharmacology (2014)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Fat
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
As a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, sulforaphane's absorption from the gut may be enhanced when consumed with a source of dietary fat.
Actionable advice:
It is generally best taken with a meal that includes healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, or nuts to potentially improve absorption.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
By virtue of its lipophilic nature and low molecular weight, sulforaphane displays significantly higher bioavailability than the polyphenol-based dietary supplements that also activate Nrf2.
Label source:
PubMed: Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2016)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
SFN, mainly metabolized via mercapturic acid pathway, has high bioavailability and absorption.
Label source:
PubMed: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2022)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Higher amounts of sulforaphane were found in the blood and urine when broccoli was eaten raw (bioavailability of 37%) versus cooked (3.4%, p ) 0.002).
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (2008)
Action type:
informational_none