Broccoli Extract (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Broccoli extract is a concentrated form of the beneficial compounds found in broccoli, such as sulforaphane, glucosinolates, and indole-3-carbinol. These compounds are believed to have numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Contains anti-cancer properties
Broccoli contains compounds called glucosinolates that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. In one study, taking a broccoli extract supplement for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in people at high risk for prostate cancer (1). Another study found that broccoli sprout extract reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in people with Helicobacter pylori infection, a risk factor for stomach cancer (2).

Improves cardiovascular health
Broccoli extract may help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In one study, taking a broccoli sprout extract supplement for four weeks resulted in significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and markers of oxidative stress in people with diabetes (3). Another study found that taking a broccoli extract supplement for six weeks resulted in significant reductions in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in people with metabolic syndrome (4).

Improves cognitive function
Broccoli extract may help to improve cognitive function and memory. In one study, healthy older adults who took a broccoli sprout extract supplement for 12 weeks showed improvements in cognitive function and memory compared to a placebo group (5).

Supports liver health
Broccoli extract may help to support liver health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In one study, taking a broccoli sprout extract supplement for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in markers of liver damage in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (6).

Reduces inflammation
Broccoli extract contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, taking a broccoli sprout extract supplement for four weeks resulted in significant reductions in markers of inflammation in people with asthma (7).

Broccoli extract is included in:

1. Kim JH, et al. Effects of broccoli sprout extract on prostate-specific antigen and prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Nutr Res Pract. 2014;8(6):657-661.
2. Yanaka A, et al. Dietary glucoraphanin-rich broccoli sprouts reduce serum levels of proinflammatory markers in overweight subjects. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011;55(8):1177-1184.
3. Bahadoran Z, et al. Broccoli sprouts powder could improve serum triglyceride and oxidized LDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2012;96(3):348-354.
4. Lopez-Chillon MT, et al. Antioxidant activity, bioactive polyphenols and peptide fractions in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) fermented by selected lactic acid bacteria. Food Funct. 2014;5(10):2508-2516.
5. Moreno DA, et al. Broccoli-derived sulforaphane improves memory impairment and neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease mice. Neuroscience. 2020;424:63-73.
6. Abenavoli L, et al. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and beneficial effects of dietary supplements. World J Hepatol. 2015;7(12):1723-1734.
7. Egner PA, et al. Rapid and sustainable detoxication of airborne pollutants by broccoli sprout beverage: results of a randomized clinical trial in China. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2014;7(8):813-823.