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Also known as: SFN, Broccoli Sprout Extract, Glucoraphanin
The most potent natural Nrf2 activator — unlocking the body's entire antioxidant defense system while providing detoxification support and epigenetic modulation for longevity.
Sulforaphane earns a place in both the nootropics and longevity categories because its Nrf2 activation affects virtually every organ system. From a longevity perspective, it activates the most powerful endogenous defense pathway we have — far exceeding what any exogenous antioxidant can achieve.
Sulforaphane is a natural HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitor. Aberrant HDAC activity silences tumor suppressor genes and longevity-associated genes during aging. By inhibiting HDACs, sulforaphane can reactivate these silenced genes — a form of epigenetic rejuvenation.
Egner et al. (2014) in Cancer Prevention Research: 291 participants in Qidong, China drinking broccoli sprout beverage for 12 weeks showed 61% increased excretion of benzene and 23% increased acrolein excretion — demonstrating real-world detoxification enhancement.
| Source | Sulforaphane Content | Notes | |---|---|---| | Broccoli sprouts (fresh) | 10-100x mature broccoli | Grow at home for pennies | | Moringa + mustard seed | Variable | Mustard provides myrosinase | | Avmacol supplement | Standardized glucoraphanin + myrosinase | Most studied supplement form | | Generic supplements | Varies widely | Many lack myrosinase — check labels |
Sulforaphane modifies Keap1 cysteine residues, releasing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus and activate ARE-driven transcription of 200+ genes. It inhibits HDAC classes I and II for epigenetic gene reactivation. It inhibits NF-κB for anti-inflammatory effects. Phase I CYP enzyme inhibition blocks carcinogen activation while Phase II enzyme induction accelerates carcinogen excretion.
Typical Dose
10-40mg
Frequency
Daily
Cycle Length
Ongoing
Half-Life
~2-3 hours (gene effects last 24-72h)
Johns Hopkins research. Clinical trials for cancer prevention, air pollution detoxification, autism. Strongest food-derived chemopreventive evidence base.
Extremely safe — derived from broccoli. GI discomfort at very high doses. Theoretical thyroid concern with extreme cruciferous intake (unlikely at supplement doses). Safe for long-term daily use across all ages.
An mTOR inhibitor and FDA-approved immunosuppressant being investigated as the most promising pharmacological intervention for extending lifespan.
A direct NAD+ precursor that restores declining cellular energy metabolism and activates sirtuins for anti-aging effects.
The world's most prescribed diabetes drug, now being studied as a potential anti-aging intervention in the landmark TAME clinical trial.