Broccolinate
Also known as: Broccolinate, Glucoraphanin, Sulforaphane supplement, Broccoli sprout extract, Sulforaphane Glucosinolate
Overview
Broccolinate is a branded supplement ingredient derived from broccoli seeds and sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. italica), primarily containing sulforaphane glucosinolate (glucoraphanin) and the myrosinase enzyme. Glucoraphanin is a precursor to sulforaphane (SFN), which is the bioactive isothiocyanate produced when myrosinase acts upon glucoraphanin. This supplement is designed to enhance the bioavailability of sulforaphane, often delivered in delayed-release capsules to protect the myrosinase enzyme from stomach acid degradation. Broccolinate is primarily used for its potent antioxidant properties, its ability to induce phase 2 detoxification enzymes, reduce inflammation, and support liver and cardiometabolic health. Research on sulforaphane and broccoli sprout extracts is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its safety and efficacy in various health aspects.
Benefits
Broccolinate offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its active compound, sulforaphane. It significantly supports liver health, with a 24-week randomized controlled trial demonstrating that 137.1 μmol/day of glucoraphanin maintained liver health markers without adverse effects in middle-aged adults. The supplement also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects, with RCTs showing significant reductions in inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in healthy overweight individuals and type 2 diabetes patients. These effects are statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 trials indicated improvements in various cardiometabolic parameters. Beyond these primary effects, Broccolinate is known to induce phase 2 detoxification enzymes by activating the NRF2 pathway, thereby enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses. Benefits have been observed across healthy middle-aged adults, overweight individuals, and those with type 2 diabetes, with anti-inflammatory effects appearing as early as 4 weeks and sustained liver health benefits over 24 weeks.
How it works
Broccolinate's primary mechanism of action revolves around the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway by sulforaphane. NRF2 is a transcription factor that, once activated, upregulates the production of phase 2 detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases, and various antioxidant proteins. This process enhances the body's cellular antioxidant capacity and reduces oxidative stress. Additionally, sulforaphane helps suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby mitigating inflammation. The myrosinase enzyme included in Broccolinate is crucial for converting glucoraphanin into bioactive sulforaphane in the small intestine, ensuring optimal absorption and bioavailability. Delayed-release capsules are often used to protect myrosinase from degradation by stomach acid, further enhancing the conversion process.
Side effects
Broccolinate is generally well-tolerated, with clinical trials up to 24 weeks at doses up to 137.1 μmol/day glucoraphanin reporting no serious adverse events. Common side effects, defined as occurring in more than 5% of users, have not been reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials. Similarly, uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have not been noted. No significant drug interactions have been reported, though caution is advised with medications metabolized by phase 2 enzymes, as sulforaphane can induce these enzymes. There are no established contraindications for Broccolinate. However, due to a lack of specific data, caution is recommended for pregnant and lactating women. While studies have included healthy adults and individuals with type 2 diabetes, the safety profile in children and pregnant women has not been definitively established.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Broccolinate, based on its glucoraphanin content, is approximately 54.9 μmol/day. Optimal dosage ranges from 54.9 to 137.1 μmol/day of glucoraphanin, with the higher end of this range (137.1 μmol/day) showing safety and potentially greater efficacy over 24 weeks. Short-term studies (up to 12 weeks) have reported the safety of doses up to 600 μmol/day glucoraphanin, with no observed thyroid effects. Broccolinate is typically taken daily, often with meals, and timing with breakfast is common. For optimal absorption and conversion to sulforaphane, it is recommended to use delayed-release capsules that contain both glucoraphanin and the myrosinase enzyme. This formulation protects myrosinase from stomach acid degradation, which is crucial for the conversion process. No specific cofactors are required, but the presence of myrosinase is essential for the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane.
FAQs
Is Broccolinate safe for long-term use?
Yes, clinical trials have shown Broccolinate to be safe for use up to 24 weeks at studied doses, with no reported adverse effects.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Anti-inflammatory effects can be observed within 4 weeks, while liver health benefits are typically seen over a longer period, such as 24 weeks.
Does it require special storage?
Yes, to maintain the activity of the myrosinase enzyme, Broccolinate should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept tightly closed.
Can it replace eating broccoli?
While Broccolinate provides concentrated sulforaphane precursors, it does not offer the complete nutritional profile and fiber found in whole broccoli.
Research Sources
- https://brieflands.com/articles/jjnpp-129402.html – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 10 trials, investigated the effects of broccoli sprout supplementation on cardiometabolic variables. It found improvements in multiple parameters, suggesting a beneficial role for broccoli sprout extracts in cardiometabolic health, though specific effect sizes were not detailed in the summary.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9813215/ – This 24-week randomized controlled trial involving middle-aged adults demonstrated that a daily dose of 137.1 μmol/day of glucoraphanin was safe and effective in maintaining liver health markers without any reported adverse effects, supporting its long-term use for liver support.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6815645/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, along with included RCTs, showed that broccoli sprout supplements significantly reduced inflammatory markers like IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α in healthy overweight individuals and type 2 diabetes patients, highlighting its anti-inflammatory potential.
- https://numedica.com/formulas/NM194 – This source provides information on the formulation of Broccolinate, emphasizing the importance of delayed-release capsules and the inclusion of myrosinase to ensure optimal conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane and enhance its bioavailability by protecting the enzyme from stomach acid.
