Key findings from detailed records
In the subgroup of 17 obese participants with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose and HbA1c improved versus placebo. Across the broader poorly controlled group, fasting glucose improved but HbA1c did not differ significantly. These subgroup results should be interpreted with the analysis limitations.
KNOWLEDGE RECORD
- Category
- Metabolism and cellular function
- Last Reviewed
Names and related search termsSulforaphane / Sulforaphane / Broccoli sprouts
Study type: human intervention study.
OUTCOME-SPECIFIC EVIDENCE
Scientific Evidence Profile
Assessment pending
An outcome-specific assessment has not yet been completed. This is not a finding that the ingredient is ineffective. The study records below remain available.
This profile concerns the stated outcome and population, not the ingredient as a whole. It is not a probability of benefit, a safety rating, a product efficacy rating or an indication of product adoption.
How we assess evidenceIngredient Profile
- What is it?
- Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate containing a sulfoxide group. Its chemical identity is distinct from a whole broccoli extract. [1]
Sources for this profile
Compound properties and formulation properties are different. These sources do not establish the efficacy of a finished supplement.
- PubChem — Sulforaphane (CID 5350) Chemical identity reference. Maintained by NCBI, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Database record; not a clinical trial.
Profile sources checked:
Read the evidence in context
- Evidence: what was measured in the stated population or experimental model.
- Inference: an interpretation connecting findings; its applicability depends on the study conditions.
- Hypothesis: a proposed explanation or effect that remains to be tested.
Why It Matters #
How should cell and animal mechanisms be distinguished from human blood glucose findings? Check the detailed records for study conditions and use the literature map to compare other populations and outcomes.
What Was Studied #
Human findings reported for obese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes Research combining preclinical experiments and a human intervention in type 2 diabetes. Outcomes: Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. Prespecified primary/secondary classification in the human trial was not verified.[1]
What Was Found #
In the subgroup of 17 obese participants with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose and HbA1c improved versus placebo. Across the broader poorly controlled group, fasting glucose improved but HbA1c did not differ significantly. These subgroup results should be interpreted with the analysis limitations.[1]
What the Evidence Means #
The clearest glycemic findings came from a small subgroup, so the result should not be generalized to all patients. Cell and animal findings explain possible mechanisms, not additional human clinical outcomes.[1]
Comparing similar populations, formulations, durations and outcomes helps identify where findings agree and where they differ.
What We Can Learn #
Extracts, precursors and bioavailability are not interchangeable. This record alone cannot determine a dose or general recommendation.
What Remains Unknown #
Further questions include reproducibility across populations and formulations, and the long-term balance of benefits and harms. Use the literature map as a starting point for these questions.
LITERATURE MAP / 10 PAPERS
Compare papers by conditions and findings.
A literature map covering different populations, outcomes and formulations. Read alongside detailed records to avoid treating one trial as the conclusion for an entire ingredient.
Selected: 2026-09-21. Bibliographic information checked against Europe PMC / PubMed. Editorial selection considered major papers and a range of populations and questions. This is not a systematic search covering all recent research.
10 RECORDS
A dash marks fields outside the bibliographic record. Use detailed records to compare findings and design records to connect mechanisms.
No papers match. Change the search conditions.
The literature map is an index of research questions and references. Individual assessment of results, doses, funding and COI is limited to the detailed study records. Related reports from the same trial may be included; paper counts are not counts of independent trials.
Explore the research Study Records
Listed doses describe study conditions, not recommended intake.
Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
PubMed 28615356DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477
- Authors
- Axelsson AS, Tubbs E, Mecham B, Chacko S, Nenonen HA, Tang Y, Fahey JW, Derry JMJ, Wollheim CB, Wierup N, Haymond MW, Friend SH, Mulder H, Rosengren AH.
- Journal
- Science translational medicine
- Publication year
- 2017
- Study design
- Research combining preclinical experiments and a human intervention in type 2 diabetes
- Participants
- 103 patients with type 2 diabetes recruited; 97 completed (47 extract, 50 placebo). Most used metformin.
- Dose and intervention
- Broccoli sprout extract providing 150 µmol sulforaphane equivalents, 1 dose daily versus placebo.
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Outcomes and their role in the study
- Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. Prespecified primary/secondary classification in the human trial was not verified.
- Findings
- In the subgroup of 17 obese participants with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose and HbA1c improved versus placebo. Across the broader poorly controlled group, fasting glucose improved but HbA1c did not differ significantly. These subgroup results should be interpreted with the analysis limitations.
- Limitations
- The clearest glycemic findings came from a small subgroup, so the result should not be generalized to all patients. Cell and animal findings explain possible mechanisms, not additional human clinical outcomes.
- Funding
- University-led study with foundation and regional support, including Lantmännen Research Foundation; Lantmännen supplied extract and placebo.
- Conflict of Interest
- Axelsson and Rosengren disclosed relevant patents licensed to Lantmännen. The paper states that the company did not influence procedures, analysis or interpretation.
- Scope of source review
- Main paper methods, results and disclosures checked on 2026-10-24; supplementary analyses and registry outcome hierarchy remain unverified.
Cite this page
LÍFSVARÐA. Sulforaphane: How should cell and animal mechanisms be distinguished from human blood glucose findings? Version 1.1 / Updated 2026-10-24
https://lifsvarda.com/knowledge/sulforaphane/Edited by LÍFSVARÐA (product brand).Editorial policy
Sources and updates
- Axelsson AS, Tubbs E, Mecham B, Chacko S, Nenonen HA, Tang Y, Fahey JW, Derry JMJ, Wollheim CB, Wierup N, Haymond MW, Friend SH, Mulder H, Rosengren AH. (2017). Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.Main paper methods, results and disclosures checked on 2026-10-24; supplementary analyses and registry outcome hierarchy remain unverified.
First published: 2026-09-21 / Version 1.1. Updated 2026-09-23: Added a research comparison table and links to design records. Source notes identify the scope of verification when the full paper has not been reviewed. Research summaries and LÍFSVARÐA’s interpretation are distinguished.