Broccoli: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Brassica oleracea var italica
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Glucosinolates
Sulforaphane
Calcium
Vitamin K
Sulfur
Chlorophyll
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Liver disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted on 55 men with one or more mild abnormalities in liver function markers showed that taking 30 mg of glucoraphanin (a precursor of sulforaphane) for 2 months improved these markers. It significantly reduced serum levels of liver function markers such as alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. The effect was associated with a reduction in urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative stress.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: sprouts, aerial parts
30 mg
2 months
standardized extract
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
Indole-3-carbinol induces cytochrome P450s 2B1, 2B2, 3A1 and 3A2, as well as phase II enzymes (conjugation enzymes with antioxidant effects involved in detoxification mechanisms), notably glutathione S-transferase (GST), quinone reductase and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase. The induction of phase II enzymes appears to have a detoxifying effect by increasing water solubility and the excretion of carcinogenic toxins.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: sprouts, aerial parts
300 - 10000 mg
standardized extract, dry extract, juice
The Nrf2-antioxidant Response Element Pathway: A Target for Regulating Energy Metabolism
Nrf2 Activation by Sulforaphane Restores the Age-Related Decrease of T(H)1 Immunity: Role of Dendritic Cells
Phase 1 Study of Multiple Biomarkers for Metabolism and Oxidative Stress After One-Week Intake of Broccoli Sprouts
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that consuming 160 grams of a broccoli- and cabbage-based beverage for 12 weeks can modestly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Another study shows that consuming broccoli sprouts or shoots can affect IL-6 and C-reactive protein levels in overweight subjects, thereby attenuating chronic inflammation. Overweight is frequently associated with other conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular events, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes.
Posologie
Orally: sprouts, aerial parts
160 g
12 weeks
dry extract, juice
Clinical and Molecular Evidence of the Consumption of Broccoli, Glucoraphanin and Sulforaphane in Humans
[LDL-cholesterol-lowering Effect of a Mixed Green Vegetable and Fruit Beverage Containing Broccoli and Cabbage in Hypercholesterolemic Subjects]
Glycemic and Insulinemic Response to Mashed Potato Alone, or With Broccoli, Broccoli Fiber or Cellulose in Healthy Adults
Prostate cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Some epidemiological research has shown that consumption of Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage, is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. However, other epidemiological studies have found no association. Clinical research shows that taking a whole-food preparation containing 100 mg broccoli powder, 100 mg turmeric powder, 100 mg whole pomegranate fruit powder and 20 mg green tea extract three times daily for 6 months prevents an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men with prostate cancer. Mean PSA levels increased by 78.5% in the placebo group and by 14.7% in the group that consumed the whole-food preparation. However, it is not yet known whether the synergy reduces the risk of progression or recurrence of prostate cancer, and no conclusion can be drawn about the effectiveness of broccoli alone.
Posologie
Oral: sprouts, aerial parts
300 - 10000 mg
6 - months
dry extract, juice
Synergies
A Prospective Study of Cruciferous Vegetables and Prostate Cancer
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial Evaluating the Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Whole Food Supplement on PSA Progression in Men With Prostate Cancer--The U.K. NCRN Pomi-T Study
Brassica Vegetables and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Review of the Epidemiological Evidence
Breast cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that broccoli consumption is associated with a slight reduction in breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. However, broccoli consumption does not appear to be associated with a decreased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
Posologie
Oral: sprouts, aerial parts
300 - 10000 mg
juice
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has found that daily consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage is associated with a 30% reduction in bladder cancer risk in men and women. Other epidemiological studies have shown that broccoli consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Posologie
Oral: sprouts, aerial parts
300 - 10000 mg
juice
Clinical and Molecular Evidence of the Consumption of Broccoli, Glucoraphanin and Sulforaphane in Humans
Cruciferous Vegetables Intake and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Cruciferous Vegetables and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Breast Cancer Risk in Premenopausal Women Is Inversely Associated With Consumption of Broccoli, a Source of Isothiocyanates, but Is Not Modified by GST Genotype
Cruciferous Vegetables, Mushrooms, and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risks in a Multicenter, Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Japan
Broccoli Sprouts: An Exceptionally Rich Source of Inducers of Enzymes That Protect Against Chemical Carcinogens
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a capsule containing 100 mg of ascorbigen (glucosinolates) and 400 mg of broccoli powder once daily for one month improves pain and reduces physical disability in patients with fibromyalgia.
Posologie
Oral: sprouts, aerial parts
400 mg
1 - month
dry extract
Colorectal cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that the highest broccoli intakes are associated with an 18 to 20% reduction in the risk of developing colorectal cancers compared with the lowest intakes.
Posologie
Oral: sprouts, aerial parts
300 - 10000 mg
juice
Cruciferous Vegetables and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Cruciferous Vegetables, Mushrooms, and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risks in a Multicenter, Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Japan
Helicobacter pylori infection ✪✪✪✪✪
The role of Helicobacter pylori in the development of stomach cancer and gastric ulcers is well established. Research in mice shows that sulforaphane can eradicate H. pylori. In humans, a randomized controlled trial of 48 patients demonstrated the role of broccoli sprouts, as a source of glucoraphanin, in protecting against the sequelae caused by H. pylori infection. The group that received broccoli sprouts was given 70 g of sprouts per day, containing 6 µmol of glucoraphanin/g, for eight weeks.
Posologie
Oral: sprouts, aerial parts
70 g
8 weeks
standardized extract
Properties
Anticancer
Epidemiological research suggests that broccoli consumption reduces the risk of various types of cancer. In vitro, broccoli extract inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells. Broccoli's anticancer effects are likely related to two main groups of constituents, indoles and isothiocyanates, formed during the digestion of broccoli. Isothiocyanates appear to induce the cytochrome P450 system and induce phase II enzymes (conjugation enzymes with antioxidant effects that are involved in detoxification mechanisms), which may explain their role in cancer prevention. Indole-3-carbinol may be particularly useful against hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
There is evidence that indole-3-carbinol may have protective effects, including antioxidant properties, and may also trigger apoptosis of cancer cells and cell cycle arrest. Sulforaphane appears to induce the enzyme thioredoxin reductase, which has antioxidant properties. In addition, the combination of sulforaphane and selenium (another component of broccoli) may synergistically protect cells against oxidative damage and further induce thioredoxin reductase.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Indole-3-carbinol appears to have antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus. On the other hand, sulforaphane shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane, a component of broccoli, have been attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules and cytokines such as NFκB, prostaglandin E2, and nitric oxide. Sulforaphane also appears to reduce upper airway inflammation, apparently by decreasing cellular oxidative stress, inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, and reducing tissue inflammation.
Cardiovascular
Glucoraphanin and sulforaphane provide cardiovascular protection through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, resulting in reduced oxidative stress, improved lipid profiles, and decreased blood pressure. Indeed, a clinical trial conducted in smokers showed a decrease in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels and a reduction in all markers of oxidative stress after consuming broccoli sprouts (100 g) for one week.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
By improving glycemic response, broccoli could be beneficial for patients with diabetes. Adding broccoli to carbohydrate-rich meals attenuates the glycemic response and improves glucose homeostasis. Clinical studies conducted in healthy subjects show that consuming two servings of broccoli with mashed potatoes reduces the glycemic peak, but not the insulin peak, compared with consuming broccoli alone.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 0.3 g - 30 g
Doses up to 30 g per day of broccoli sprouts have been used in studies. Standardized extracts in glucosinolates (150 mg) or glucoraphanin (30 mg-50 mg) were consumed safely for 10 weeks.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cytochrome P450 substrate: moderate interaction
In vivo research results suggest that broccoli consumption induces cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and 2A6 (CYP2A6) activity. Theoretically, broccoli could increase the metabolism and reduce the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP2A6. Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 include clozapine, cyclobenzaprine, fluvoxamine, haloperidol, imipramine, mexiletine, olanzapine, pentazocine, propranolol... Drugs metabolized by CYP2A6 include nicotine, chlormethiazole, coumarin, methoxyflurane, halothane, valproic acid, disulfiram, and others...
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: weak interaction
Broccoli contains a high amount of vitamin K, which is necessary, among other things, for blood clotting. People taking anticoagulant medications (Coumadin®, Warfilone® and Sintrom®) should adopt a diet whose vitamin K content is relatively stable from day to day. Broccoli is part of a list of foods (asparagus, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, watercress, spinach, etc.) that should be consumed in moderation. It is strongly recommended that people on anticoagulants consult a dietitian-nutritionist or a physician to learn the dietary sources of vitamin K and to ensure as stable a daily intake as possible.
Precautions
Pregnancy: use with caution
There is not enough reliable information on the safety of broccoli when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy; avoid its use.
Breastfeeding: use with caution
There is not enough reliable information on the safety of broccoli when used in medicinal amounts during breastfeeding; avoid its use.
