Broccoli Protects the Aging Brain

Everyone knows that broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are good for you.

One reason is a cruciferous nutrient called sulforaphane that has been shown to have potent anti-cancer activity.^1,2

Researchers are now finding preclinical evidence indicating sulforaphane offers protection for our aging brain as well.^3-7

In animal models it defends against various forms of degenerative brain damage, from strokes to Alzheimer’s.^8-12

In two studies of healthy older humans, it has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function.^13,14

Sulforaphane Defends Cells

Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables give off a pungent odor when they are cooking. That’s because sulfur-containing compounds are being released, called glucosinolates, such as glucoraphanin.¹⁵

Glucoraphanin is a precursor to sulforaphane.

When we eat cruciferous vegetables, the precursor mixes with an enzyme in the plants called myrosinase, producing sulforaphane.¹⁶

Sulforaphane is recognized as an anti-inflammatory compound linked to a wide range of health benefits.³

Sulforaphane works by activating Nrf2, a protein that is involved in cellular detoxification and that switches on protective genes, enabling cells to defend against stress and harmful toxins.^17,18

Preclinical and some clinical evidence has shown some of the other ways sulforaphane protects cells and tissues, including:

• Improving mitochondrial health. Studies show that it helps restore mitochondrial function in aging tissues, increases ATP output, and protects against oxidative damage. These benefits are linked to better muscle and heart performance, as well as some protection against age-related cognitive decline in animal models.^12,19-21
• Reducing inflammation. Sulforaphane inhibits the activity of NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B), the master regulator of harmful chronic inflammation that drives age-related diseases, as well as cancer.^22,23
• Improving insulin sensitivity. Human and animal studies show that sulforaphane improves cellular metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar levels, suggesting its potential as an anti-diabetic nutrient that may help mitigate the effects of high blood sugar.^24-28
• Protecting against glycation. In diabetics and healthy adults, glucose can attach to other molecules in the body. This process, called glycation, contributes to accelerated aging and risk for disease. Sulforaphane reduces damage from glycation, including in brain cells.^29-31

Protecting the Brain

All these actions have direct benefits for the brain.

Oxidative stress,³² neuroinflammation,³² mitochondrial dysfunction,³³ and glycation³² all contribute to neurodegenerative disease and risk for cognitive impairment.

Metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance in the brain are so closely connected to the development of dementia that some researchers refer to Alzheimer’s as type III diabetes.³⁴

In preclinical models, sulforaphane has been shown to help mitigate these risks.

Cell and animal models indicate that sulforaphane provides protection against brain injury and loss of cognitive function.

For example, in rodent models of neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, sulforaphane reduces signs of pathology in the brain and improves cognitive function.^4,9,35,36

Researchers have also found that in preclinical models, sulforaphane has been shown to defend against acute and chronic ischemic brain damage (impaired blood flow to the brain), including strokes.^10,11,37-39

In models of acute stroke, and chronic vascular impairment in the brain, sulforaphane intake reduces damage done to the brain while protecting against cognitive impairment that normally results from these injuries.

In a piglet model of ischemic injury, for example, giving the animals sulforaphane resulted in an almost doubling of neuron viability in affected brain regions.³⁹

In models of traumatic brain injury and surgical anesthesia, sulforaphane protects against cognitive dysfunction.^8,40

Human Studies

Human studies provide evidence of sulforaphane’s effects on the brain and mental function.

In one trial, healthy, older adults took sulforaphane or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. While the placebo had no effect, taking sulforaphane led to significant improvements on tests of cognitive function, including overall processing speed and memory.¹³

In another trial of healthy, older adults, sulforaphane intake led to improvement in cognitive function and a decrease in negative mood.¹⁴

In two clinical studies in patients being treated for the serious psychotic disorder schizophrenia, the addition of sulforaphane resulted in some symptomatic improvement, and in one study improved inflammatory status as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP) and antioxidant status as measured by superoxide dismutase.^41,42

In a six-week clinical trial of patients with a recent history of heart procedures experiencing mild to moderate depression, sulforaphane significantly reduced depressive symptoms, producing a greater drop in depression evaluation scores and higher clinical response rates (30% vs. 6.7%) than placebo.

These results suggest potential benefit and safety in this specific population (heart surgery patients who suffer post-surgery depression) and warrant larger similar studies.⁴³

There are currently several ongoing clinical trials of sulforaphane in the U.S. for conditions including Alzheimer’s,⁴⁴ Parkinson’s,⁴⁵ brain injury,⁴⁶ and more. But the compound’s neuroprotective benefits are already promising.

Summary

Sulforaphane is a potent cellular defender derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.

It has shown beneficial activities in the brain, including in animal models of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

In human studies, sulforaphane intake improved cognitive performance in healthy adults. Clinical trials for various neurological and psychological conditions are currently in progress.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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