A comparison of the bioavailability of sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts and a semi‐purified broccoli powder rich in glucoraphanin in healthy human males

Abstract

Glucoraphanin (GP) from broccoli exhibits properties of cancer prevention only after hydrolysis to sulforaphane (SF) by the plant enzyme myrosinase. Four healthy males were each fed four meals containing different broccoli preparations: broccoli sprouts, a novel semi‐purified broccoli powder lacking myrosinase (GP‐powder), broccoli sprouts combined with GP‐powder (mix), and a control meal. During the following 24 h, SF recovery in urine was 80%, 50%, and 22% of the GP ingested from sprout, mix and GP‐powder meals, respectively. Recovery of SF was delayed significantly from GP‐powder (only 1/5 of total during the first 6 h), compared to the sprouts and mix meals (2/5 of total during the first 6 h). Preliminary plasma analysis of SF metabolites revealed a similar delayed appearance from the novel GP‐powder. Liver analysis showed no indication of toxicity of any treatment at 24 hours. Whereas these data indicate a higher effectiveness of broccoli sprouts, they also suggest a delayed or prolonged effect from consumption of the novel GP‐powder from broccoli. Supported by Caudill Seed Inc., Louisville, KY.