Product Information
Each capsule in this 60 capsule bottle contains 30mg of SGS (Sulforaphane Glucosinolate). These are delayed release tablet with the written advice to consume 1 to 2 capsules daily, either 30 minutes before or after a meal. There are also 120 capsule bottles available.
Jarrow broccoli seed extract is manufactured using a patented process that preserves active Myrosinase, the enzyme in broccoli that metabolizes SGS. There’s no wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts or sesame. It’s Vegan, Non-GMO and Gluten Free.
Ingredients
Sulforaphane Glucosinolate, Myrosinase Enzyme, Capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, water), maltodextrin and calcium ascorbate.
Broccoli Seed Extract
Broccoli Seed Extract is rich in Sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. It supports cellular health by promoting detoxification pathways, aiding in the elimination of harmful toxins from the body.
There are a few different types of broccoli extract but this supplement contains Sulforaphane Glucosinolate (SGS) which is a natural compound also found in cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, and cabbage. It’s a precursor to Sulforaphane, which is formed when SGS is broken down, typically through the action of an enzyme called Myrosinase.
The possible benefits are as follows :
- Supports cellular health and DNA repair mechanisms
- May help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Potential benefits for cardiovascular health, including cholesterol regulation
- Supports detoxification pathways, aiding in the elimination of harmful toxins from the body
- May have anticancer properties and support immune function
Sulforaphane can be partially destroyed by cooking, when the vegetable is cut, chewed, or crushed. Myrosinase is used in the conversion of various compounds to Sulforaphane. However, heat can denature Myrosinase, reducing its ability to convert glucoraphanin into Sulforaphane.
The extent to which Sulforaphane is destroyed during cooking depends on various factors such as cooking method, time, and temperature. Boiling or steaming broccoli for a long time can lead to significant Sulforaphane loss, as the enzyme activity is reduced over prolonged exposure to heat. However, lightly steaming or blanching broccoli for a short duration may help preserve more Sulforaphane compared to boiling.
On average, 100g of raw broccoli contains approximately 1-3 mg of Sulforaphane, with light steaming will preserving the majority of it. These tablets at 30mg therefore contain a lot more Sulforaphane than you would get from normally eating broccoli.
The confounding issue is that the bioavailability of Sulforaphane can be relatively low, with only a portion of the ingested amount being absorbed and utilized by the body. Being combined with Myrosinase is helpful for absorption, as is the way the capsule has been designed to protect it from the upper digestive tract, however it’s hard to be precise about exactly how much Sulforaphane is being absorbed.
Interactions with Medications
Sulforaphane may have mild antiplatelet effects, so caution is advised when taking it alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or aspirin, as it could increase the risk of bleeding.
It may affect the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver, which are involved in the metabolism of many drugs. This could potentially alter the effectiveness or side effects of medications that are metabolized by these enzymes, such as certain statins, antidepressants, and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
Some research suggests that Sulforaphane may affect thyroid function, particularly in individuals with thyroid disorders.
Side Effects
As usual the most common side effect is gastrointestinal discomfort. This is generally the main side effect to any supplements as they are mostly food supplements.
My Experience
Broccoli seed extract supplements are quite popular at the moment because of the idea that they give an anti-cancer benefit. There is a lot of competition and Jarrow Formulas is a respected contender in the field. There are many advocates for this supplement and I tried it for 2 months. I personally don’t think any decent results can be seen from 2 months but I had no negatives side effects. Whilst broccoli does give me gas, these tablets are a welcome addition since I still would like to have the nutrients provided. This is a relatively expensive supplement though probably because the extraction process of broccoli seed is expensive. Realistically you would need to take this supplement for at a long period to notice results.
Brocco Max - Jarrow Formulas
Score
8/10
A great source of broccoli extract if you can't eat broccoli for digestive reasons or preference, however it's on the expensive side.
