Below find directions for preparing Broccoli Seed Tea which contains the bioactive compound sulforaphane. This process involves a crucial two-step reaction using both broccoli seeds and ground white mustard seeds as a myrosinase enzyme source.
Ingredients:
- Dry, high-quality broccoli seeds: 1 tablespoon (or about 15g to 35g, depending on the desired strength)
- Ground white mustard seeds (sinapis alba): 1/8 to 1 teaspoon
- Water: Approximately 1 cup (or 100-200ml)
Equipment:
- A pot or microwave-safe container
- A thermometer to monitor temperature
- A means to strain the seeds (optional)
- A blender (optional, if incorporating into a smoothie)
Instructions:
- Heat the water: Bring water to a specific temperature. Research protocols suggest heating the water to approximately 60°C (140°F) to inactivate an enzyme (ESP) that reduces sulforaphane yield in broccoli, while preserving the added myrosinase later. Do not boil, as high heat destroys the necessary myrosinase enzyme.
- Combine seeds and water: Add the desired amount of dry broccoli seeds to the temperature-controlled water.
- Allow extraction: Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps extract the precursor compound, glucoraphanin, from the seeds.
- Add myrosinase source: Stir in the ground white mustard powder. This provides the active myrosinase enzyme needed to convert the glucoraphanin into sulforaphane.
- Activate sulforaphane: Let the mixture sit for an additional 10 minutes to allow the conversion reaction to occur.
- Consume: The mixture can be consumed as is, or strained for a clearer “tea” (though some fiber is lost). Many people blend the preparation into a smoothie with other ingredients like fruit, nuts, or protein powder to improve taste and texture.
Early evidence suggests that this tea was most helpful for addressing non-motor symptoms including fatigue, sleep quality, and lack of motivation. Urinary incontinence and nocturnal urinary frequency showed significant improvement as well.
These symptoms are closely linked to energy production. This suggests that the primary effect of sulforaphane is to enhance energy production in neurons by reducing damage to mitochondria. Oxidative stress is likely to be the predominant mechanism in the development of the process that gives rise to these non-motor symptoms.
Research on Sulforaphane as a Treatment for Neurological Conditions
Nutrients. 2025 Apr 15;17(8):1353. Sulforaphane and Brain Health: From Pathways of Action to Effects on Specific Disorders
Abstract
The brain accounts for about 2% of the body’s weight, but it consumes about 20% of the body’s energy at rest, primarily derived from ATP produced in mitochondria. The brain thus has a high mitochondrial density in its neurons because of its extensive energy demands for maintaining ion gradients, neurotransmission, and synaptic activity. The brain is also extremely susceptible to damage and dysregulation caused by inflammation (neuroinflammation) and oxidative stress.
Many systemic challenges to the brain can be mitigated by the phytochemical sulforaphane (SF), which is particularly important in supporting mitochondrial function. SF or its biogenic precursor glucoraphanin, from broccoli seeds or sprouts, can confer neuroprotective and cognitive benefits via diverse physiological and biochemical mechanisms. SF is able to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as to protect it, and it mitigates the consequences of destructive neuroinflammation.
It also protects against the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants, combats the tissue and cell damage wrought by advanced glycation end products (detoxication), and supports healthy glucose metabolism. These effects are applicable to individuals of all ages, from the developing brains in periconception and infancy, to cognitively, developmentally, and traumatically challenged brains, to those in later life as well as those who are suffering with multiple chronic conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
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Biochem Pharmacol. 2025 Mar:233:116797. Sulforaphane: An emerging star in neuroprotection and neurological disease prevention
Abstract
Neurological diseases, including both acute injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, represent major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), which require long-term management, present significant challenges in the search for neuroprotective agents with reduced adverse effects and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, has garnered considerable attention for its potent neuroprotective properties and overall health benefits. Marketed primarily as a dietary supplement, SFN has shown a variety of biological activities and therapeutic potential in neurological diseases.
Recent surging studies including ours have highlighted its ability to impede the progression of AD, PD, and cerebral ischemia by fostering neurogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. This review aims to summarize the latest research on SFN, exploring its advanced therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms in various neurological diseases, offering a comprehensive overview for researchers focused on neurological pathogenesis and drug development in neuroprotection.
Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Nov 16;21(22):8637. Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Disease
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytocompound belonging to the isothiocyanate family. Although it was also found in seeds and mature plants, SFN is mainly present in sprouts of many cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. SFN is produced by the conversion of glucoraphanin through the enzyme myrosinase, which leads to the formation of this isothiocyanate.
SFN is especially characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and for this reason, it aroused the interest of researchers.
The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies present on Pubmed that report the efficacy of SFN in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, thanks to its beneficial effects, SFN could be useful as a supplement to counteracting neurodegenerative diseases.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder Alzheimers Recovery ®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com