Repeated intake of broccoli does not lead to higher plasma levels of sulforaphane in human volunteers

Cancer Lett. 2009 Oct 18;284(1):15-20. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2009.04.004. Epub 2009 May 5.

Abstract

The plasma pharmacokinetic characteristics of the chemopreventive isothiocyanate sulforaphane were determined in six human volunteers following single and repeated intake of raw broccoli. Initially, an analytical method utilising LC-MS/MS, capable of determining low levels of sulforaphane in human plasma was developed and validated. The plasma profile of the isothiocyanate best fitted a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Sulforaphane was rapidly absorbed with peak plasma levels being attained within 1.5h, and was characterised by a long terminal elimination phase. Repeated intake of broccoli had no impact on the pharmacokinetic behaviour or plasma levels of sulforaphane, and there was no evidence of accumulation.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / blood*
  • Brassica / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sulfoxides
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  • Thiocyanates / blood*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Sulfoxides
  • Thiocyanates
  • sulforaphane