Meta Information
ID:sulforaphane
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Cytotoxic Cancer Therapies (Chemotherapy & Radiation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2 pathway, which protects cells from oxidative stress. This protective effect may extend to cancer cells, potentially reducing the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation which rely on inducing oxidative stress to kill cancer cells.
Actionable advice:
Avoid sulforaphane supplements during active cancer treatment unless specifically approved by your oncologist.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of concentrated sulforaphane supplements during pregnancy has not been established. Due to its potent effects on cellular pathways and detoxification enzymes, it is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid sulforaphane supplementation during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if sulforaphane or its metabolites pass into breast milk or what their effects on a nursing infant might be. Supplementation is not recommended due to a lack of safety data.
Actionable advice:
Avoid sulforaphane supplementation while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In vitro studies suggest that isothiocyanates like sulforaphane may have mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using if you take blood-thinning medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Sulforaphane is a goitrogen, meaning it can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland. This may worsen hypothyroidism or promote goiter formation, especially in individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions or iodine deficiency.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and ensure adequate iodine intake; monitor thyroid function if you have a thyroid condition.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Clinical studies show sulforaphane can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. This can potentiate the effects of diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose levels closely when starting sulforaphane if you are on diabetes medication.
Target id:
/class/phase-ii-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by Phase II Enzymes
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Sulforaphane is a potent inducer of Phase II detoxification enzymes (e.g., UGTs, GSTs). This can significantly accelerate the metabolism and clearance of certain drugs, potentially reducing their therapeutic effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Consult a pharmacist or doctor to review your medications for potential interactions involving accelerated Phase II metabolism.
Target id:
/intervention/iodine
Target name:
Iodine
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Ensuring adequate iodine intake can help mitigate the potential goitrogenic (thyroid-interfering) effects of sulforaphane.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate dietary or supplemental iodine intake when taking sulforaphane long-term.
Target id:
/dietary/cruciferous-vegetables
Target name:
Myrosinase-Rich Foods (e.g., Mustard Seed)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
This applies only to supplements containing glucoraphanin (a precursor). The enzyme myrosinase is required to convert it into active sulforaphane, but this enzyme is often not present or active in such supplements.
Actionable advice:
If your supplement is glucoraphanin-only, consume it with a myrosinase source like mustard seed powder for activation.
Target id:
/class/cyp1a2-substrates
Target name:
CYP1A2 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Sulforaphane may inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme, potentially slowing the metabolism and increasing levels of drugs processed by this pathway, such as caffeine, theophylline, and some antidepressants.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of potential increased effects of CYP1A2-metabolized drugs; separate doses if possible.
Target id:
/class/cyp2e1-substrates
Target name:
CYP2E1 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Sulforaphane can inhibit the CYP2E1 enzyme, which is involved in metabolizing substances like acetaminophen (paracetamol) and alcohol. This could alter their effects or toxicity profile.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining with substances metabolized by CYP2E1, such as acetaminophen.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Some evidence suggests sulforaphane may have mild blood pressure-lowering effects. This could be additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially increasing the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure if you combine sulforaphane with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Fat
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
As a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, sulforaphane's absorption from the gut may be enhanced when consumed with a source of dietary fat.
Actionable advice:
Take with a meal that includes healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, or nuts to potentially improve absorption.