Background

Broccoli sprouts are young broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea). Broccoli sprouts are rich in the chemical glucoraphanin, which might offer health benefits.

The glucoraphanin in broccoli sprout is changed to another compound called sulforaphane during digestion. This chemical has antioxidant effects which might help prevent cancer and liver problems.

People use broccoli sprout for prostate cancer, hay fever, asthma, sunburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse broccoli sprout with the mature broccoli plant, or with the chemical sulforaphane. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Broccoli sprout is commonly consumed in foods. Properly grown broccoli sprouts have not been reported to cause side effects. But broccoli sprouts that have not been grown properly should be avoided. These sprouts have a higher chance of being contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Broccoli sprout extract is possibly safe when used for up to 2 months.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's likely safe to eat COOKED broccoli sprout while pregnant or breast-feeding. But eating RAW broccoli sprout is possibly unsafe. Raw broccoli sprouts might be contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Food poisoning during pregnancy might cause miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth. Stay on the safe side and eat only cooked broccoli sprout while pregnant.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if broccoli sprout extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Low immune system function: Raw broccoli sprouts can be contaminated with bacteria. People who have low immune system function might be more likely than other people to develop food poisoning after eating contaminated raw broccoli sprouts. Advise people with low immune system function to avoid eating raw broccoli sprouts.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Broccoli sprouts are commonly eaten in foods. Broccoli sprouts that have not been grown properly should be avoided. These sprouts have a higher chance of being contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of broccoli sprout might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Broccoli sprout might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Broccoli sprout might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.