Dr. Johnston looks at a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sulforaphane in 78 men whose PSA was rising after prostate cancer surgery. The trial measured PSA, a lab marker, over 6 months, and did not measure survival.
Could a handful of broccoli sprouts treat prostate cancer? The active compound is called sulforaphane. Broccoli, as well as young broccoli sprouts, contain glucoraphanin, which our bodies convert into sulforaphane.
Researchers put sulforaphane to an interesting test. They enrolled 78 men whose prostate cancer had been surgically removed, but whose PSA was rising again, indicating recurrence or metastasis. This was a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Half received placebo. The others received 60 mg of stabilized sulforaphane every day for 6 months.
The blood test was called the PSA, or prostate-specific antigen. A high PSA indicates increased likelihood of prostate cancer. With placebo, PSA doubling time was 15.5 months. With sulforaphane, 28.9 months, or 89% longer. PSA increased by more than 20% in 72% of the placebo group, compared with only 44% of the sulforaphane group.
A compound derived from broccoli sprouts producing a measurable change in prostate cancer lab markers in a randomized human trial. I think that's worth knowing. Here's the research. You decide.
Educational research summary, not medical advice. Talk with your oncologist and pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment or supplement.