sulforaphane
noun
sul·fo·raph·ane
ˌsəl-fō-ˈra-ˌfan 
-ˈrā-
-ˈrā-
: an anticarcinogenic isothiocyanate C6H11NOS2 found in cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower) that is thought to function by stimulating the production of enzymes in the body that detoxify cancer-causing substances
Examples of sulforaphane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brussels Sprouts Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts provide sulforaphane and other compounds that have been shown to have anticancer properties.
—
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
Earlier research hypothesized that a natural plant compound, sulforaphane, was the driver of blood-sugar regulation, however, the ECU scientists say the exact mechanism, or mechanisms, involved is not yet well understood.
—New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2025
Research, mostly on animals or in vitro studies (performed or taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism), has shown that sulforaphane may inhibit several types of cancers, including prostate cancer.
—Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
Further evidence suggests that consuming sulforaphane, a compound naturally found in kale, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.5
3.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 19 June 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
Earlier research hypothesized that a natural plant compound, sulforaphane, was the driver of blood-sugar regulation, however, the ECU scientists say the exact mechanism, or mechanisms, involved is not yet well understood.
—New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2025
Research, mostly on animals or in vitro studies (performed or taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism), has shown that sulforaphane may inhibit several types of cancers, including prostate cancer.
—Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
Further evidence suggests that consuming sulforaphane, a compound naturally found in kale, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.5
3.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sulforaphane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulforaphane. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share