Sulforaphane in the Therapeutic Targeting of CNS Disorders: Current Evidence and Perspectives

Abstract

Sulforaphane, an aliphatic isothiocyanate derived from food and medicinal plants, has gained prominence as a compound of considerable pharmaceutical significance due to its diverse bioactivities. Its high bioavailability and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier are key pharmacokinetic properties that underscore its therapeutic potential in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. A comprehensive and uptodate evaluation of the literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to assess the neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane. Evidence indicates that sulforaphane exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. These benefits are mediated through the activation of various signaling pathways and the inhibition of proinflammatory mediators, including several cytokines. Its multi faceted mechanism of action underpins its therapeutic relevance in numerous neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia, as well as in neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder. Sulforaphane is not available as an approved pharmaceu tical drug (FDA or EMA); however, it is widely marketed in dietary supplements (e.g., tablets and capsules), often in the form of broccoli sprout extracts or stabilized glucoraphanin combined with myrosinase. Further rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to validate its efficacy, determine optimal dosing regimens, and evaluate its longterm safety across various CNS pathologies. Collectively, the current evidence highlights sulforaphane as a promising, naturally derived, multi target therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of diverse CNS diseases. Future clinical and translational studies are warranted to establish the therapeutic viability of sulforaphane in human CNS disorders.

Keywords

• Sulforaphane
• biological activities
• pharmacological properties
• therapeutic potential
• CNS disorders.

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