sulforaphane

noun

sul·​fo·​raph·​ane ˌsəl-fō-ˈra-ˌfan How to pronounce sulforaphane (audio) -ˈrā- How to pronounce sulforaphane (audio)
: 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 Scientists believe sulforaphane might slow the onset and progression of osteoarthritis symptoms, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2023 Some studies show that natural substances in cauliflower, like sulforaphane, may influence genes in ways that slow the biochemical process of aging. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, 23 Oct. 2019 If that malfunction occurs because a patient's cells have been weakened by exposure to stressful conditions, the Swedes theorized, perhaps sulforaphane would help. Jonathan M. Pitts, baltimoresun.com, 30 June 2017 In the study, the scientists gave sulforaphane to obese patients , in the form of a concentrated broccoli sprout extract. Tracy Staedter Live Science Contributor, Fox News, 19 June 2017 Before studying the compound in humans, Axelsson and colleagues first gave sulforaphane to animals. Jessica Wapner, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2017 For those who were not obese, the sulforaphane did not have any affect. Tracy Staedter Live Science Contributor, Fox News, 19 June 2017 Finally, the researchers tested sulforaphane in people. Tracy Staedter Live Science Contributor, Fox News, 19 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sulforaphane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

sulforaphen, a chemically similar substance (from sulfo- + -raphen, perhaps alteration of raphanin, an alternate name, from New Latin Raphanus, a cruciferous plant genus) + -ane

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulforaphane was in 1992

Dictionary Entries Near sulforaphane

Cite this Entry

“Sulforaphane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulforaphane. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sulforaphane

noun
sul·​fo·​raph·​ane
variants or chiefly British sulphoraphane
ˌsəl-fō-ˈraf-ˌān, -ˈrāf-
: an anticarcinogenic isothiocyanate C6H11NOS2 found in cruciferous vegetables (as broccoli and cauliflower) that is thought to function by stimulating the production of enzymes in the body that detoxify cancer-causing substances

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