sulforaphane

noun

sul·​fo·​raph·​ane ˌsəl-fō-ˈra-ˌfan  -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

This cruciferous vegetable has a generous dose of ascorbic acid paired with sulforaphane, which helps reduce the secretion of an inflammatory cytokine (protein) called IL-6. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 30 Dec. 2025

Research shows that microwaving broccoli can increase its sulforaphane levels. —Laura Schober, Health, 19 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for sulforaphane

• cyclopropane
• isobutane
• legerdemain
• nitromethane
• ultramontane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane

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