๐ Reference
Masahiro Kikuchi et al.,
โEffects of glucoraphanin-rich broccoli sprout extracts on sleep quality in healthy adults: An exploratory study.โ
Journal of Functional Foods, Vol. 84, Article 104574 (2021).
๐ฌ Study Overview
- Participants: 18 healthy Japanese adults (ages 30โ70)
- Intervention: Broccoli sprout extract (10 mg glucoraphanin per capsule) or placebo, taken 3 times daily for 4 weeks
- Measurements:
- Sleep Quality: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), OguriโShirakawaโAzumi Sleep Inventory (OSA-MA), and St. Maryโs Hospital Sleep Questionnaire
- Biomarkers: Melatonin, Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and Glutathione (GSH) levels measured from saliva
- Objective Sleep Data: Sleep monitoring via Fitbit device
๐ง Key Findings
โ
Improved Sleep Quality:
VAS scores significantly improved in the group consuming broccoli sprout extract.
โ
Increased Melatonin Levels:
The area under the curve (AUC) for melatonin concentration increased, indicating enhanced secretion of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
โ
Reduced Inflammatory Marker:
PGD2 levels decreased, suggesting a reduction in inflammatory response related to sleep disturbance.
๐ Conclusion
This exploratory study indicates that sulforaphane may improve sleep quality through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
Enhanced melatonin secretion and reduced inflammatory markers suggest that sulforaphane could have beneficial effects on sleep regulation and recovery.