In recent research, a compelling connection between two prominent components found in broccoli sprouts has been unveiled. Murakami Farm, a leading company in the sprout market, and Osaka Metropolitan University have identified a strong positive correlation between sulforaphane and ultra sulfur molecules in these sprouting vegetables. This finding was revealed during the 79th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science, held from May 23 to 25, 2023.
Broccoli sprouts are the young shoots of broccoli, known for their high concentration of sulforaphane, a compound recognized for its numerous health benefits. Studies suggest that sulforaphane can enhance the activity of detoxification and antioxidant enzymes in the body, potentially preventing or treating various diseases. Moreover, in 2023, a team at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Science, led by Associate Professor Shingo Kasamatsu and Professor Hidetoshi Iyara, confirmed that ultra sulfur molecules are also abundant in broccoli sprouts. They play critical roles in immune response and infection defense, marking a significant leap in our understanding of this vegetable's phytochemical profile (Kasamatsu et al., Redox Biology, 2023, vol. 67, p. 102875).
Both sulforaphane and ultra sulfur molecules contain sulfur atoms and share certain physiological functions. Preliminary evidence suggests that they may interact within the body, enhancing each other's antioxidant effects. It has been established that the sulforaphane content can vary considerably among different broccoli sprout varieties. In this study, Murakami Farm and Osaka Metropolitan University measured the levels of sulforaphane and ultra sulfur molecules in 16 commercially available broccoli sprout varieties and analyzed their relationship.
The results show a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.81 between the sulforaphane content and ultra sulfur molecule levels in the sprouts. This high correlation indicates that sprouts with higher sulforaphane content tend to also have greater amounts of ultra sulfur molecules. Therefore, selecting broccoli sprouts with more sulforaphane may lead consumers to also choose products rich in ultra sulfur molecules.
Associate Professor Shingo Kasamatsu commented:
"This research has successfully revealed for the first time a strong correlation between two significant components found in broccoli sprouts: sulforaphane and ultra sulfur molecules. Moving forward, we aim to explore the cooperative functions of these two compounds at a molecular level and their specific health impacts. We hope that these findings will serve as a scientific foundation for the functional benefits of foods, assisting health-conscious individuals in making informed choices about their dietary selections."
About Murakami Farm:
Founded in January 1978, Murakami Farm has become a key player in the production and sale of high-nutrient vegetables and sprouts, including broccoli super sprouts and pea sprouts. The company has seen sales of approximately 11.37 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2024. With headquarters and research development in Hiroshima, and production centers across various prefectures in Japan, Murakami Farm is dedicated to providing food that supports health and wellness. For more details, visit
Murakami Farm's website.