~10 spots leftby Dec 2025

Broccoli Sprouts for Ulcerative Colitis

AB
KP
Overseen ByKelli Porzondek
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Michigan
Must be taking: 5-ASAs, Steroids
Must not be taking: NSAIDs, Antibiotics
Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, others
No Placebo Group
Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing if eating broccoli sprouts can help patients with mild ulcerative colitis by increasing a compound called sulforaphane in their bodies, which may reduce inflammation. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts, has a variety of biological functions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

You can continue taking your current medications for ulcerative colitis as long as the doses are stable and meet the study's requirements. However, you cannot take NSAIDs and should not expect any dose changes during the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Broccoli Sprouts for Ulcerative Colitis?

Research shows that broccoli sprouts, which are rich in sulforaphane, can reduce inflammation and improve gut health in mice with colitis, a condition similar to ulcerative colitis. This suggests that broccoli sprouts might help manage symptoms of ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.12345

Is it safe to consume broccoli sprouts or sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts?

Broccoli sprouts are generally considered safe for human consumption, as a clinical study found no significant or consistent adverse effects when healthy volunteers consumed broccoli sprout extracts. These sprouts are widely consumed and have not raised safety concerns.14567

How does the treatment with broccoli sprouts differ from other treatments for ulcerative colitis?

Broccoli sprouts are unique because they contain high levels of glucoraphanin, which is converted by gut bacteria into sulforaphane, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. This treatment focuses on restoring gut microbiota balance and reducing inflammation through dietary intervention, offering a natural and potentially more affordable option compared to traditional medications.13458

Research Team

GC

Grace Chen

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with mild ulcerative colitis, who are on a stable dose of certain medications like Aminosalicylic acids or Imuran. Participants should have a BMI between 18.5-40 and not be consuming more than 5 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables daily. They must understand the study and consent to it.

Inclusion Criteria

Body Mass Index (BMI) values 18.5-40 kg/m2
Documented endoscopic diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
My ulcerative colitis is mild, confirmed by tests.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently taking NSAIDs or biologic/immunomodulatory therapies.
Consumption of more than 5 ½ cups of servings/day of fruits and vegetables as assessed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Diet History Questionaire III online Food Questionnaire.
I have not taken antibiotics in the last 2 weeks.
See 2 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume broccoli sprouts to assess the impact on sulforaphane levels and inflammatory markers

4 weeks
Weekly self-reports

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Broccoli Sprouts (Cruciferous Vegetables)
Trial OverviewThe study tests if eating either one or three servings of broccoli sprouts can increase sulforaphane levels in the body and decrease inflammation markers in patients with mild ulcerative colitis, as preparation for a larger future trial.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: 3 Servings of broccoli sproutsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
339 grams
Group II: 1 Serving of broccoli sproutsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
113 grams

Broccoli Sprouts is already approved in Japan for the following indications:

🇯🇵
Approved in Japan as Broccoli Sprouts for:
  • Ulcerative Colitis

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,891
Recruited
6,458,000+

University of Maine

Collaborator

Trials
4
Recruited
6,700+

Findings from Research

Mice fed a diet containing 10% steamed broccoli sprouts showed significant improvements in managing symptoms of ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate, including weight gain and lower levels of inflammatory markers.
The broccoli sprout diet helped maintain a diverse gut microbiota, counteracting the dysbiosis typically caused by colitis, suggesting that dietary interventions could be a promising and accessible strategy for managing Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Steamed broccoli sprouts alleviate DSS-induced inflammation and retain gut microbial biogeography in mice.Holman, JM., Colucci, L., Baudewyns, D., et al.[2023]
In a study involving rats with experimentally induced ulcerative colitis, treatment with sulforaphane significantly improved colon morphology and reduced inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Sulforaphane enhanced antioxidant activity and mitochondrial biogenesis while inhibiting DNA polymerization, indicating a multifaceted mechanism of action that could help in treating ulcerative colitis.
Therapeutic effects of sulforaphane in ulcerative colitis: effect on antioxidant activity, mitochondrial biogenesis and DNA polymerization.Alattar, A., Alshaman, R., Al-Gayyar, MMH.[2022]
Steamed broccoli sprouts can still provide measurable levels of sulforaphane in the colon and feces, even after the inactivation of the myrosinase enzyme, which is typically responsible for its production.
In a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease, consumption of steamed broccoli sprouts significantly reduced colitis, and this effect was dependent on a healthy gut microbiota, indicating that gut bacteria play a crucial role in enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane.
A steamed broccoli sprout diet preparation that reduces colitis via the gut microbiota.Zhang, T., Holman, J., McKinstry, D., et al.[2023]

References

Steamed broccoli sprouts alleviate DSS-induced inflammation and retain gut microbial biogeography in mice. [2023]
Therapeutic effects of sulforaphane in ulcerative colitis: effect on antioxidant activity, mitochondrial biogenesis and DNA polymerization. [2022]
A steamed broccoli sprout diet preparation that reduces colitis via the gut microbiota. [2023]
Steamed broccoli sprouts alleviate DSS-induced inflammation and retain gut microbial biogeography in mice. [2023]
The Protective Effect of Sulforaphane on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Depends on Gut Microbial and Nrf2-Related Mechanism. [2022]
Safety, tolerance, and metabolism of broccoli sprout glucosinolates and isothiocyanates: a clinical phase I study. [2022]
7.United Arab Emiratespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Sulforaphane protects small intestinal mucosa from aspirin/NSAID-induced injury by enhancing host defense systems against oxidative stress and by inhibiting mucosal invasion of anaerobic enterobacteria. [2021]
Early life exposure to broccoli sprouts confers stronger protection against enterocolitis development in an immunological mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. [2023]