---
title: "Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves…"
description: "Sulforaphane, found in broccoli sprouts, may help manage type 2 diabetes by reducing liver glucose production and improving blood sugar control."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28615356.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28615356.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28615356.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d28615356"
journal: "Sci Transl Med"
year: 2017
pmid: "28615356"
doi: "10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Sci Transl Med |
| Year | 2017 |
| PMID | [28615356](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615356/) |
| DOI | [10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477](https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477) |
| Study key | d28615356 |

## Takeaway

Sulforaphane, found in broccoli sprouts, may help manage type 2 diabetes by reducing liver glucose production and improving blood sugar control.

## The question

Can gene expression profiling identify clinically relevant treatment options for type 2 diabetes?

## Hypothesis

Sulforaphane, identified through gene expression profiling, may reverse the disease signature of type 2 diabetes in the liver and improve glucose control.

## Methods

Researchers analyzed coexpression networks and genetic data to identify a disease signature for type 2 diabetes in liver tissue. They then screened 3800 drug signatures to find compounds that could reverse this signature. Sulforaphane's effects on glucose production were tested in hepatic cells and diabetic animals. Finally, obese patients with dysregulated type 2 diabetes were given concentrated broccoli sprout extract (containing sulforaphane) to assess its impact on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.

## Results

Sulforaphane suppressed glucose production in hepatic cells by activating NRF2 and decreasing gluconeogenesis enzyme expression. It reversed the disease signature in diabetic animal livers and reduced exaggerated glucose production and glucose intolerance to a similar extent as metformin. In obese patients with type 2 diabetes, sulforaphane, delivered as concentrated broccoli sprout extract, reduced fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

## Conclusion

Gene expression profiling can identify clinically relevant treatment options. Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting it may be a useful treatment.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Sulforaphane suppressed glucose production; reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Broccoli Sprout Sulforaphane | Moderate evidence | [Broccoli Sprout Sulforaphane](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/103.md) |

## Reference

1. **Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes**
   Sci Transl Med 2017 · [PMID 28615356](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615356/) · [DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477](https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477)

   > Sulforaphane suppressed glucose production; reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Broccoli Sprout Sulforaphane](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/103.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: sulforaphane reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s103.md)
- [Sulforaphane Delays Fibroblast Senescence by Curbing Cellular Glucose Uptake, Increased…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d30595796.md)
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- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).