---
title: "Evidence: sulforaphane reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis"
description: "Broccoli sprout extract did not significantly lower fasting blood glucose in all prediabetic individuals, but a subgroup with specific characteristics…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s103.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s103.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s103.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s103"
journal: "Nat Microbiol"
year: 2025
pmid: "39929977"
doi: "10.1038/s41564-025-01932-w"
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"
---

# Evidence: sulforaphane reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Nat Microbiol |
| Year | 2025 |
| PMID | [39929977](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39929977/) |
| DOI | [10.1038/s41564-025-01932-w](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-01932-w) |
| Study key | s103 |

## Takeaway

Broccoli sprout extract did not significantly lower fasting blood glucose in all prediabetic individuals, but a subgroup with specific characteristics showed a more positive response linked to gut microbiota.

## The question

Can sulforaphane, delivered as a broccoli sprout extract (BSE), reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis and improve fasting blood glucose in individuals with prediabetes?

## Hypothesis

Sulforaphane, provided as a broccoli sprout extract, will reduce fasting blood glucose in individuals with prediabetes.

## Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with drug-naive individuals with prediabetes. Participants received either BSE (n=35) or placebo (n=39) once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a 0.3 mmol/l reduction in fasting blood glucose compared to placebo from baseline to week 12. Gastrointestinal side effects were monitored.

## Results

BSE did not meet the prespecified primary outcome of a 0.3 mmol/l reduction. The overall effect in individuals with prediabetes was a 0.2 mmol/l reduction in fasting blood glucose. Exploratory analyses identified a subgroup of individuals with mild obesity, low insulin resistance, and reduced insulin secretion who had a 0.4 mmol/l reduction. Gut microbiota analysis showed responders had a different gut microbiota composition, with a higher abundance of a Bacteroides-encoded transcriptional regulator linked to sulforaphane activation and serum concentration.

## Conclusion

While BSE did not meet its primary endpoint for the overall prediabetes population, a subgroup of individuals with specific pathophysiological and gut microbiota characteristics showed a more pronounced reduction in fasting blood glucose. This suggests a combined influence of host pathophysiology and gut microbiota on the metabolic response to sulforaphane.

## Limitations

The primary outcome was not met for the overall study population. The findings regarding subgroups and gut microbiota are based on exploratory analyses and require confirmation in future trials.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> reduction in fasting blood glucose compared with placebo

## Fasting Blood Glucose Reduction with Broccoli Sprout Extract

| Measure | Fasting Blood Glucose Reduction (mmol/l) |
| --- | --- |
| Overall Prediabetes Group | 0.2 |
| Responders Subgroup | 0.4 |

*Reduction in fasting blood glucose (mmol/l) from baseline to week 12 for the overall prediabetes group and the identified responder subgroup.*

## 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. **Evidence: sulforaphane reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis**
   Nat Microbiol 2025 · [PMID 39929977](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39929977/) · [DOI 10.1038/s41564-025-01932-w](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-01932-w)

   > reduction in fasting blood glucose compared with placebo

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Broccoli Sprout Sulforaphane](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/103.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
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## 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).