Sulforaphane: what the trials found
Early, and narrower than the ad.
Mara Labs sells BrocElite, stabilized sulforaphane from broccoli, for microplastics, inflammation and mental clarity. Short answer: in two placebo-controlled trials in a polluted part of China, a broccoli-sprout drink increased how much of a benzene breakdown product people passed in urine, but only at the full dose. One trial, run with a supplement maker, saw faster processing speed in older adults. We found no study on microplastics, and inflammation markers did not change.
How the evidence flows
Each claim (middle), the studies that tested it (left) — green found it, red found nothing — and the grade they add up to (right). Drawn from the same records as the grades below. Tap to open full size.
Sulforaphane (BrocElite) · evidence checked 2026-10-27
What the research shows
Grades are calculated from the studies listed, by fixed rules.
- Sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts helps the body clear some air pollutantsEarly evidence
Two placebo-controlled trials in a polluted area of China found people excreted more of a benzene breakdown product while drinking a broccoli-sprout beverage — but only at the full dose. Neither abstract says the trial was blinded, and neither measured health outcomes.
- Sulforaphane sharpens mental clarityEarly evidence
One double-blind trial, run with the supplement’s maker, found faster processing speed and less negative mood in healthy older adults, among several measures. Early evidence.
- BrocElite’s stabilized sulforaphane helps your body deal with microplastics and soothes chronic inflammationNo real evidence
The ad said “Microplastics are in the food, the water, the air. / BrocElite’s stabilized sulforaphane supports your body’s natural detox pathways, so you can meet the modern world head-on.”
Mara Labs (BrocElite) · Facebook ad, seen Oct 2026
We found no study of sulforaphane and microplastics in people, and no study of BrocElite. In the trial above, inflammation markers did not change.