An Open Study of Sulforaphane-rich Broccoli Sprout Extract in Patients with Schizophrenia.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled open-label prospective pilot study (case series)
PubMed 25912539 · doi:10.9758/cpn.2015.13.1.62
What was done
Ten medicated outpatients with schizophrenia were enrolled in an 8-week open-label study to evaluate the effects of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (3 tablets daily, providing 30 mg of sulforaphane-glucosinolate). Clinical symptoms were assessed via the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and cognitive function was evaluated using the Japanese version of the CogState battery at baseline and week 8.
What was found
Seven of the 10 patients completed the 8-week protocol. The mean score in the Accuracy component of the One Card Learning Task increased significantly after the trial. No other significant changes were detected in cognitive or clinical symptom measures. Exact numerical values and p-values were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study offers preliminary pilot observations on sulforaphane supplementation for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, though evidence of benefit is limited.
Limits
The study is severely limited by an uncontrolled, open-label design prone to expectation and practice effects. The sample size was extremely small (10 enrolled, 7 completers), and only one subtest among multiple cognitive and symptom endpoints showed a statistically significant change.
Cited by
- supports Dr. Hashimoto's group published a 10-subject pilot trial evaluating sulforaphane in schizophrenia patients.