Sulforaphane
Also known as: broccoli sprout extract, SGS, glucoraphanin + myrosinase.
Sulforaphane is the most potent known dietary Nrf2 activator (Fahey 1997). Nrf2 drives transcription of ALDH2, glutathione S-transferases, and the full Phase II detoxification cassette. No substitute at the gene-induction layer. Tier 1 specifically in the Preflight window — it earns its place by being the only upstream lever, but its time window is narrow.
Where this fits in the system
What it does
Sulforaphane activates Nrf2, the master transcription factor for phase II detoxification enzymes. ALDH2 and glutathione synthesis enzymes are among its targets. Taken 2–3 hours before drinking, it increases the amount of clearance machinery available when ethanol arrives.
How it works
Why Preflight only
Sulforaphane works through gene expression. It binds to Nrf2, Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus, transcription ramps, new protein is made. This cycle takes hours, not minutes. Taking sulforaphane at Afterburner or Nightcap would produce a delayed benefit that arrives after the metabolic stress is over. Preflight is the only window where it helps.
Buying guidance
Look for products that include stabilized myrosinase alongside glucoraphanin, or that are standardized to actual sulforaphane content rather than "broccoli extract" by weight.
Deep science · Sulforaphane — deep dive
What it induces
Nrf2 activation increases transcription of:
- ALDH2 (and related aldehyde dehydrogenases)
- Glutathione synthesis enzymes (γ-glutamylcysteine ligase)
- Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs)
- NADPH quinone oxidoreductase
Every one of these is on the acetaldehyde and reactive-metabolite clearance path. Sulforaphane is the single upstream lever that pulls the whole cassette up together.
Myrosinase matters
Sulforaphane is produced when myrosinase cleaves glucoraphanin. Some supplement products contain only glucoraphanin and rely on gut bacteria to produce sulforaphane — yields are unpredictable. Products with stable myrosinase yield far more active sulforaphane.
Nrf2-ARE signaling
Under basal conditions, Nrf2 is bound to Keap1 in the cytoplasm and continuously ubiquitinated. Electrophilic compounds like sulforaphane modify cysteine residues on Keap1, releasing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus and bind antioxidant response elements (AREs) in target promoters.
The 2-hour lead
Fahey 1997 established sulforaphane yield from broccoli sprouts; later pharmacokinetic work showed peak plasma sulforaphane roughly 1 hour after dosing, with measurable Nrf2 target upregulation hours later. The "take with Preflight 1–2 hours before drinking" instruction derives from this kinetic window.