Sulforaphane is the aglycone breakdown product of the glucosinolate glucoraphanin, also known as sulforaphane glucosinolate. Young broccoli sprouts and young cauliflower sprouts are especially rich in glucoraphanin.

Sulforaphane may have cancer chemopreventive activity.

Sulforaphane's possible anticarcinogenic activity is accounted for by its ability to induce phase II detoxication enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase. These enzymes may afford protection against certain carcinogens and other toxic electrophiles, including reactive oxygen species.