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S084-1

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli Sprout on
Cognitive Impairments in Schizophrenia

Kenji Hashimoto

Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Japan

Background/Objective: Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia, often persisting
even when psychotic symptoms have been treated successfully. Studies on adolescents and young
adults at a high risk of developing psychosis have demonstrated cognitive impairment before the
onset of psychotic symptoms. Since cognitive impairment is a prodromal symptom, early
intervention may prevent the onset of psychosis at adulthood. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate
derived from broccoli, is a potent activator of the transcription factor Nrf2, which plays a central role
in the inducible expressions of many cytoprotective genes in response to oxidative stress. The
purpose of this study is to examine the effects of SFN on cognitive impairment in animal models and
in patients with schizophrenia.

Method: Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of SFN on phencyclidine (PCP)-induced cognitive
deficits in mice were examined. Furthermore, we performed a pilot study of SFN-rich broccoli sprout
extract in patients with schizophrenia.

Result: Pretreatment with SFN could attenuate PCP-induced behavioral abnormalities (e.g.,
hyperlocomotion, prepulse inhibition deficits, cognitive deficits) in mice. Furthermore, PCP-induced
cognitive deficits were also improved by the subsequent repeated administration of SFN.
Interestingly, the dietary intake of glucoraphanin (a glucosinolate precursor of SFN) during the
juvenile and adolescence prevented the onset of PCP-induced cognitive deficits at adulthood.
Moreover, a pilot study showed that SFN-rich broccoli sprout extracts were effective in the treatment
of cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that SFN may have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on
cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. In addition, the dietary intake of SFN-rich broccoli sprouts
during the juvenile and adolescence may prevent the onset of psychosis at adulthood.

Reference: 1. Shiina A, et al. An open study of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract in patients
with schizophrenia. Clin. Psychopharmacol. Neurosci. In press.
2. Shirai Y et al. Dietary intake of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extracts during juvenile and
adolescence can prevent phencyclidine-induced cognitive deficits at adulthood. PLOS ONE in press