Broccoli chemical could tame autism symptoms, small trial hopes
NCT ID NCT02677051
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests whether sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, can improve core symptoms of autism. 48 males aged 13-30 with autism will receive either sulforaphane or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers will measure changes in behavior and social responsiveness using standard scales.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Sulforaphane (a compound from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a dietary supplement that eases core autism symptoms like social interaction and behavior.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 48 males, so results may not apply to everyone. Sulforaphane may cause no improvement or side effects like changes in liver or kidney function.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
48 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
-
Feb 2016
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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13 to 30 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Autistic disorder diagnosis. * Age between 13-30 years. * Male gender. Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of a parent or legal guardian and consent, * Those that can not or will not complete all visits and adherence to study regimen. * Seizure within 2 years of screening, * Impaired renal function (serum creatinine\> 1.2 mg/dl). * Impaired hepatic function (\> 2x upper limit of normal). * Impaired thyroid function (TSH outside normal limits). * Current infection or treatment with antibiotics. * Chronic medical disorder (e.g., cardiovascular disease, stroke or diabetes) or major surgery within 3 months prior to enrollment. * Less than 13 years or more than 30 years of age. * Female gender. * A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder other than autistic disorder, for example, Asperger, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) etc.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Rutgers University - Staged Research Building
Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, United States
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