Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | Sulforaphane (Broccoli Seed Extract) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women) | 10-30mg sulforaphane daily (equivalent to ~100-200mg broccoli seed extract standardized to glucoraphanin + myrosinase) |
| Timing | Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food. | On empty stomach or with light meal. Myrosinase enzyme required for conversion from glucoraphanin — ensure supplement contains it or add mustard seed powder. |
| Cycle Duration | Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men) | ongoing |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | strong_human |
DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal zona reticularis. It serves as a precursor for both androgens (testosterone, DHT via 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone via aromatase). DHEA-S (sulfated form) acts as a neurosteroid, positively modulating NMDA receptors and antagonizing GABA-A receptors (cognitive enhancement/alertness). It also modulates immune function (enhances Th1 immunity, IL-2 production), supports bone mineral density via estrogenic metabolites, enhances insulin sensitivity via PPAR-alpha activation, and opposes cortisol's catabolic effects (DHEA:cortisol ratio is a stress/aging biomarker).
25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women)
Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food.
Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men)
Sulforaphane is the most potent natural activator of the Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway. It modifies Keap1 cysteine residues, releasing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus and upregulate >200 cytoprotective genes including NQO1, glutathione S-transferases, heme oxygenase-1, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (Phase II detox enzymes). It also inhibits HDAC activity (epigenetic modification), induces Phase II/III xenobiotic metabolism, and suppresses NF-kB inflammatory signaling.
10-30mg sulforaphane daily (equivalent to ~100-200mg broccoli seed extract standardized to glucoraphanin + myrosinase)
On empty stomach or with light meal. Myrosinase enzyme required for conversion from glucoraphanin — ensure supplement contains it or add mustard seed powder.
ongoing
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