Using Sulforaphane to Prevent Heart Dysfunction in Older Adults

Prevention of Age-associated Cardiac and Vascular Dysfunction Through Nrf2 Signaling Using the Nutritional Supplement Sulforaphane

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · NCT05408559

This study is testing if a compound called Sulforaphane can help prevent heart problems in older adults with heart failure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lubbock, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05408559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Sulforaphane (SFN) on preventing age-related cardiac dysfunction in individuals aged 60 and older diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The study will enroll 200 participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, assessing the impact of SFN on cardiac function through echocardiography and exercise endurance over 24 weeks. Blood samples will be analyzed for mitochondrial function, oxidative damage, and inflammatory markers to evaluate the biological effects of SFN treatment compared to placebo.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older with a diagnosis of HFpEF who can walk at least 500 feet.

Not a fit: Patients with active cancer, those unable to walk, or individuals using antioxidant supplements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic approach to improve heart function and quality of life for older adults with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Sulforaphane in this context is novel, previous studies have shown potential benefits of SFN in other health-related areas, suggesting a promising avenue for exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 60 years
* Diagnosis of HFpEF (HF symptoms with a normal EF (\>/=50 %)
* Ability to walk more than 500 feet (by self-report)
* Willing to avoid taking all over the counter antioxidant phytochemical supplements (vegetable or fruit-containing supplement pills) during the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to provide informed consent
* Diagnosis of active cancer
* Inability to read and understand the SF-36 in English
* Participants using over the counter antioxidant supplements
* Participants with pulmonary or other issues which restrict walking capacity
* On oxygen therapy

Where this trial is running

Lubbock, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diastolic DysfunctionSystolic DysfunctionDiastolic Heart FailureSulforaphaneoxidative stressHFpEFHFrEFArterial function
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.