Sulforaphane in Cutaneous Disorders and Skin Injury: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Clinical Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Molecular Biology
• Natural Products in Medicine

Background:

• Common skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, alongside UV damage, stem from complex factors including inflammation and oxidative stress.
• These conditions are biologically diverse, not a single entity.
• Sulforaphane, derived from cruciferous vegetables, possesses antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a subject of dermatological interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the role of sulforaphane in various heterogeneous cutaneous conditions.
• To explore its molecular mechanisms, disease-specific effects, and current evidence.
• To discuss translational challenges and limitations in predicting human efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies and limited human data on sulforaphane's effects on skin.
• Analysis of sulforaphane's impact on key signaling pathways (Keap1/Nrf2, NF-κB).
• Examination of evidence related to oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, barrier function, and microbiome.

Main Results:

• Sulforaphane modulates key signaling pathways to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and enhance skin barrier function.
• Preclinical and some human data suggest potential benefits in reducing erythema and edema in specific contexts.
• Strongest current human evidence supports sulforaphane for UV-associated skin outcomes and photoprotection.

Conclusions:

• Sulforaphane is a promising, early-stage translational candidate in dermatology.
• Robust human efficacy data are lacking for chronic inflammatory dermatoses (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea).
• Further research is needed to overcome translational constraints like formulation, delivery, and dosing standardization.