Effectiveness of Sulfodyne® for the management of premenstrual syndrome: a new real-life study

Effectiveness of Sulfodyne® for the management of premenstrual syndrome: a new real-life study

A real-life study on 50 women confirms the effectiveness of SULFODYNE®, the only extract with authentic, natural, active sulforaphane for the management of premenstrual syndrome.

Ingood by Olga / BECARRE Natural

Sulforaphane is a bioactive compound that is attracting increasing interest in the health field due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent research suggests that sulforaphane may benefit women's health in particular.

 

Women's health, a segment awaiting solutions

According to a study conducted by Ifop , 1 in 2 women suffer from menstrual pain 1 . Another key figure is that 10 to 20% of women suffer from endometriosis. And yet, there are no real solutions on the market to remedy these symptoms. With 8 out of 10 food supplements purchased by women in France, the women's health market is more than an opportunity, it is a segment in need of solutions 2 .

Women's health is very broad, encompassing several symptoms, periods of life or illnesses that have long been ignored by medical research, such as endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, etc. , which for the majority are linked to an uncontrolled inflammatory process. The role of sulforaphane, particularly through the activation of Nrf2, is gaining interest in the management of certain women's health issues such as endometriosis or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

 

SULFODYNE®, the only guenuine active ingredient standardized at 5% stable and active sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate naturally present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli in its precursor and inactive form, glucoraphanin. The molecule was discovered and isolated in 1992 by Professor Talalay at Johns Hopkins University.

Consuming broccoli does not ensure an efficient intake of sulforaphane, as this depends on a number of factors: the quality of the broccoli, the method of preparation, the storage conditions and above all, the hydrolysis capacity of the intestinal flora, which varies from one individual to another. For sulforaphane to be released and absorbed optimally by the body, its inactive precursor form, called glucoraphanin, must be converted into its active form by the action of an enzyme, myrosinase. This enzyme is contained in broccoli but can also be present in the intestinal flora of some people.

There are various broccoli extracts on the market, and the majority of them contain glucoraphanin, often under the misleading name of "sulforaphane glucosinolate," which is inactive in this form. Several studies have shown that the bioavailability of sulforaphane, after ingestion of glucoraphanin, is very low, around 10%. Conversely, ingestion of sulforaphane in its free form allows a high bioavailability of 70% 3 .

SULFODYNE® is the only broccoli seed extract that contains sulforaphane in its free, active and stable form and whose 5% titration is the highest on the world market. The study confirms that SULFODYNE® allows a bioavailability of sulforaphane of 70% of the result for the pure molecule 3 .

Protected by two patents, SULFODYNE® guarantees a bioavailability 7 times higher than that of other broccoli extracts containing glucoraphanin. In this form, sulforaphane is easily assimilated and therefore releases its potential in the body.

Myrosinase can be added to some glucoraphanin extracts to improve the bioavailability of sulforaphane. Studies show that this bioavailability remains around 30% 3,4 , far from the bioavailability of the free form of sulforaphane and SULFODYNE® (70%) 3 . Myrosinase is a sensitive enzyme that can be inactivated during the digestive process. The use of gastro-resistant capsules tends to slightly improve the bioavailability of extracts containing glucoraphanin and myrosinase but with an average of only around 36% 3,4 .

SULFODYNE® already contains the sulforaphane molecule in its free, active form and does not require conversion by myrosinase.

It is also interesting to note that inter-individual variation is very low with SULFODYNE® compared to other extracts containing glucoraphanin alone or with myrosinase.

In reality, not all products guarantee a sufficient concentration of bioavailable sulforaphane. Therefore, in partnership, Becarre Natural and Ingood by Olga aim to educate and raise awareness among market players about the importance of choosing the right source of sulforaphane, to ensure optimal bioavailability in the finished product and offer real effectiveness to consumers. Indeed, many consumers and healthcare professionals are still unaware of the significant differences between the various forms available on the market, which prevents them from making informed choices for their health.

 

The mechanisms of action of sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is known for its properties:

  • Antioxidants: Sulforaphane is a powerful indirect antioxidant. By activating the transcription factor Nrf2, it activates the expression of phase II enzymes involved in the body's detoxification process, as well as activating the expression of antioxidant enzymes that reduce oxidative stress and protect cells 5,6 .
  • Anti-inflammatory: Sulforaphane helps reduce and control inflammation by inhibiting the transcription factor NF- kB involved in the expression of inflammatory mediators7 .

These two mechanisms of action are at the origin of various health benefits, including detoxification, immunity, joint health but also women's health.

 

Premenstrual syndrome, so common and yet so little understood

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a set of physical and psychological symptoms that appear 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation, subside with the onset of menstrual flow, and are cyclical and recurring. PMS can be severe enough to negatively impact the quality of life of women who suffer from it.

The prevalence of PMS varies across studies and countries that use different diagnostic criteria. Nevertheless, PMS appears to be very common, affecting between 30 and 50% of women 8,9,10 of childbearing age worldwide.

The observed symptoms of PMS are both physical (breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, muscle pain, etc. ) and psychological (mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depression, etc. ).

 

Despite this high prevalence and extensive research, the causes of PMS are not yet fully defined and appear to be multifactorial:

  • Fluctuations in sex steroid hormones are undoubtedly important, but studies have not identified significant differences in levels of estrogen, progesterone, or other hormones between women who do and do not experience premenstrual symptoms 11 ;
  • Neural, psychosocial (stress, depression and anxiety), genetic and lifestyle factors (alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise and dietary habits) are also likely to influence the type and severity of symptoms experienced, but few contributing factors have been clearly established to date 12,13 .

Recently, another mechanism of action has been highlighted in the development of PMS: oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These factors are now considered likely elements in the onset of PMS, but also of preeclampsia and endometriosis. Indeed, biomarkers linked to oxidative stress and inflammation have been observed in women with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Notably, a study of women with PMS showed a correlation between elevated levels of inflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12) and total PMS symptom score 12 . Other markers such as TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6 are also elevated in women with PMS; these inflammatory markers are linked to migraine, a common symptom of PMS 12 .

Another study showed that women with PMS had higher concentrations of oxidative stress markers, such as ROS. These are thought to cause changes in the levels of certain neurotransmitters and could possibly cause damage to neuronal cells, producing changes in behavior (increased appetite and obesity) and mood, as well as the progression of symptoms of depression and anxiety 12 .

Inflammation has been shown to play a key role in the onset of menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea. Therefore, targeting inflammatory pathways represents a promising approach to alleviate or reduce menstrual pain and limit the systemic consequences of inflammation, which encompass the characteristic symptoms of “premenstrual syndrome” 14 .

 

 

SULFODYNE®, effective for the management of PMS

Sulforaphane’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been well described in the scientific literature, notably through the activation of Nrf2, allowing the reduction of certain markers of oxidative stress such as ROS but also pro-inflammatory parameters, reducing and controlling the inflammatory state of numerous in vitro and in vivo models.

Recent studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective activities of sulforaphane. In particular, results highlight an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of sulforaphane via the activation of Nrf2 15,16 .

These findings are consistent with the numerous studies that have demonstrated Nrf2-induced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in several stress paradigms and in different animal models of depression 16 .

Sulforaphane also has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects in several pain models 17,18,19 . These effects are explained by the decrease of IL6, IL-1β and TNF-α markers by sulforaphane. The latter induces a suppression of DOX2 and INOS and an upregulation of Keap1 and Nrf2. For example, sulforaphane relieves sciatic endometriosis-induced pain, which is mediated by the inhibition of inflammation 17 .

Other results highlight this anti-inflammatory activity of sulforaphane to reduce pain via enzymatic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), COX-1 and COX-2 and pro-inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1β) by inactivation of NF-κB 19 .

 

These different elements make sulforaphane a good candidate for a role in modulating the various symptoms of PMS, particularly by reducing inflammation via pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects while also providing anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects.

 

To obtain an initial proof of concept, Ingood by Olga conducted a real-life study with SULFODYNE® on 50 healthy female volunteers suffering from PMS. This consumer test was carried out from May to July 2024, for 3 cycles. It confirms the effectiveness of SULFODYNE® in improving quality of life and in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 20 .

 

The study was conducted on 50 women aged 20 to 40 with premenstrual symptoms, using the quota method. The ingredient was tested throughout France.

For 3 cycles, volunteers took SULFODYNE ® at a dose of 2 x 200mg per day, seven days before their period and on the first three days of their period.

The study shows that 82% of women who have tried SULFODYNE® say that the active ingredient meets their expectations in relieving their symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome.

The results indicate a reduction in physical and emotional symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome:

  • 84% of women notice a reduction in PMS discomfort
  • More than 9 out of 10 women notice an improvement in their emotional state
  • More than 9 out of 10 women report a reduction in their pain
  • Nearly 8 out of 10 women found they took less painkillers when taking SULFODYNE.

These initial results appear consistent with the elements already established on in vivo experiments of pain and depression presented above.

 

 

SULFODYNE® also allows a holistic approach to the management of PMS, with 86% of women reporting improved quality of life with SULFODYNE®.

The results demonstrated rapid action and effectiveness from the first menstrual cycle, with 94% of women finding SULFODYNE® fast-acting.

 

  • 84% of women are satisfied with SULFODYNE® for the management of premenstrual syndrome.
  • Consumer Approved: SULFODYNE® is recommended by more than 8 out of 10 women.
Strong purchase intention: 86% of women who have tried SULFODYNE® might buy it

 

In conclusion, SULFODYNE® helps reduce discomfort associated with PMS by being effective on both emotional and physical discomfort.

It meets consumers' expectations and contributes to improving the quality of life in the context of PMS. With consumer feedback being assessed, Ingood by Olga's objective is to continue its explorations and research in order to deepen understanding and study more precisely the role of SULFODYNE® in the management of PMS, particularly the mechanisms of action.

 

  1. Étude Ifop pour Intimina réalisée par questionnaire auto-administré en ligne du 17 au 28 avril 2021 auprès d’un échantillon de 1 010 femmes, représentatif de la population féminine française âgée de 15 à 49 ans résidant en France métropolitaine. 
  2. Council for responsible nutrition, consumer survey on dietary supplements, 2018
  3. Fahey et al., 2015. Sulforaphane Bioavailability from Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli: Control by Active Endogenous Myrosinase.
  4. Fahey et al., 2019. Bioavailability of Sulforaphane Following Ingestion of Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli Sprout and Seed Extracts with Active Myrosinase: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration
  5. Romeo et al.,2024 : Multiple Mechanisms of Action of Sulfodyne®, a Natural Antioxidant, against Pathogenic Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.
  6. Boddupalli et al., 2012. Mein JR, Lakkanna S, James DR. Induction of phase 2 antioxidant enzymes by broccoli sulforaphane: perspectives in maintaining the antioxidant activity of vitamins a, C, and e.
  7. Ruhee & Suzuki, 2024. The Immunomodulatory Effects of Sulforaphane in Exercise-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Prospective Nutraceutical. 
  8. Rezende et al., 2022. Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Associated Factors Among Academics of a University in Midwest Brazil.
  9. Tiranini & Nappi, 2022. Recent advances in understanding/management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder/premenstrual syndrome.
  10. Modzelewski et al., 2024. Premenstrual syndrome: new insights into etiology and review of treatment methods. Front Psychiatry.
  11. Bertone-Johnson, 2016. Chronic Inflammation and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Missing Link Found?
  12. Sultana et al., 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis of premenstrual syndrome with special emphasis on herbal medicine and nutritional supplements.
  13. Witkos & Hartman-Petrycka, 2021. The Influence of Running and Dancing on the Occurrence and Progression of Premenstrual Disorders.
  14. Azlan et al., 2013. Endometrial inflammasome activation accompanies menstruation and may have implications for systemic inflammatory events of the menstrual cycle.
  15. Martin-de-Saavedra et al., 2013. Nrf2 participates in depressive disorders through an anti-inflammatory mechanism.
  16. Ferreira-Chamorro et al., 2018. Sulforaphane Inhibited the Nociceptive Responses, Anxiety- and Depressive-Like Behaviors Associated With Neuropathic Pain and Improved the Anti-allodynic Effects of Morphine in Mice.
  17. Liu et al., 2020. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane on sciatic endometriosis in a rat model.
  18. Redondo et al., 2017. Treatment with Sulforaphane Produces Antinociception and Improves Morphine Effects during Inflammatory Pain in Mice.
  19. Guadarrama-Enriquez et al., 2023. Antinociceptive and antiedema effects produced in rats by Brassica oleracea var. italica sprouts involving sulforaphane.
  20. SULFODYNE® real-life study carried out by an independent research institute on 50 women in France in 2024.