Effects of sulforaphane on negative symptoms and cognitive impairments in chronic schizophrenia patients: A randomized double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND

The pathological mechanisms of negative symptoms and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia may involve oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Sulforaphane is an organosulfur compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy in ameliorating negative symptoms and cognitive impairments in chronic schizophrenia patients.

METHOD

This 24-week double-blind randomised trial (NCT04521868) recruited schizophrenia patients with significant negative symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either sulforaphane or placebo and were required to complete at least one post-intervention assessment to evaluate changes in negative symptoms and cognitive functioning. Existing antipsychotic medication treatment regimens remained unchanged throughout the study.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients were included in the statistical analysis, with 28 receiving sulforaphane and 14 assigned to placebo. Sulforaphane significantly reduced the Negative Symptom Score from the PANSS 5-Factor model between groups (p = 0.007) and exhibited a significant time-by-group interaction (p = 0.023), with more pronounced group differences observed after 12 weeks compared to 24 weeks of treatment. Sulforaphane also demonstrated a significant reduction in the original PANSS Negative Symptom Score between groups (p = 0.029). However, sulforaphane showed no significant effects on the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery composite score or its subscores.

CONCLUSION

The significant improvements in the Negative Symptom Score from the PANSS 5-Factor model and the original PANSS Negative Symptom Score in the sulforaphane group suggest the potential of sulforaphane as an adjunctive treatment for ameliorating negative symptoms in chronic schizophrenia. Further research is warranted to explore the effects of sulforaphane on cognitive function.