Broccoli sprout extracts may help manage schizophrenia

A chemical derived from broccoli sprouts can be used to manage schizophrenia symptoms, scientists have found, paving the way for treatments that reduces unwanted side effects of traditional medicines.

Scientists from Johns Hopkins University in the US characterised a set of chemical imbalances in the brains of people with schizophrenia related to the chemical glutamate.

Supplementing with broccoli sprout extract, which contains high levels of the chemical sulphoraphane, may someday provide a way to tweak the level of chemical glutamate.

Sulphoraphane is found in a variety of cruciferous vegetables, and was first identified as a "chemoprotective" substance decades ago, researchers said.

"It's possible that future studies could show sulphoraphane to be a safe supplement to give people at risk of developing schizophrenia as a way to prevent, delay or blunt the onset of symptoms," said Akira Sawa, a professor at the Johns Hopkins University.

Schizophrenia is marked by hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking, feeling, behaviour, perception and speaking.

Drugs used to treat schizophrenia don't work completely for everyone, and they can cause a variety of undesirable side effects, including metabolic problems increasing cardiovascular risk, involuntary movements, restlessness, stiffness and "the shakes."