Dithiolthiones

PhytochemicalOrganosulfurBest with a meal

What is it

Dithiolthiones are a class of organosulfur compounds. The natural form is found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale). The synthetic version (oltipraz) has been studied as a chemopreventive agent.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Aflatoxin biomarker reduction (high-exposure populations)

Good Evidence

Field trials of oltipraz in aflatoxin-exposed populations showed reductions in DNA adduct biomarkers, with mixed clinical translation.

How it works

Dithiolthiones induce phase II detoxification enzymes (notably glutathione S-transferases) via activation of the Nrf2 pathway. This induction may enhance the body's ability to neutralize carcinogens and reactive electrophiles. Clinical studies of oltipraz have explored chemoprevention against aflatoxin-induced liver cancer in high-exposure populations. Some preventive effect has been documented in field trials, but oltipraz is not approved as a general consumer supplement.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation for isolated dithiolthiones. Cruciferous vegetable consumption provides small amounts naturally as part of a healthy diet.

When and how to take it

Dietary dithiolthiones are consumed with meals containing cruciferous vegetables. Pharmacological dosing follows trial protocols.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cruciferous vegetable consumption

Eat broccoli, cabbage, kale, and other crucifers for natural dithiolthione intake.

Natural dietary source; low pharmacological dose.

Oltipraz (synthetic)

Investigational chemopreventive agent; not a consumer supplement.

Studied in chemoprevention trials.

Safety

Dietary intake from cruciferous vegetables is safe. Pharmacological doses of oltipraz in trials produced gastrointestinal symptoms, photosensitivity, and abnormal liver enzymes in some participants.

Who should be cautious

Pharmacological supplementation should only occur in clinical trial settings. General population can safely consume cruciferous vegetables for natural dithiolthione intake.

Interactions

Pharmacological dithiolthiones may interact with drug metabolism via Nrf2 enzyme induction. Limited formal interaction data outside clinical trial settings.

Food sources

Broccoli

Amount
1/2 cup cooked
%DV
—

Cabbage

Amount
1/2 cup cooked
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Can dithiolthiones prevent cancer?⌄

Cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with lower cancer risk in observational studies. Direct effects of isolated dithiolthione supplements in well-nourished populations are unproven.

Should I take an oltipraz supplement?⌄

Oltipraz is not approved as a general consumer supplement. Eat cruciferous vegetables for natural dietary intake.

References

Dithiolthiones on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dithiolthiones (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.