Sulforaphane and sulforaphene, as 2 kinds of naturally occurring bioactive compounds belonging to the same class of isothiocyanates, are widely distributed in cruciferous plants. They not only exhibit highly similar structural characteristics but also share multiple biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects. In recent years, groundbreaking research has been conducted on their metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Initially, the conversion mechanisms of their glucosinolate precursors within plants are elucidated, followed by a systematic investigation of their in vivo metabolic pathways, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties. Moreover, organ and tissue distribution studies have facilitated the construction of their metabolic maps. Notably, while sulforaphane has garnered increasing scientific attention, its structurally similar counterpart, sulforaphene, has yet to attract comparable research interest. Currently, there remains a significant gap in the systematic metabolic studies of isothiocyanate compounds within the domestic academic community, particularly concerning comprehensive reviews on metabolic pathways and key biomarkers. This study integrated cutting-edge international research and systematically delineated the metabolic regulatory networks of sulforaphane and sulforaphene. By providing theoretical support for dietary development and clinical translation, it also proposes innovative research strategies to address the research bottlenecks of sulforaphene, aiming to drive breakthrough advancements in this field.