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I3C7.5
Indole-3-Carbinol Research
Likely helpsModerate safety
33 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Indole-3-Carbinol appears to help in 3 of 3 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2001–2026 with a typical study size of 23 participants.
Based on 33 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 9 RCTs · 780 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
3helped· 30 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational21 studies
Women's healthMay help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes · 4-8 weeks · Supports healthy estrogen metabolism and hormonal equilibrium · 4-8 weeks · May help reduce menstrual discomfort and PMS symptoms · 1-3 cycles
15 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024
200120132026
1Breast cancer risk reductionSystematic ReviewCited 5×2025
Integrating cruciferous vegetables and their bioactive compounds in light of an individual's microbiome profile as a complementary approach alongside standard treatments is a promising strategy in breast cancer care.
Ho E et al. · Annual review of nutrition (2025)
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with varying subtypes, prognoses, and treatment responses.
Cruciferous vegetables have shown promise in reducing breast cancer risk.
Integrating cruciferous vegetables and their bioactive compounds in light of an individual's microbiome profile as a complementary approach alongside standard treatments is a promising strategy in breast cancer care.
Thus, I3C prevents the toxicities caused by chemicals in the surrounding environment as well as those of consumed drugs.
Gerges MN et al. · Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology (2025)
Moreover, it reduces fetal malformation and protects against micronuclei formation and calstogenecity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in bone marrow cells.
It also attenuates methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity, mitigates neurotoxicity caused by thioacetamide and clonidine, and protects against aspirin side effects in gastric mucosa.
Furthermore, its nanoparticles inhibit neuronal damage caused by glutamate and rotenone.
3Prevention and treatment of chronic diseases including inflammation, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, and osteoporosisSystematic ReviewCited 29×2023
This article reviews current knowledge of the occurrence of I3C in nature and foods, along with the beneficial effects of I3C and DIM concerning prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases, focusing on preclinical studies and their mechanisms of action at cellular and molecular levels.
Amarakoon D et al. · Annual review of food science and technology (2023)
One of its main in vivo metabolites is 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), formed by the condensation of two molecules of I3C.
Both I3C and DIM alter multiple signaling pathways and related molecules controlling diverse cellular events, including oxidation, inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immunity.
There is a growing body of evidence from both in vitro and in vivo models that these compounds possess strong potential to prevent several forms of chronic disease such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, and osteoporosis.
4Liver disease treatment through modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipogenesisSystematic ReviewCited 3×2024
Mechanistically, I3C and DIM modulate various pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipogenesis.
Tian C et al. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2024)
Mechanistically, I3C and DIM modulate various pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipogenesis.
This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the regulatory roles of I3C and DIM in these liver diseases and explore the potential of plant-derived substances in liver disease treatment.
Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function.
Galanty A et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2024)
We analyzed the results of 123 articles of in vitro, animal, and human studies, describing the impact of brassica plants and extracts on thyroid mass and histology, blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, and the effect on thyroid cancer cells.
We also presented the mechanisms of the goitrogenic potential of GLSs and ITCs, the limitations of the studies included, as well as further research directions.
The vast majority of the results cast doubt on previous assumptions claiming that brassica plants have antithyroid effects in humans.
This systematic-review examined the effects of Indole-3-Carbinol.
Behera A et al. · Cell death & disease (2023)
In this review, we discuss the evolutionary perspective, structure, and functions of WWP1 and its multilevel regulation by various regulators.
We also examine its emerging roles in cancer progression and its therapeutic potential.
Finally, we highlight WWP1's role in normal physiology, contribution to pathological conditions, and therapeutic potential for cancer and other diseases.
Karimabad MN et al. · Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry (2023)
Furthermore, 75 to 80% of the global population use herbal remedies as primary therapy, mainly because of their better efficiency and satisfaction, which elevate the human body symmetry with the minimum unwanted adverse effects.
For the control of cancer, plant products, and fruits have been considered promising tools and are being consumed for centuries.
Several plant extracts are also being used for the therapy and prevention of different types of known cancers.
8Inflammatory bowel disease protection through Th17/Treg balance regulationSystematic ReviewCited 70×2021
Recently, a growing body of studies has indicated that phytochemicals derived from natural products are potent regulators of Th17/Treg, and exert preferable protective benefits against colonic infl...
Chang Y et al. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2021)
Recently, a growing body of studies has indicated that phytochemicals derived from natural products are potent regulators of Th17/Treg, and exert preferable protective benefits against colonic inflammation.
9Colorectal cancer growthSystematic ReviewCited 115×2022
Additionally, extensive molecular interactions between tryptophan metabolites and intracellular signaling pathways will be thoroughly discussed.
Ala M · International reviews of immunology (2022)
Serotonin system also increases colorectal cancer cells proliferation and metastasis while, indole metabolites can profoundly decrease colorectal cancer growth.
Furthermore, it will be explained how indole metabolites supplementation, inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), KMO and serotonin receptors can protect against colorectal cancer.
Additionally, extensive molecular interactions between tryptophan metabolites and intracellular signaling pathways will be thoroughly discussed.
10Tumorigenesis and cancer susceptibilitySystematic ReviewCited 24×2022
In turn this unfolding regulatory network is allowing for the identification of genes directly involved in both tumorigenesis at large and cancer susceptibility syndromes.
Song MS et al. · Seminars in cancer biology (2022)
In turn this unfolding regulatory network is allowing for the identification of genes directly involved in both tumorigenesis at large and cancer susceptibility syndromes.
While the complexity of this regulatory network is still being unraveled, these new findings are paving the way for novel therapeutic modalities for cancer prevention and therapy as well as for other diseases.
Here we will review the signal transduction and therapeutic implications of the cross-talk between HECT family members and PTEN.
Therefore, a supplement that contains these micronutrients, using the safest form and dosage should be investigated in future breast cancer chemoprevention studies and as part of standard breast ca...
Mokbel K et al. · In vivo (Athens, Greece) (2019)
Therefore, a supplement that contains these micronutrients, using the safest form and dosage should be investigated in future breast cancer chemoprevention studies and as part of standard breast cancer therapy.
14I3C and DIM role in chronic disease preventionSystematic ReviewCited 30×2016
This chapter summarizes the current experimental data on the I3C and DIM activity and the results of clinical studies indicating their role in prevention of chronic diseases.
Licznerska B et al. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology (2016)
Initially, these compounds were classified as blocking agents that increase drug-metabolizing enzyme activity.
Now it is widely accepted that I3C and DIM affect multiple signaling pathways and target molecules controlling cell division, apoptosis, or angiogenesis deregulated in cancer cells.
Although most of the current data support the role of I3C and DIM in prevention of hormone-dependent cancers, it seems that their application in prevention of the other cancer as well as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes reduction is also possible.
Some degree of the cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects of indole-3-carbinol on colon cancer cells is dependent on activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Megna BW et al. · The Journal of surgical research (2016)
Some degree of the cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects of indole-3-carbinol on colon cancer cells is dependent on activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
This represents a novel mechanism for the molecular action of indole-3-carbinol and enhances our understanding of its effects in the context of colorectal cancer.
Continued preclinical study of both indole-3-carbinol and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway is warranted, which may one day lead to novel diet-derived colon cancer treatments that enlist the AHR.
18Cancer prevention potential of glucosinolatesSystematic Review2026
The described compounds are bioavailable in humans and modulate the clinically relevant pathways linked to carcinogenesis.
Labudda M et al. · Nutrients (2026)
The described compounds are bioavailable in humans and modulate the clinically relevant pathways linked to carcinogenesis.
Larger, standardized interventions are needed to determine effective intake levels, optimize bioavailability, and define their potential role in evidence-based nutritional strategies for cancer prevention.
19Chemopreventive effects of I3C, DIM and cardamom constituentsSystematic ReviewCited 37×2010
This review is focused on the patents generated on the effects of I3C, DIM and selected phytochemicals of cardamom on carcinogenesis.
Acharya A et al. · Recent patents on food, nutrition & agriculture (2010)
Likewise, DIM and its derivatives are patented for treatment and prevention of leiomyomas, HPV infection, respiratory syncytial virus, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis and anti-proliferative actions.
On the other hand, phytochemicals in cardamom have not been explored in great details but limonene and cineole demonstrate promising effects against carcinogenesis.
Thus studies with selected phytochemicals of cardamom and bioavailability research might lead to many patent applications.
While the current information is intriguing, future I3C research needs to focus on why these changes in nuclear transcription factors occur and how they relate to phenotypic responses and the quantity and duration of exposure to I3C and its dimer 3,3'-diindolylmethane.
Kim YS et al. · The Journal of nutritional biochemistry (2005)
Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence indicate that indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a key bioactive food component in cruciferous vegetables, has multiple anticarcinogenic and antitumorigenic properties.
Evidence that p21, p27, cyclin-dependent kinases, retinoblastoma, Bax/Bcl-2, cytochrome P-450 1A1 and GADD153 are targets for I3C already exists.
Modification of nuclear transcription factors including Sp1, estrogen receptor, nuclear factor kappaB and aryl hydrocarbon receptor may represent a common site of action to help explain downstream cellular responses to dietary I3C and, ultimately, to its anticancer properties.