Glucosinolates

Related Terms

1,1-Bis[3'-(5-methoxyindolyl)]-1-(p-t-butylphenyl) methane, 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-substituted phenyl)methane, 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-t-butylphenyl)methane, 2-carboxy-5-nitrobenzne sulfonic acid, 3-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1H-indole, 3-(1H-indole-3-ylmethyl)-2-oxindole (2-ox-DIM), 3,3'-diindolylmethane, 3,3'-methanediylbis(1H-indole), 3,3'-methylene-bis-1H-indole, 3,3'-methylene-bisindole, 3,3'-methylenebisindole, 3,3'-methylenediindole, 3-diindolul methane, 3-[hydroxy-(1H-indol-3-yl)-methyl]-1,3-dihydro-2-oxindole (3-methylenehydroxy-2-ox-DIM), 3-hydroxy-3-(1H-indole-3-ylmethyl)-2-oxindole (3-hydroxy-2-ox-DIM), 3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate, arundine, B-DIM, BioResponse BR-DIM, BioResponse DIM?, bis(1H-indol-3-yl)methanol (3-methylenehydroxy-DIM), bis(3-indolyl)methane, Brassica spp., Brassicaceae, BR-DIM, C-DIMs, di-indoylmethane, diinolylmethane, DIM, DIM-C-pPhtBu, glucobrassicin, I33', I3C, indole dimer diindole methane, indole-3-carbinol, indoles, indolplex, indolyl-CH2-indolyl.

Background

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM or I33') is produced by indole-3-carbinol (I3C). I3C may be found in many vegetables in the Brassica family, like broccoli, cabbage, or brussels sprouts. I3C forms DIM when it comes into contact with stomach acid.
DIM is commonly used as a dietary supplement and is believed to have anticancer activity. The anticancer effects of DIM have been observed in many cancer cell lines, particularly breast and prostate cancer lines. According to one study, DIM may not be clinically superior to I3C, but it may enhance the effects of I3C.
There is increasing evidence that shows a link between estrogen metabolism and cancer, as well as increasing evidence showing that estrogen metabolism may be changed through increasing supplements such as DIM and I3C in the diet. Dietary intervention may be a potential way to change estrogen metabolism for cancer prevention. Some studies, however, caution that I3C may promote estrogen metabolite formation or activate estrogen receptors, which may cause tumors. More research is needed before a strong conclusion may be made.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary research on early-stage breast cancer shows that diindolylmethane may have an effect on estrogen metabolism, but it is unclear whether this translates to a reduced risk of cancer. Higher-quality evidence is needed before further conclusions can be made.

 C


Preliminary research on early-stage breast cancer shows that diindolylmethane may have an effect on estrogen metabolism, but it is unclear whether this translates to a reduced risk of cancer. Higher-quality evidence is needed before further conclusions can be made.

 C


Preliminary evidence shows that diindolylmethane may improve cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary evidence shows that diindolylmethane may improve cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary research shows that diindolylmethane may improve prostate cancer without causing significant toxicity. However, more research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary research shows that diindolylmethane may improve prostate cancer without causing significant toxicity. However, more research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
To treat cervical cancer, two milligrams of DIM per kilogram have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
DIM may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
DIM may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
DIM may also interact with agents that may affect electrolyte levels, agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may affect PPAR-gamma, agents that may affect protein kinase A, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiparasitic agents, estrogens, interferons, laxatives, and nicotine.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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