What is Indole-3-Carbinol used for?

Indole-3-Carbinol can be used for a range of health issues. Besides being taken
to balance out hormonal levels, assist in detoxing or perhaps just as a general
health boost, it can be used to treat:
Cancer: A study conducted in Haifa, Israel at the Israel Institute of Technology
investigated the use of I3C on mice as a preventative as well as a therapeutic
treatment for cancer. Injected directly into the prostate tumour, it hindered th
e growth. It was found to regulate genes that played a significant role in the c
ontrol of cell cycle, cell proliferation and signal transduction.
Although more studies are being conducted worldwide to include a spectrum of fac
tors, Indole-3-Carbinol was found to impede estrogen receptors in breast membran
es, reducing the risk of breast cancer.
There is a repair protein known as BRCA that prevent damaged genetic DNA being p
assed to the next generation. Faulty BRCA genes increase the risk of developing
cancers. As low amounts of BRCA are seen in cancer cells, it is suggested that h
igher levels of BRCA will prevent further growth. It is proposed that Indole-3-C
arbinol will assist in boosting this repair protein.
The studies that are currently being undertaken include assessing I3C in conjunc
tion with various illnesses including Lymphoma and Leukemia. Please seek advice
from your doctor for further information regarding Indolei-3-Carbinol to treat c
ancer.

Fibromyalgia: A range of symptoms defines this musculoskeletal condition includi

ng muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, sleeping difficulty, fatigue and decrease
d pain threshold on tender points. These tender points, also defined as trigger
points, include hips, knees, outer elbows, upper chest, shoulders and back of he
ad. Suffering from this syndrome often leads to anxiety and depression.
Laryngeal papillomatosis: This is a tumour, caused by a virus, inside the voice
box. It can also be used to treat tumours in the respiratory tract.
Cervical dysplasia:This is a condition where there are abnormal cells on the sur
face of the cervix. It s a precancerous condition that s most commonly found in sexually
active women under the age of 30. Symptoms are not obvious and prognosis is oft
en discovered after a Pap test. If left untreated, the risk of developing cervic
al cancer heightens.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Also known as lupus, this autoimmune disease
is characterised by severe fatigue, joint pain, headaches, anaemia, facial rash
and blood clots. This disease attacks certain parts of the body in alternative
phases, which generally allows affected people to live a normal life. SLE is not
curative and the aim is to relieve the symptoms through diet and lifestyle choi
ces. Taking Indole-3-Carbinol may support cellular reproduction and assist in de
toxifying the body.
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: A trial conducted in the United Kingdom assess
ed women who suffered this disease and were randomized to receive 200 and 400mg
of Indole-3-Carbinol. It was found there was no difference between those who con
sumed 200mg and those who consumed 400mg. Nevertheless it proved to be successfu
l with lesion size and severity dramatically reduced with a better symptomatolog
y and vulvoscopic appearance however the vulval areas with the most traumas did
not improve.

What is the dosage?

It is recommended that 200-400mg a day be used. Consult with your doctor to esta
blish the appropriate amount for you.
What are the side effects?
Indole-3-Carbinol is still a relatively new breakthrough. Human trials have reve
aled side effects including skin rashes, intestinal pain, nausea, balance proble
ms, tremor or an increase in liver enzymes. If consumed in amounts relative to a
diet, it is safe, however any consumption should be taken under medical supervi
sion. If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking contraception, consult with
your doctor regarding the use of Indole-3-Carbinol.
Despite its benefits, there is evidence that prolonged use has tumour-promoting
properties in certain situations. A study in male rats showed fertility issues.
There is also a possibility it might increase the chances of osteoporosis in pos
tmenopausal women as it promotes the inactivation of estrogen. If you take medic
ation that is broken down in the liver, Indole-3-Carbinol may increase the rate
of it breaking down and decrease its effectiveness. It is important to seek advi
ce from your doctor regarding all the risks associated with any supplement.