Indole-3-carbinol

Indole-3-carbinol is a novel secondary plant metabolite produced in cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.

Indole-3-carbinol has been used for encapsulation with poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), to study its in-vitro anti-cancerogenic effects on breast adenocarcinoma epithelial (MCF7), colon adenocarcinoma epithelial (Caco2), prostate carcinoma epithelial (PC3) cells. It has also been used as a cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) inducer.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Thus, it acts as a potential anti-cancer agent. In addition, it induces estradiol metabolism by stimulating cytochrome P450 enzymes. Therefore, I3C is considered to be a potent chemotherapeutic for various types of cancer including, breast, prostate, colon cancer, and leukemia.

Inhibits cancinogenesis at the initiation stage. Has be shown to inhibit carcinogenesis in several animal species, but it enhances tumor incidence if administered at a post-initiation stage. Found in cruciferous vegetables.