Indole-3-carbinol: Uses, Effectiveness and Side Effects

Indole-3-carbinol is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin found in vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, turnips, and rutabagas. Indole-3-carbinol is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed, or cooked. It can also be produced in the laboratory.

People use indole-3-carbinol for cancer prevention, to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work?

There is interest in indole-3-carbinol for cancer prevention, particularly breast, cervical, and colon cancer because diets with higher amounts of fruits and vegetables are linked to a decreased risk of these cancers. Indole-3-carbinol is present in several vegetables and might help protect against cancer.

Uses & Effectiveness

Abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix (cervical dysplasia). Early research shows that taking indole-3-carbinol by mouth helps treat cervical dysplasia.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer. Some women develop lesions on the vulva that can lead to skin cancer. Early research shows that taking indole-3-carbinol by mouth might reduce the size of these lesions and improve symptoms in some women with this condition.

Ovarian cancer. Early research shows that taking indole-3-carbinol along with standard chemotherapy and surgery allows women with ovarian cancer to live longer, and increases the time that they stay cancer-free.

Small, wart-like growths caused by HPV usually affect the voice box (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis). There is some evidence that long-term use of indole-3-carbinol might reduce wart-like growth in people with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

An autoimmune disease that causes widespread swelling (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE). Early research shows that taking indole-3-carbinol by mouth does not improve symptoms of SLE.

Fibromyalgia.

Preventing breast cancer, colon cancer, and other types of cancer.

Liver damage caused by chemicals.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Indole-3-carbinol is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken as a medicine under proper medical supervision. Doses up to 400 mg daily have been used safely for 3-76 months. It can cause side effects such as skin rashes and diarrhea.

In higher doses, indole-3-carbinol can cause balance problems, tremors, and nausea.

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