Indole-3-carbinol is one of the major anticancer substances found in cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables. Indole-3-Carbinol is a dietary supplement that is used to treat breast cancer. It is a member of the class of sulfur-containing chemicals called glucosinolates.1 It is formed from parent compounds whenever cruciferous vegetables are crushed or cooked.
Indole-carbinol also known as I3C, Indole, and Indole-3-Methanol may have cancer chemopreventive activity. Glucosinolates themselves have minimal anticancer activity. Indole-3-carbinl is found in highest concentrations in broccoli, but is also found in other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.

Health benefits



Feeding indole-3-carbinol or broccoli has dramatically reduced the frequency, size, and number of tumors in laboratory rats exposed to a carcinogen. It appears to be especially protective against breast13 14 15 16 and cervical17 18 cancers because of a number of actions, including an ability to increase the breakdown of estrogen



Contraindication

Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest

Chest pain

Increased blood cholesterol level (fat in your blood)

Slight increase in the number and amount of bowel movements

Decreased constipation (hard stools)

skin care 101Liver problems (in animals)
• Skin rash

Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin



Indole-3-carbinol is contraindicated in those hypersensitive to this substance or to any component of an indole-3-carbinol-containing product.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid indole-carbinol supplements pending long-term safety studies. Those with cancer should confer with their physician before deciding to use indole-3-carbinol.
Before Using: Tell your doctor if you...
>

are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine

are breast feeding