Indole-3-carbinol: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:22, 15 February 2025

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a compound that is derived from the breakdown of glucobrassicin, a glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale. It is of interest due to its potential health benefits and its role in cancer prevention.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit]

Indole-3-carbinol is an indole derivative with the chemical formula C₉H₉NO. It is characterized by an indole ring structure with a carbinol group attached at the third position. This compound is relatively unstable and can undergo further reactions to form various derivatives, including diindolylmethane (DIM).

Sources[edit]

Indole-3-carbinol is naturally present in cruciferous vegetables. When these vegetables are chopped or chewed, the enzyme myrosinase is activated, converting glucobrassicin into indole-3-carbinol. Cooking methods can affect the levels of I3C, with steaming preserving more of the compound compared to boiling.

Biological Activity[edit]

Indole-3-carbinol has been studied for its potential effects on human health. It is believed to influence estrogen metabolism, potentially reducing the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. I3C may also have antioxidant properties and modulate detoxification enzymes in the liver.

Potential Health Benefits[edit]

Research suggests that indole-3-carbinol may have several health benefits:

Cancer Prevention: I3C is thought to help prevent the development of certain types of cancer by modulating hormone metabolism and enhancing the body's detoxification processes.
Antioxidant Effects: It may help protect cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
Immune Support: Some studies indicate that I3C can enhance immune function, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Safety and Dosage[edit]

While indole-3-carbinol is generally considered safe when consumed as part of a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, high doses in supplement form may have adverse effects. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking I3C supplements, especially for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Indole-3-carbinol''' (I3C) is a compound naturally occurring in cruciferous vegetables such as [[broccoli]], [[Brussels sprouts]], and [[cabbage]]. It is produced when these vegetables are chopped, chewed, or cooked. I3C is a subject of scientific research, as it has been found to have potential health benefits, including possible cancer prevention properties.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Indole-3-carbinol}}
+[[File:Indole-3-carbinol.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Indole-3-carbinol]]
+'''Indole-3-carbinol''' (I3C) is a compound that is derived from the breakdown of [[glucobrassicin]], a glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables such as [[broccoli]], [[Brussels sprouts]], [[cabbage]], and [[kale]]. It is of interest due to its potential health benefits and its role in [[cancer]] prevention.
 ==Chemical Structure and Properties==
-Indole-3-carbinol is a member of the class of compounds known as [[indoles]]. It has a bicyclic structure, consisting of a six-membered benzene ring fused to a five-membered nitrogen-containing pyrrole ring. The carbinol part of the molecule refers to the hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the carbon at the 3-position of the indole ring.
+Indole-3-carbinol is an [[indole]] derivative with the chemical formula C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>9</sub>NO. It is characterized by an indole ring structure with a carbinol group attached at the third position. This compound is relatively unstable and can undergo further reactions to form various derivatives, including [[diindolylmethane]] (DIM).
-==Sources and Intake==
+==Sources==
-The primary dietary sources of indole-3-carbinol are cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, [[cauliflower]], [[kale]], and [[collard greens]]. The amount of I3C in these foods can vary depending on factors such as the specific type of vegetable, its maturity, and the way it is prepared.
+Indole-3-carbinol is naturally present in cruciferous vegetables. When these vegetables are chopped or chewed, the enzyme [[myrosinase]] is activated, converting glucobrassicin into indole-3-carbinol. Cooking methods can affect the levels of I3C, with steaming preserving more of the compound compared to boiling.
-==Health Benefits==
+==Biological Activity==
-Research has suggested that indole-3-carbinol may have several health benefits. It has been found to have [[antioxidant]] properties, meaning it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. I3C has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
+Indole-3-carbinol has been studied for its potential effects on human health. It is believed to influence [[estrogen]] metabolism, potentially reducing the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers such as [[breast cancer]] and [[prostate cancer]]. I3C may also have antioxidant properties and modulate [[detoxification]] enzymes in the liver.
-One of the most significant areas of research regarding I3C is its potential role in cancer prevention. Some studies have suggested that it may help to prevent or slow the growth of certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms by which I3C may exert these effects.
+==Potential Health Benefits==
+Research suggests that indole-3-carbinol may have several health benefits:
-==Safety and Side Effects==
+* '''Cancer Prevention:''' I3C is thought to help prevent the development of certain types of cancer by modulating hormone metabolism and enhancing the body's detoxification processes.
-Indole-3-carbinol is generally considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in foods. However, taking I3C supplements can cause side effects in some people, including skin rashes and digestive problems. High doses of I3C can also affect hormone levels, which can have various effects on the body.
+* '''Antioxidant Effects:''' It may help protect cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
+* '''Immune Support:''' Some studies indicate that I3C can enhance immune function, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
-==See Also==
+==Safety and Dosage==
+While indole-3-carbinol is generally considered safe when consumed as part of a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, high doses in supplement form may have adverse effects. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking I3C supplements, especially for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Glucosinolate]]
+* [[Diindolylmethane]]
 * [[Cruciferous vegetables]]
-* [[Indoles]]
-* [[Antioxidants]]
 * [[Cancer prevention]]
+[[Category:Indoles]]
 [[Category:Phytochemicals]]
-[[Category:Indoles]]
+[[Category:Nutrition]]
-[[Category:Antioxidants]]
-[[Category:Cancer prevention]]
-{{Phytochemicals}}
-{{Indoles}}
-{{Antioxidants}}
-{{Cancer prevention}}
-{{medicine-stub}}