Chemical Found In Broccoli Can Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth

Scientists have discovered that cruciferous vegetables - such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and turnips - are brimming with a natural chemical that can significantly lower your risk of cancer. The name of this extraordinary chemical is Indole-3-Carbinol, or I3C for short.

The reason Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is thought to provide such an effective defence against the disease is its ability to balance the two main chemical forms of the hormone oestrogen - 'estradiol' and 'estriol'.

'Estradiol' is a particularly potent form of oestrogen that's been strongly linked to cancer (especially breast and prostate cancer), unlike the weaker form 'estriol' which doesn't pose a risk. Over the past few years, mounting research has shown that supplementing with Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) can reduce 'estradiol' levels and increase those of 'estriol', thereby significantly decreasing the threat of breast or prostate cancer.

Studies have demonstrated that Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) encourages a process called apoptosis, which involves the elimination of damaged cells from your body. Not only that, but researchers have also found that Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) can help prevent cancer cells from growing - inhibiting cancer cells by an extraordinary 90 per cent in some cases (J Natl Cancer Inst 1994, 86(2):126-131).

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) works better than over 80 conventional drugs for breast cancer

One conventional drug that doctors commonly use to treat breast cancer is Tamoxifen. A drug that has been proved to work effectively in helping to prevent cancerous breast cells from dividing. However, scientists have found that Tamoxifen is not successful in fighting against all stages of breast cancer. For example, the drug is unable to stimulate certain genes, which are known to restrict cancerous cells from spreading.

This is why Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is fast proving to have a distinct advantage over Tamoxifen. Researchers comparing the benefits of the drug to those of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C), observed that Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) not only prevents cancerous cells in the breast from multiplying like Tamoxifen does, but it possesses additional benefits too (Cancer Res 1999, 59:1244-1251).

For example, certain specific breast cancer cells (called oestrogen receptor negative cells) treated with Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) stopped dividing immediately, whereas those treated with Tamoxifen remained unaffected. Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) was also found to stimulate a special gene called p21, which can successfully halt the spread of cancer, whereas Tamoxifen has no effect on this gene at all (Oncogene 2000, 19:5764-5771). In addition, Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is far safer than Tamoxifen, which can cause unpleasant side-effects such as hot flushes, vaginal bleeding, headache, rashes, fluid retention and even hair loss.

In fact, research has shown that Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is more effective than over 80 different drugs commonly used to treat the disease (Ann NY Acad Sci 1999, 889:204-213). Another benefit of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is that, following several chemical processes, it's transformed in your bowel into a substance called Di-Indolyl Methane (DIM) - another potent anti-breast cancer agent.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) helps prevent prostate cancer from spreading

Worryingly, prostate cancer is fast becoming one of the most prevalent types of cancer to affect men. This has made research into new treatments even more necessary than ever before.

Fortunately, scientists have discovered that I3C can both reduce the risk of prostate cancer and help treat the disease once it has already developed (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1996,141(1):68-75). Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) helps by encouraging the elimination of damaged cells from your prostate without destroying healthy cells - allowing these healthy cells to remain and perform their important functions undisturbed (Clin Cancer Res 2002,8 (4):1228-1236). Researchers have also found that Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) helps prevent prostate cancer cells from multiplying (Oncogene 2001,20(23):2927-2936).

The exact mechanism by which Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) works to achieve these spectacular results is still unknown. This is because research into the effects of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) on prostate cancer is not as extensive so far as that carried out into its effects on breast cancer. However, studies in this area are ongoing and NHR promises to keep you updated on the findings as soon as they become available.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) may also guard against chronic diseases like dementia and diabetes

The benefits of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) are not confined to fighting against breast or prostate cancer alone. It's also a potent antioxidant that can help ward off age-related disease.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is able to do this by limiting the damage caused by free radicals - it destroys any free radical toxins it encounters circulating in your blood stream. It also protects your DNA against a free radical attack, thereby preventing premature ageing and chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and dementia (Can Res 2001,61(16):6120-6130).

In the process of studying I3C's antioxidant benefits, scientists also uncovered yet another protective action it possesses. They found that Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) helps to stimulate and protect your liver enzymes, making it much easier for your liver to get rid of harmful toxins and poisons (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2001,174(2):146-152).

Supplementing with I3C is a much better option than eating five cabbages a day!

In order to get the equivalent of a standard 200mg capsule of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C), you would need to eat five small, whole cabbages! So, if you want to obtain the full range of health benefits Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) can provide, it's recommended that you take it in supplement form in addition to eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. However, it's important that you only take it under medical supervision if you have cancer, especially if you're already on medication.

The recommended dosage for women is 200mg twice a day. Pregnant women should not take I3C under any circumstances, as their pregnancy could be adversely affected.

For men the recommended dosage is 200mg three times a day. In addition it's best for both men and women to avoid taking antacid medication at the same time as taking Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C).