Indole-3-carbinol / I3C

What it acts on

1. Aqueous acid converted I3C into a mixture containing DIM and several higher oligomers.

   Indole-3-carbinol / I3C → 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM source_derived_draftungraded
   Experimental context and source evidence

   evidence_span

   {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/1643248.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0e674dfc9369a32cb568674108ab6ecd17d2068f2b53fab579ec963d6d15a7e7", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1580, "text_sha256": "0e674dfc9369a32cb568674108ab6ecd17d2068f2b53fab579ec963d6d15a7e7"}

   experimental_model

   Acid-catalyzed reaction and HPLC product identification

   exposure

   I3C in aqueous acid; pH and concentration varied

   limitations

   A chemical model produces several products; reported yields are not human absorption or conversion fractions.

   nutrient_topic

   Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. · 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM

   organism

   Cell-free chemical system

   plain_language

   DIM is one product of precursor chemistry; it is not the whole mixture produced from I3C.

   primary_references

   [dim-p1643248] Oligomerization of indole-3-carbinol in aqueous acid. (1992). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1643248/ DOI: 10.1021/tx00026a007

   tissue_or_cell_type

   Gastric-acid approximation

   Diindolylmethane (DIM): formation, receptor signaling, metabolism and drug interactions (2026-09-17) · lines 155–166

   AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Acid-catalyzed reaction and HPLC product identification · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

   ### dim-i3c-condensation Aqueous acid converted I3C into a mixture containing DIM and several higher oligomers. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. plain_language: DIM is one product of precursor chemistry; it is not the whole mixture produced from I3C. organism: Cell-free chemical system tissue_or_cell_type: Gastric-acid approximation experimental_model: Acid-catalyzed reaction and HPLC product identification limitations: A chemical model produces several products; reported yields are not human absorption or conversion fractions. exposure: I3C in aqueous acid; pH and concentration varied evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/1643248.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0e674dfc9369a32cb568674108ab6ecd17d2068f2b53fab579ec963d6d15a7e7", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1580, "text_sha256": "0e674dfc9369a32cb568674108ab6ecd17d2068f2b53fab579ec963d6d15a7e7"} [dim-p1643248] Oligomerization of indole-3-carbinol in aqueous acid. (1992). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1643248/ DOI: 10.1021/tx00026a007

   Complete structured claim and evidence

2. DIM was detected after oral I3C, whereas parent I3C was not detected by the plasma assay.

   Indole-3-carbinol / I3C → 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM source_derived_draftungraded
   Experimental context and source evidence

   evidence_span

   {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/17164373.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1606, "text_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298"}

   experimental_model

   Phase I single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetics

   exposure

   I3C single doses 400-1200 mg and repeated-dose follow-up

   limitations

   I3C intervention, not purified DIM. Assay detection limits and interindividual variation matter.

   nutrient_topic

   Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. · 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM

   organism

   Women given I3C

   plain_language

   The compound swallowed differed from the compound measured in blood.

   primary_references

   [dim-p17164373] Single-dose and multiple-dose administration of indole-3-carbinol to women: pharmacokinetics based on 3,3'-diindolylmethane. (2006). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17164373/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-0396

   tissue_or_cell_type

   Plasma I3C and condensation products

   Diindolylmethane (DIM): formation, receptor signaling, metabolism and drug interactions (2026-09-17) · lines 168–179

   AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Phase I single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetics · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

   ### dim-i3c-dim-blood DIM was detected after oral I3C, whereas parent I3C was not detected by the plasma assay. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. plain_language: The compound swallowed differed from the compound measured in blood. organism: Women given I3C tissue_or_cell_type: Plasma I3C and condensation products experimental_model: Phase I single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetics limitations: I3C intervention, not purified DIM. Assay detection limits and interindividual variation matter. exposure: I3C single doses 400-1200 mg and repeated-dose follow-up evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/17164373.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1606, "text_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298"} [dim-p17164373] Single-dose and multiple-dose administration of indole-3-carbinol to women: pharmacokinetics based on 3,3'-diindolylmethane. (2006). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17164373/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-0396

   Complete structured claim and evidence

3. I3C increased caffeine-probed CYP1A2 activity in 94% of participants in the phase I study.

   Indole-3-carbinol / I3C → Human cytochrome P450 1A2 source_derived_draftungraded
   Experimental context and source evidence

   evidence_span

   {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/16103443.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1706, "text_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4"}

   experimental_model

   Phase I placebo run-in and dose escalation

   exposure

   I3C 400 mg/day then 800 mg/day for four weeks each

   limitations

   The administered compound was I3C, not DIM. Multiple acid-condensation products and nonrandomized sequential periods prevent assigning the observed fold change specifically to DIM.

   nutrient_topic

   Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. · 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM

   organism

   17 women at elevated breast-cancer risk

   plain_language

   There is human evidence for the precursor, but it must not be silently relabeled as a DIM trial.

   primary_references

   [dim-p16103443] A phase I study of indole-3-carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. (2005). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16103443/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0121

   tissue_or_cell_type

   Caffeine CYP1A2 phenotype and estrogen metabolites

   Diindolylmethane (DIM): formation, receptor signaling, metabolism and drug interactions (2026-09-17) · lines 1026–1037

   AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Phase I placebo run-in and dose escalation · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

   ### dim-i3c-human-1a2 I3C increased caffeine-probed CYP1A2 activity in 94% of participants in the phase I study. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. plain_language: There is human evidence for the precursor, but it must not be silently relabeled as a DIM trial. organism: 17 women at elevated breast-cancer risk tissue_or_cell_type: Caffeine CYP1A2 phenotype and estrogen metabolites experimental_model: Phase I placebo run-in and dose escalation limitations: The administered compound was I3C, not DIM. Multiple acid-condensation products and nonrandomized sequential periods prevent assigning the observed fold change specifically to DIM. exposure: I3C 400 mg/day then 800 mg/day for four weeks each evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/16103443.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1706, "text_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4"} [dim-p16103443] A phase I study of indole-3-carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. (2005). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16103443/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0121

   Complete structured claim and evidence

4. Mean DIM peak concentration rose from 61 to 607 ng/mL between 400 and 1000 mg I3C, with no further increase at 1200 mg and substantial individual variation.

   Indole-3-carbinol / I3C → Plasma DIM exposure source_derived_draftungraded
   Experimental context and source evidence

   evidence_span

   {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/17164373.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1606, "text_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298"}

   experimental_model

   Phase I single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetics

   exposure

   I3C single doses 400-1200 mg and repeated-dose follow-up

   limitations

   I3C intervention, not purified DIM. Assay detection limits and interindividual variation matter.

   nutrient_topic

   Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. · 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM

   organism

   Women given I3C

   plain_language

   Exposure did not continue rising proportionally as the precursor dose increased.

   primary_references

   [dim-p17164373] Single-dose and multiple-dose administration of indole-3-carbinol to women: pharmacokinetics based on 3,3'-diindolylmethane. (2006). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17164373/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-0396

   tissue_or_cell_type

   Plasma I3C and condensation products

   Diindolylmethane (DIM): formation, receptor signaling, metabolism and drug interactions (2026-09-17) · lines 181–192

   AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Phase I single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetics · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

   ### dim-i3c-pk-nonlinear Mean DIM peak concentration rose from 61 to 607 ng/mL between 400 and 1000 mg I3C, with no further increase at 1200 mg and substantial individual variation. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. plain_language: Exposure did not continue rising proportionally as the precursor dose increased. organism: Women given I3C tissue_or_cell_type: Plasma I3C and condensation products experimental_model: Phase I single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetics limitations: I3C intervention, not purified DIM. Assay detection limits and interindividual variation matter. exposure: I3C single doses 400-1200 mg and repeated-dose follow-up evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/17164373.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1606, "text_sha256": "610f95545a8b0fa523b17baa7798c2936b9af5bc789257b3fc98bb0aae2bc298"} [dim-p17164373] Single-dose and multiple-dose administration of indole-3-carbinol to women: pharmacokinetics based on 3,3'-diindolylmethane. (2006). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17164373/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-0396

   Complete structured claim and evidence

5. I3C increased the urinary 2-to-16-alpha-hydroxyestrone ratio without significant changes in the reported serum hormones.

   Indole-3-carbinol / I3C → Urinary 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone ratio source_derived_draftungraded
   Experimental context and source evidence

   evidence_span

   {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/16103443.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1706, "text_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4"}

   experimental_model

   Phase I placebo run-in and dose escalation

   exposure

   I3C 400 mg/day then 800 mg/day for four weeks each

   limitations

   The administered compound was I3C, not DIM. Multiple acid-condensation products and nonrandomized sequential periods prevent assigning the observed fold change specifically to DIM.

   nutrient_topic

   Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. · 3,3'-Diindolylmethane / DIM

   organism

   17 women at elevated breast-cancer risk

   plain_language

   Changing metabolite proportions is different from lowering every circulating hormone.

   primary_references

   [dim-p16103443] A phase I study of indole-3-carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. (2005). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16103443/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0121

   tissue_or_cell_type

   Caffeine CYP1A2 phenotype and estrogen metabolites

   Diindolylmethane (DIM): formation, receptor signaling, metabolism and drug interactions (2026-09-17) · lines 1039–1050

   AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Phase I placebo run-in and dose escalation · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft

   ### dim-i3c-ratio I3C increased the urinary 2-to-16-alpha-hydroxyestrone ratio without significant changes in the reported serum hormones. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Diindolylmethane (DIM) research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct dietary effect. plain_language: Changing metabolite proportions is different from lowering every circulating hormone. organism: 17 women at elevated breast-cancer risk tissue_or_cell_type: Caffeine CYP1A2 phenotype and estrogen metabolites experimental_model: Phase I placebo run-in and dose escalation limitations: The administered compound was I3C, not DIM. Multiple acid-condensation products and nonrandomized sequential periods prevent assigning the observed fold change specifically to DIM. exposure: I3C 400 mg/day then 800 mg/day for four weeks each evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/dim-research/16103443.abstract.txt", "locator": "Primary indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1706, "text_sha256": "ece0ac1a0c31053cdc1ec3eefbf9c78887018e0eddf2db36c3a1a07c998e15c4"} [dim-p16103443] A phase I study of indole-3-carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. (2005). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16103443/ DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0121

   Complete structured claim and evidence