DI-INDOLYLMETHANE
read Jonathan Wright MD's article
Di-indolylmethane (previously called Indolplex) is two indole-3-carbinol molecules bonded together. Indole-3-carbinol is a phytochemical found in vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbages that has potent anti-cancer properties.
Di-indolylmethane and Indole-3-Carbinol convert estradiol to "lesser" estrogens and their metabolites. Estradiol may have carcinogenic properties when its levels become high, while the other estrogens have non-carcinogenic or perhaps even anti-carcinogenic properties.
Levels of estradiol have an interest for both women and men, firstly hormone replacement therapies involving estrogens are known to increase the risk of cancer. This may be related to the higher prevalence of estradiol, but this risk is also evident for men- because testosterone and other androgens can convert into estradiol (they are converted by the chemical aromatase). In fact, recent evidence about the risk of prostate cancer is being centered on the levels of estradiol in men and less upon the actions of dihydrotestosterone.
Dr. Jonathan Wright spoke at the 1st Monte Carlo Anti-Aging Conference about a soon to be published clinical trial which showed that Indole-3-Carbinol remised stage 2 and 3 cervical cancer in nearly 50% of women within a 12-week period. He also noted that over 40% of men's prostate problems respond positively to Indole-3-Carbinol within a similar period. His simple explanation is that Di-indolylmethane and Indole-3-Carbinol convert "bad" estrogen into "good" estrogen.
With an increasing amount of estrogen type substances in the food and water chain (probably mainly because of the use of pesticides and plastics), Di-indolylmethane and Indole-3-Carbinol may be viewed as important preventative substances.
Interestingly, injectable forms of Indole-3-Carbinol have proven to have little benefit and only appear to "work" when taken orally. However, both oral and injectable forms of Di-indolylmethane have been successful.
Furthermore, persons using antacids or H2 blockers (such as Zantac) get little effect from Indole-3-Carbinol but substantial effects from DIM.
Di-indolylmethane is considered to be 10 times more than Indole-3-Carbinol. The current thinking is that Indole-3-Carbinol is converted by stomach acids into Di-indolylmethane, and that it is Di-indolylmethanethat is the active ingredient that alters estrogen ratios.
Dosages of Di-indolylmethane are being considered preventative at approximately 1mg per Kg bodyweight (2.2 Lbs) daily. That would mean approximately 75mg per day for a 165lb person. Dosages for treatment are likely to be more like 3-5mg up to 8mg per Kg bodyweight per day.
IAS offers capsules containing 200mg Indole-3-Carbinol and 60mg Di-indolylmethane.
“From everything I've read and learned recently about this
product I believe it's a very important supplement, especially for older women
and men and people using hormone replacement therapies.”
K.S. Massachusetts