What Is Diindolylmethane? Other Names: Diindolymetano, Diindolylméthane, DIM

What is Diindolylmethane?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a bioactive compound derived from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. This compound has garnered significant interest in the scientific community due to its potential health benefits, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment. Other names included: Diindolymetano, Diindolylméthane, DIM, 3,3′-Diindolylmethane.

Chemical Nature and Formation

DIM is formed in the stomach when I3C, a glucosinolate breakdown product, undergoes acid-catalyzed condensation. This process occurs naturally when cruciferous vegetables are consumed and digested8. The chemical structure of DIM consists of two indole groups linked by a methane bridge, which contributes to its stability and bioactivity.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety

Studies have shown that DIM is well-tolerated in humans at various dosages. A single ascending dose study demonstrated that DIM is safe up to 200 mg, with mild adverse effects such as nausea and headache reported at higher doses3. The pharmacokinetics of DIM indicate that it is absorbed and metabolized efficiently, with detectable plasma levels achieved after oral administration3.

Cancer Chemoprevention

DIM has been extensively studied for its chemopreventive properties. In breast cancer, DIM supplementation has been shown to alter estrogen metabolism and increase levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which may contribute to its protective effects1 4. However, there is some concern that DIM may interfere with the metabolism of tamoxifen, a common breast cancer treatment, potentially reducing its efficacy1 4.

In cervical cancer, DIM has been evaluated for its ability to treat low-grade cervical cytological abnormalities. While DIM was well-tolerated, its efficacy in reducing the progression of these abnormalities remains uncertain2 5. Similarly, in bladder cancer models, DIM has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent7 9.

Immune Modulation

DIM’s impact on the immune system has been explored in both animal and human studies. In animal models, DIM has been shown to stimulate immune function and cytokine production6. However, human studies have yielded mixed results, with some cytokines remaining unaffected by DIM administration6. Further research is needed to fully understand DIM’s immunomodulatory effects.

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Diindolylmethane Mechanisms of Action

DIM exhibits multiple mechanisms of action that contribute to its potential health benefits. It has been shown to modulate estrogen metabolism, favoring the production of less potent estrogen metabolites, which may reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer1 4. Additionally, DIM has been found to influence the immune system by modulating cytokine production, although its effects on specific cytokines in humans require further investigation6.

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Uses of Diindolylmethane

Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment

DIM has shown potential in modulating estrogen metabolism, which may contribute to breast cancer chemoprevention. It increases the urinary 2/16α-hydroxyestrone ratio and serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer1 2.

DIM, in combination with other treatments like Empagliflozin, has demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on tumor volume and body weight gain in breast cancer models6.

Bladder Cancer Prevention

DIM exhibits antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can inhibit tumor growth in bladder cancer models. It increases the expression of tumor suppressor proteins and decreases inflammatory markers3 5.

Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention

DIM has been studied for its potential to prevent prostate cancer development. It has shown efficacy in reducing tumor size and incidence in animal models4 9.

Cervical Dysplasia Treatment

DIM has been evaluated as a nonsurgical treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). It has shown some potential in improving cervical lesions and reducing the need for surgical intervention, although results are mixed and further research is needed7 8.

Estrogen Metabolism and Body Fat Reduction

DIM supplementation has been associated with a favorable shift in estrogen metabolism and a decrease in body fat percentage in premenopausal women, although the effects on estrogen metabolites were not always statistically significant10.

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Adverse Effects of Diindolylmethane

Mild Adverse Effects at Higher Doses

At doses up to 200 mg, DIM is generally well tolerated with no significant adverse effects. However, at a 300 mg dose, some subjects reported mild nausea, headache, and vomiting, with vomiting being probably related to DIM1.

Minimal Toxicity in Long-term Use

In a study involving men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), DIM (900 mg daily for 3 months) was associated with minimal toxicity. Adverse events included nausea and diarrhea in 14% of patients, but no serious adverse events were reported2.

Well Tolerated in Cervical Dysplasia Treatment

In a trial for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), DIM (2 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks) was well tolerated with no significant toxicity. Only 3% of subjects reported nausea3.

Interaction with Tamoxifen Metabolism

In breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen, DIM (150 mg twice daily for 12 months) was associated with a reduction in tamoxifen metabolites, raising concerns about potential interactions. However, no significant adverse events were reported4 5.

No Significant Effect on Low-grade Cervical Abnormalities

In a study on low-grade cervical cytological abnormalities, DIM (150 mg daily for 6 months) was well tolerated, but no significant effect on cytology or HPV infection was observed6.

Anti-inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects in Animal Studies

In animal studies, DIM showed anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, with no significant adverse effects reported. These studies focused on its potential to inhibit tumor growth and promote apoptosis in bladder carcinogenesis7 8.

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How has Diindolylmethane Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cervical Dysplasia Improvement

DIM showed a high rate of clinically significant improvement in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or 3 lesions, with 47% of subjects in the DIM group showing a decrease in lesion grade or normalization1.

However, another study found that short-term DIM supplementation did not significantly affect cytology or HPV infection in women with low-grade cervical abnormalities2.

Breast Cancer Biomarker Modulation

DIM supplementation in breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen resulted in favorable changes in estrogen metabolism and increased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)3 4.

Despite these positive changes, there was a concern about the reduction in tamoxifen metabolites, which could potentially affect the clinical benefits of tamoxifen3 4.

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN)

DIM was well tolerated in prostate cancer patients and showed potential chemopreventive effects, although significant tissue accumulation or biomarker modulation was not consistently observed5.

In men with PIN, DIM treatment was associated with minimal toxicity and no serious adverse events, suggesting good tolerability7.

Breast Cancer in Animal Models

In a DMBA-induced breast cancer model, DIM combined with Empagliflozin significantly reduced tumor volume and body weight gain, indicating potential therapeutic benefits6.

Periodontitis

DIM treatment in mice with experimentally induced periodontitis showed decreased inflammation and bone resorption, suggesting benefits for alveolar bone recovery8.

Safety and Tolerability

DIM was generally well tolerated at doses up to 200 mg, with minimal adverse effects reported9.

In premenopausal women, DIM supplementation did not significantly increase the estrogen metabolites ratio but did show a trend towards decreased body fat percentage10.

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Common Complaints Associated with Diindolylmethane Use

Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues

Mild nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort were reported by a small number of subjects in several studies. In one study, 3% of subjects reported grade 2 nausea during a 3-4 month follow-up1. Another study noted mild nausea and headache at a 300 mg dose, with one subject experiencing vomiting2.

Headache

Headaches were reported as a mild side effect in some subjects taking higher doses of DIM (300 mg)2.

No Significant Systemic Toxicities

Across multiple studies, no significant systemic toxicities were observed. Blood tests including complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (LFTs), and comprehensive metabolic panels remained normal1 2 4.

Well Tolerated at Lower Doses

DIM was generally well tolerated at doses up to 200 mg, with minimal adverse effects reported2 3 4.

No Significant Adverse Events in Long-term Use

In long-term studies (up to 12 months), minimal adverse events were reported, and these did not differ significantly between the DIM and placebo groups3 5.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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