How Broccoli Fights Cancer

Harry Hirsute · #1 12-04-2008, 11:00 PM

Well, this is one of the proposed mechanisms at least:

Quote:

Broccoli compound targets key enzyme in late-stage cancer

Indole-3-carbinol, or I3C, is a chemical compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables and which is known to stop the growth of breast cancer cells. UC Berkeley researchers' discovery of how I3C works will help them modify the compound to improve its anti-cancer effects. (Firestone & Bjeldanes labs/UC Berkeley)

(PhysOrg.com) -- An anti-cancer compound found in broccoli and cabbage works by lowering the activity of an enzyme associated with rapidly advancing breast cancer, according to a University of California, Berkeley, study appearing this week in the online early edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The compound, indole-3-carbinol, is already undergoing clinical trials in humans because it was found to stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells in mice.

The new findings are the first to explain how indole-3-carbinol (I3C) stops cell growth, and thus provides the basis for designing improved versions of the chemical that would be more effective as a drug and could work against a broader range of breast as well as prostate tumors.

Broccoli compound targets key enzyme in late-stage cancer

liverock · #2 12-05-2008, 05:37 AM

I have never been quite sure what advantage I3C has over DIM when it comes to protecting against cancer. DIM appears to alter the balance favorably towards good estrogen just like I3C.

Pilot study: effect of 3,3'-diindolylmethane suppl...[Nutr Cancer. 2004] - PubMed Result

There appears to be more research on I3C so perhaps it is the one to stick with. NOW have a I3C product with flax lignans, which are also a help in cancer prevention.

iHerb.com - Product Details - Now Foods, Indole-3-Carbinol with Flax Lignans, 200 mg, 60 Vcaps
.