3,3'-Diindolylmethane

Overview
3,3'-Diindolylmethane or DIM is derived from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, found in Brassica vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. The reputation of Brassica vegetables as medicinal plants rests in part on the activities of diindolylmethane.

Properties
DIM has the biological properties listed in the chart below. Because of its various potent anti-cancer properties, the National Cancer Institute of the United States has begun clinical trials of DIM as a therapeutic for numerous forms of cancer. Due to its innate immune modulating properties (potentiation of Interferon-Gamma receptors and production), DIM is also under investigation as a treatment for a variety of viral infections and antibiotic resistant bacteria. As DIM has been demonstrated to synergize with Interferon-Gamma in the potentiation of the MHC-I Complex, it is currently also under investigation as an adjuvant to IFN-G treatment models for both cancer and viral infections such as HIV, HPV and Hepatitis.



Uses
DIM is currently used to treat Recurring Respiratory Papillomatosis, a rare respiratory disease with tumors in the upper respiratory tracts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. DIM is additionally in Phase III clinical trials for Cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition also caused by the Human Papilloma Virus.

Clinical trials
DIM is in clinical trials as a treatment for numerous forms of cancer. It is being investigated as a potential treatment for a variety of viral and anti-biotic resistant bacterial infections, as well.