Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice >

2026 , Vol. 31 >Issue 02: 163 - 168

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16139/j.1007-9610.2026.02.11

Review

Progress in the anti-tumor effects of indole-3-carbinol

  • WANG Guimin ,
  • FAN Hao ,
  • ZHOU Leqi ,
  • WEN Rongbo ,
  • YU Guanyu ,
  • HAO Liqaing ,
  • ZHANG Wei
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  • Colorectal Surgery Department, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China

Received date: 2025-12-11

  Online published: 2026-06-23

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Abstract

In recent years, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) has been introduced into tumor therapy research, playing a key role in inhibiting and interfering with the occurrence and development of various tumors. This article explored the mechanisms by which I3C and its indole-derived metabolite, 3, 3’-diindolylmethane (DIM), which is converted in the acidic environment of the stomach, serve as effective natural chemopreventive agents against multiple tumors. The physicochemical properties of I3C were presented alongside epidemiological studies, emphasizing its safety and efficacy. Furthermore, it provided a detail discussion of the molecular mechanisms of I3C's anti-tumor effects, including various signaling pathways such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin [PI3K/PKB(AKT)/mTOR] and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathways. This article served as a valuable reference for further research on I3C.

Key words： Indole-3-carbinol(I3C); Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B [PI3K/PKB(AKT) pathway]; Aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR); Anti-tumor

Cite this article

WANG Guimin , FAN Hao , ZHOU Leqi , WEN Rongbo , YU Guanyu , HAO Liqaing , ZHANG Wei . Progress in the anti-tumor effects of indole-3-carbinol[J]. Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice, 2026 , 31(02) : 163 -168 . DOI: 10.16139/j.1007-9610.2026.02.11

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