INDOLE-3-CARBINOL - ANTICARCINOGEN OR TUMOR PROMOTER IN BRASSICA VEGETABLES

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is one of several compounds in brassica vegeta bles that demonstrate anticarcinogenic effects in experimental animals . A review of Medline and CancerLit databases indicated that interest in I3C, as a cancer chemopreventive agent, has increased significantly in the past 5-10 years. Whereas most studies report inhibitory or pro tective effects of I3C in vivo, a few provide clear evidence for promo tion or enhancement of carcinogenesis, depending upon the initiator, e xposure protocol and species. In the absence of detailed information o n the inhibitory and in particular, promotional mechanisms, it would s eem advisable to proceed with caution before including I3C in extensiv e human clinical trials. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.