Current post status: in-progress
*this badge will be removed when post is completed
Basics
3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) is the major bioactive indole in crucifers vegetables, generated upon ingestion and hydrolysis of glucobrassicin. R
Cruciferous vegetables contain bioactive precursor compounds known as glucosinolates
Major glucosinolates are glucobrassicin and glucoraphanin, the latter of which is a derivative of isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane. R
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) rapidly converts to oligomers that include DIM, which is the major indole bioactive compound, accounting for an estimated 60% of the I3C end product. R
Benefits
1. Reduces Inflammation
As a partial CB2 agonist, DIM may help with neuroinflammation by working on the endocannabinoid system. R
DIM can also protect against inflammation by acting on GPR84. R
DIM also has potent COX-2 inhibition properties. R
2. Combats Cancer
DIM is potent at fighting cancer. R
For example, DIM inhibited the growth of mammary gland cell cancer, (via modulation of estrogen receptor α and AhR). R
3. Promotes Detoxification And Antioxidant Production
Through the activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors (AhR) and Nrf2 signaling pathways, DIM effectively increases detoxification and reduces inflammatory signaling
- DIM can modulate AhR, which promotes transcription of genes that stimulate the expression of detoxification enzymes, including the phase I cytochrome P450 (CYP) family. R
- It can also induce the transcription factor NRF2, which has strong anti-oxidant and detoxification properties. R
My Experience With DIM
I use liposomal DIM on an empty stomach.
In a smoothie, I’ll use DIM as a powder.
Where To Buy DIM
If you supplement with I3C, either take it on an empty stomach or with HCL, as the conversion of I3C to DIM is pH dependent. R
Natural Sources
Boiling increases the natural content of DIM (up to 6x). R
Brassicaceae family (cruciferous vegetables): R
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Garden Cress
- Horseradish
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Mustard Greens
- Red Cabbage
- Savoy Cabbage
- Turnip
- Watercress
DIM Synergies
DIM goes well with Beta-Caryophyllene. R
Mechanism Of Action
Simple:
- Increases AhR R
- Increases CB2 R
- Increases CYP450 R
- Increases GPR84 R
- Increases NRF2 R
- Reduces COX-2 R
- Reduces Estrogen R
Advanced:
- The conversion of I3C into DIM is ~2:1. R