Indole-3-carbinol and estrogens
Indole-3-carbinol does not affect the amount of estrogens, which include estradiol. Indole-3-carbinol affects metabolism . What does it mean. After estrogens have done their job in the body, they must leave it. This happens as a result of their metabolism, i.e. transformation into other substances - into water-soluble estrogen metabolites. These metabolites can be “good” or “bad.” Good metabolites support the normal functioning of tissues and resist the formation of cancer cells. But bad metabolites cause tissue proliferation, i.e. the formation of tumors and the degeneration of these tumors into malignant ones. So, indole-3-carbinol reduces the number of bad estrogen metabolites and increases the number of good ones, i.e. simply shifts the ratio of metabolites in favor of good ones.
Now Foods, Indole 3-Carbinol, 200 mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules
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RUB 1,116
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Indole-3-carbinol for men
All this is relevant not only for women. Estrogens are also present in the male body. This is the first thing. And secondly, indole-3-carbinol also has a positive effect on the metabolism of male androgen hormones. Testosterone can be converted into very active dihydrotestosterone, an excess of which leads to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the prostate, the development of prostate adenoma and the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Indole-3-carbinol reduces the frequency of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. In addition, testosterone can be converted into estrogen. Estrogens are very important for a man - they, surprisingly, are responsible for male libido, including health in general. But excess estrogen in a man means female-type obesity, depression, sexual dysfunction, and decreased libido. This is especially true for overweight men, because... in adipose tissue actively synthesizes estrogens from testosterone (through so-called aromatization) and accumulates them. So, indole-3-carbinol prevents the unwanted conversion of testosterone into estrogens. The most important consequence of all this is the health of a man’s prostate. And, by the way, prostate adenoma (its growth) is observed in every fourth man by the age of 40-50, and then the numbers only grow.
Here, for example, is a complex for men with indole-3-carbinol with green tea extract to support normal hormonal metabolism:
Natural Factors, AndroSense T-Correct, Testosterone & Estrogen Balance, 60 Vegetarian Capsules
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RUB 1,249
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Conclusions of specialists based on the results of clinical studies of Indinol
Indinol (indolecarbinol) has an extensive evidence base from clinical studies indicating the effectiveness and safety of the use of Indinol in the treatment of hyperplastic processes of the female reproductive system and HPV.
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Honored Scientist, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, doctor of the highest category I. S. Sidorova:
So, today, taking into account the identified features of the mechanisms of development of endometriosis, in conservative treatment the most pathogenetically justified is therapy that acts on the molecular links of pathogenesis. The drugs of this group, Indinol, existing at this stage have a positive effect on the clinical symptoms of the disease, influencing the processes of neoangiogenesis, proliferation, invasion and apoptosis.
Thus, it is advisable to talk about the emergence of the concept of targeted therapy in gynecology. This approach makes a transition to a fundamentally new level of molecular-targeted therapy, allowing a targeted, targeted effect on key links in the pathogenetic chain and ensuring inhibition of the growth and development of endometrioid heterotopias. We can say that today an important step forward has been taken in the development of this area.
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Rozhkova N. I. - Head of the Federal Breast Center of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Russian Federation, President of the Russian Association of Mammologists, Deputy Director for Interventional Radiology of the Russian Research Center for Radiological Research of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation:
Considering that benign breast diseases are the background for the development of breast cancer, we have proven in a number of clinical studies the effectiveness and safety of Indinol for various types of mastopathy. Indinol was prescribed to all patients, regardless of the detected pathology, 400 mg. per day with subsequent monitoring for 6 months. The control revealed an increase in the positive effect of taking Indinol. Mastalgia was not noted in 90.5% of patients. On radiographs and sonograms of the mammary glands, a decrease in tissue density, disappearance of edema and a decrease in size by 2-3 mm were noted - in diffuse nodular FCM, diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component and diffuse FCM with a predominance of the cystic component. All patients with adenomyosis and high levels of estrogen in the blood showed positive dynamics in the form of normalization of hormonal levels. Indinol has proven to be an effective and safe treatment for various forms of mastopathy, including in patients with concomitant gynecological pathology. The effect of using Indinol develops gradually, reaching a maximum 6 months after the start of use, which is associated with deep mechanisms of influence on the regulation of hormonal and metabolic processes in the body.
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Smetnik V.P. - Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology of the Scientific Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, President of the Russian Association of Gynecologists-Endocrinologists:
We conducted a large-scale, blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study that objectively proves the effectiveness and safety of Indinol in the treatment of mastopathy. This clinical trial is unique and has the highest level of evidence. After 6 months of taking Indinol, 89% of patients showed a positive effect of treatment compared to placebo. Thus, Indinol normalizes hormonal balance, helps reduce the severity of swelling and disappearance of pain, and reduces the number of lumps and cysts in the mammary gland. This indicates that Indinol should be recommended for the treatment of patients with mastalgia and mastopathy.
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor Mustafin Ch. N. - oncologist-mammologist, head of the mammology course at the Department of Radiology of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, President of the International Breast Congress:
We conducted a clinical study in which we assessed the effectiveness and safety of Indinol in the treatment of mastopathy. In assessing the effectiveness of Indinol, we used unique dose-free diagnostic technologies - electrical impedance mammography, which is more significant and reliable in assessing the objective symptoms of mastopathy. After analyzing the results of a quantitative assessment of electrical impedance images in women taking Indinol, the following conclusions can be drawn: Indinol is an effective and safe remedy for the treatment of mastopathy of all forms in women of any age group, since while taking Indinol there is a decrease and cessation of pain and engorgement of the mammary glands, and also the pathogenetic effect of taking Indinol can be traced (a decrease in the proliferation of mammary gland tissue, as evidenced by an increase in electrical conductivity during dynamic observation).
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Molochkov V. A. - Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Dermato-Oncology of the Faculty of Internal Medicine of MONIKI, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Dermato-Oncology of MONIKI, Honored Scientist, Chief Dermatovenerologist of the Moscow Region, Head of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Federal Faculty of Postgraduate Education MMA named after. Sechenov:
The use of the E7 oncoprotein blocker Indinol in combination with a recombinant interferon alpha drug as a complex antiviral therapy for genital papillomavirus infection makes it possible to achieve a high intensity of antiviral immunity and ensure a minimum number of relapses.
Safety of indole-3-carbinol
Indole-3-carbinol is a compound that has been found in cruciferous plants (broccoli in particular). All preparations containing indole-3-carbinol indicate only individual intolerance to the components of the product as contraindications. Well, also pregnancy and feeding, because... no studies have been conducted in this group.
Indole-3-carbinol is especially effective in combination with green tea extract:
Now Foods, EGCg, Green Tea Extract, 400 mg, 180 Vegetarian Capsules
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RUB 1,202
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This combination is actively used by gynecologists, prescribing Indinol + Epigallate. This, in fact, is indole-3-carbinol + green tea. And lecithin
good here - its phospholipids are involved in all hormonal processes.
And magnesium
, as a participant in all hormonal processes.
For all the above-mentioned unique properties, I included indole-3-carbinol in my dietary supplement regimen
. The duration of the courses is in the scheme.
Here. I wrote this post for a very long time and responsibly. They had been waiting for him for a very long time. I also wrote a review of Indole-3-Carbinol from Now Foods on iHerb.
UPD: Read about how indole-3-carbinol removed the diagnosis of kidney cancer here
.
To date, throughout the world, hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids remains the most common operation on the pelvic organs in women. The literature covers in sufficient detail systemic changes in a woman’s body after hysterectomy, concerning the anatomical and functional state of the ovaries and urinary tract, as well as neurovegetative and sexual dysfunction [1]. Numerous studies in this area have made it possible to identify possible ways to correct developing functional disorders. At the same time, the prevention and treatment of concomitant diseases of the mammary glands in women who have undergone surgical treatment of uterine fibroids has not received due attention.
As is known, patients with uterine fibroids who are scheduled for hysterectomy with preservation of the uterine appendages are at increased risk of the occurrence and progression of mammary dysplasia in the postoperative period. A number of studies have proven that most often uterine fibroids are combined with proliferative forms of fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM), in which the relative risk of developing breast cancer is increased [2, 3]. This necessitates the need to consider the common mechanisms of development of uterine fibroids and mastopathy and to implement an integrated approach when choosing a treatment method for these patients. Risk factors and common links in the pathogenesis of these pathological processes include increased cell proliferative activity, expression of growth factors, decreased apoptosis, and activation of the process of neoangiogenesis [4].
A possible solution to the problem of treating patients with combined pathology of the uterus and mammary glands is the use of the domestic drug indinol.
Indinol (Mirax Bio Pharma, Moscow) is a herbal medicine obtained from plants of the cruciferous family, containing highly purified indole-3-carbinol.
The clinical effects of idol-3-carbinol are realized through the following mechanisms of action:
- normalization of estrogen metabolism by induction of active cytochrome CYP1A1, responsible for the predominant formation of 2-hydroxyestrone;
— inhibition of pathological cell proliferation by blocking intracellular signaling pathways coming from growth factors (EGF, IGF) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-γ1);
— stimulation of apoptosis in tumor cells due to the production of proapoptotic protein.
Over a more than 10-year history of research, it has been proven that indole-3-carbinol has high antitumor activity, including in breast cells [5, 6]. However, there is no data in the literature on the advisability of using indinol in patients with FCM after surgical treatment of uterine fibroids through hysterectomy, which was the reason for conducting a scientific and practical study.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of indole-3-carbinol for the treatment of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy (DFCM) in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Material and methods
The study included 83 patients aged 39–50 years who underwent surgical treatment including laparoscopic subtotal or total hysterectomy with preservation of the uterine appendages for uterine fibroids with clinical manifestations. In all patients, 3 years after laparoscopic hysterectomy, a comprehensive examination of the mammary glands, including examination, palpation, mammography and ultrasound examination, was diagnosed with DFCM.
Of the 83 patients included in the study, 39 (46.9%) underwent hysterectomy in late reproductive age and 44 (53.1%) underwent surgery during premenopause.
Indications for surgical treatment in the examined patients are presented in the table.
According to these data, among the indications for laparoscopic hysterectomy in patients with DFCM and uterine fibroids, various menstrual irregularities leading to anemia and large uterine fibroids with dysfunction of the pelvic organs prevailed. The average size of the removed uterus corresponded to that at 12-13 weeks of pregnancy. Indications for removal of the cervix were dysplasia, leukoplakia, ectopia in combination with cicatricial deformity.
The distribution of patients included in the study according to nosological forms of FCM is shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 1. Nosological forms of FCM in the examined patients.
Among the pathological changes in the mammary glands, the mixed form of DFCM predominated - 36% of cases. DFCM with a predominant cystic component was present in 31% of patients included in the study. The predominance of the glandular and fibrous components was noted in 25 and 8% of patients, respectively.
All 83 patients included in the study complained of mastalgia of varying intensity. Of these, 25 (30.1%) experienced severe pain; 41 (49.4%) women characterized pain in the mammary glands as moderate and, accordingly, 17 (20.5%) - as mild.
All patients, regardless of the form of mastopathy, were prescribed indinol at a dose of 400 mg/day (2 capsules 2 times a day) for six months with a dynamic assessment of the condition of the mammary glands after 3 and 6 months under ultrasound control. Since all patients underwent mammography prior to the start of the study, confirming the diagnosis of FCM, dynamic X-ray examination of the mammary glands was not performed.
results
After a 3- and 6-month course of treatment with indinol, the following results were obtained during examination of the patients. 80 (96.4%) patients completed the study and noted good tolerability of the drug. Two patients (DFCM with a predominance of the fibrous component and a mixed form of DFCM) refused long-term use of the drug and dropped out of the study due to the development of severe dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, diarrhea) during treatment with indinol. Another patient with DFCM with a predominance of the glandular component stopped taking the drug due to the development of an allergic reaction.
The disappearance of pain after a 3-month course of taking indinol was observed in 23 (28.7%) women. Of these, 15 initially complained of mild pain in the mammary glands and, accordingly, 8 of moderate pain.
A decrease in pain in the mammary glands was observed in 41 (51.3%) women. Of these, 22 showed a change in pain from moderate to mild, and 19 from severe to moderate.
Accordingly, 16 (20.0%) patients did not subjectively note changes during this period. In 11 of them, the pain remained moderate, and in 5 it was severe.
After 6 months of taking indinol, all 80 patients subjectively noted positive dynamics. At the same time, the disappearance of pain in the mammary glands in general was observed in 61 (76.3%) women, a decrease in pain - in 19 (23.7%). Among the latter, 14 (17.5%) noted mild pain in the mammary glands, and only 5 (6.2%) women had moderate pain. Thus, not a single patient experienced severe pain after 6 months of taking indinol. The dynamics of pain in the mammary glands in the examined patients while taking indinol is presented in Fig. 2.
Figure 2. Dynamics of pain in the mammary glands in the examined patients.
Objectively positive dynamics of treatment were determined by examination, palpation and ultrasound of the mammary glands. The criteria for the positive effect of taking indinol were a decrease in swelling, pain, heterogeneity of the structure of the mammary glands, a decrease in the echogenicity of the tissue, a decrease in the diameter of cysts by 2-3 mm (from 0.9-1.5 to 0.7-1.2 mm) and the diameter of the mammary glands. ducts, improving the severity of the connective tissue pattern.
In general, objective positive dynamics 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment were observed in 58 (72.5%) and 74 (92.5%) patients, respectively.
The best effect of treatment after 3 months of taking the drug was observed in patients with DFCM with a predominance of the cystic component: in all 26 women, positive dynamics were objectively stated.
In patients with a mixed form of DFCM and DFCM with a predominance of the glandular component, positive dynamics after 3 months of taking indinol were established in 19 (67.9%) and 13 (65.0%) cases, respectively.
In 6 patients with DFCM with a predominance of the fibrotic component, despite the subjectively stated reduction in pain, the dynamics were not objectively identified.
After 6 months of taking indinol, positive dynamics in the condition of the mammary glands were noted in all patients with a mixed form of MFCM and MFCM with a predominance of the glandular component. The maximum effect was also achieved in all patients with DFCM with a predominance of the cystic component. At the same time, in patients with DFCM with a predominance of the fibrous component, the dynamics were not objectively established.
Positive objective dynamics of the condition of the mammary glands 3 and 6 months after the start of taking indinol for various forms of DFCM is presented in Fig. 3.
Figure 3. Positive objective dynamics of the condition of the mammary glands while taking indinol. DFCM SF - mixed form of diffuse FCM; DFCM GC—diffuse FCM with a predominance of the glandular component; DFCM CC is a diffuse FCM with a predominance of the cystic component.
Discussion
In recent years, there has been a worldwide trend towards an increase in the incidence of benign diseases of the mammary glands, the most common form of which is FCM. Due to the variety of factors leading to the development of mastopathy, there is still no consensus on the choice of rational therapy for the disease [7]. In particular, there are no uniform standards for the treatment of combined pathology of the mammary glands and uterine fibroids, which, according to various authors, is noted in 76-87% of cases [3, 8].
The results of recent studies allow us to consider the pathogenesis of mastopathy and hyperplastic diseases of the uterus together. The combination of proliferative processes in the mammary glands and myometrium in women is associated with the universality of the mechanisms of estrogen-dependent proliferation and apoptosis [9].
This study assessed the feasibility of using the drug indinol in patients who underwent hysterectomy for clinically manifested uterine fibroids and were diagnosed with DFCM.
Indinol is a herbal product containing indole-3-carbinol, which has the ability for multiple pharmacological correction of molecular biological processes (normalization of estrogen metabolism, inhibition of pathological cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis). This determines its priority use in patients with FCM and uterine fibroids.
The results obtained are consistent with the data on the clinical effectiveness of indinol in the treatment of various forms of FCM, presented in studies by domestic authors [5-7]: positive subjective dynamics in the form of disappearance and reduction in the nature of mastalgia were noted in all patients, regardless of the form of FCM. According to Yu.V. Bikeeva, N.F. Makovetskaya (“Use of the drug indinol in the treatment of various forms of mastopathy”, Samara Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary), when treating 87 patients with a diffuse form of mastopathy with the drug indinol, an overall positive effect was noted in 95.4%. According to the results of this study, positive objective dynamics in the condition of the mammary glands were noted in 92.5% of cases. The effect of indinol develops gradually, reaching a maximum 6 months after the start of use. In the present study, the maximum clinical effect was achieved in patients with DFCM with a predominance of the cystic component.
Thus, the results of the study confirmed the clinical effectiveness and feasibility of prescribing the drug indinol in patients with FCM after surgical treatment of uterine fibroids through hysterectomy.
How to take indole-3-carbinol
The therapeutic (medicinal) antitumor dose of indole-3-carbinol can reach 1000 mg per day (it is important to divide it into several doses). And in this case, it is advisable to gradually increase the daily dose. And I would also like to note that, according to clinical trials, indole-3-carbinol does not cause any side effects at a dose many times greater than 400 mg/day. Those. 1000 mg for MEDICAL purposes can be taken if necessary. The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.
Also see the diagram of dietary supplements based on indole-3 carbinol and green tea - FIBRO CYSTIC MASTOPATHY, UTERINE FIBROID AND ENDOMETRIOSIS. TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
(this is a link).
If the drug from Now Foods is not in stock, it can be replaced with this drug:
Advance Physician Formulas, Indole-3-Carbinol, 200 mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules
iherb.com
978 rub.
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Take the same as Now Foods - 1-3 capsules per day.
Another replacement for women, with indole-3-carbinol:
