Indol 3-Carbinol versus. Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a pharmaceutical drug used to hormonally treat breast cancer post surgery and halt recurring cancer coming back (for example to the other breast). The drug is also used within women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer (Cancer Research, 2020). 

What is the mechanism of Tamoxifen? 

Hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, can be stimulated by the female sex hormones (oestrogen & progesterone). Tamoxifen is usually prescribed for the use in people who may have oestrogen receptors in breast cancer tissues (oestrogen receptor positive cells).

Tamoxifen works to lock these oestrogen receptors and halt oestrogen from attracting them - thus the oestrogen cant stimulate the cells to divide/grow. The drug also promotes apoptosis in oestrogen receptor positive tumours. 

Side Effects of Tamoxifen 

Increase tumour pain, hot flashes, nausea, fatigue, mood swings, depression, headache, hair thinning 

Introducing Indol-3 Carbinol 

'Indols downregulate the expression of the oestrogen-responsive genes and upregulate the BRAC1 (human tumour suppressor gene - responsible for repairing DNA). They inhibit th expression of cycline-dependent kinase-6 (tumour activators) and induce a G1 cell cycle arrest independent of oestrogen receptor signalling - Hechtman, 2018


Indol-3-Carbinol (I-3-C) is a naturally derived substances from glucobrassicin found in green cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, collards, kale, mustard greens) which are known for their detoxifying enzymes in the gut and liver. This substance is formed into a sulphuric powder and has potent anti-tumour properties, I-3-C can be consumed in conjunction of instead of Tamoxifen. I-3-C has been shown to reduce the incidence of spontaneous and carcinogen-induced mammary tumours. 

I-3-C is used in prevention of breast and colon cancer and has been reviewed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a potential preventative agent and is now being properly sponsored for research in breast cancer prevention. I-3-C and its metabolite DIM attack the cancer cell-cycle regulation 

Indol-3-Carbinol is mostly safe when taken as medicine for breast cancer - high doses above 400mg/day may cause nausea, balance problems and tremors. 

(Image Taken from Hechtman, 2018).

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As seen in the table above, Indol-3-Carbinol is proven to provide more potent activity when it comes to its ability to work in tissue that contains oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer then Tamoxifen.  This natural nutritional medicine is highly effective in promoting healthy breast tissue. The consumption of green vegetables from the Brassica family is also effective in its anti-cancer actions, however to receive a therapeutic dose it is recommended 200-400mg/day.