Abstract

THE ROLE OF DIINDOLYLMETHANE IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER

Dr. Sunita Bhargava*

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a major public health burden in both developed and developing countries. It was estimated that there were 10.9 million new cases, 6.7 million deaths. Although there are several treatment approaches for cancer, major drawback of these systems is the toxicity which may even lead to death. . Development of Non-toxic drugs which can be useful in cancer treatment is the most important need of the hour Of the 92 anticancer drugs commercially available prior to 1983 in the US and among worldwide approved anticancer drugs between 1983 and 1994, 60% are of natural origin. Improved cytotoxic agents continue to be an important line in the discovery of modern anticancer drugs. Herbal drugs have been used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases including cancer. Diindolylmethane (DIM), a phytochemical. Phytochemicals is generally referred to the compounds exclusive of essential nutrients that have specific biological activity to human. It has been known that over 10,000 different phytochemicals possess the potential preventive or supplementary effect on various diseases. From several decades ago to now, cancer continues to be the leading-lethal cause worldwide. Studies have shown that natural phytochemicals derived from certain plants have the capability to prevent carcinogenesis. Diindolylmethane (DIM), a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale, appears to cause infected cells to die. Cervical cancer is a common cancer of the female reproductive system, specifically the cervix of the uterus. Cervical cancer can be fatal if left untreated. The good news is that cervical is highly preventable and treatable if caught in its early stage. DIM could cause cell death of both human cervical cancer cells and the HPV-16-infected cervical cells of mice. Another promising study was done on a form of the phytochemical called indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is released when you chew or crush a cruciferous vegetable and is immediately converted to DIM. Most research has focused on this phytochemical's ability to normalize estrogen metabolism, since estrogen plays a role in cervical cancer .

Keywords: Phytochemical, DIM, Biological activity,Carcinogenes, Nutrient.