Indole-3-carbinol and its main derivative 3,3′-diindolylmethane: Regulatory roles and therapeutic potential in liver diseases

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has shown significant efficacy in treating both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Its primary derivative, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), formed during digestion, also exhibits similar therapeutic benefits. In liver disorders, I3C and DIM exhibit dual roles by inhibiting and promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and providing relief for nonmalignant liver diseases, such as acute liver injury (ALI), hepatic fibrosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Mechanistically, I3C and DIM modulate various pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipogenesis. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the regulatory roles of I3C and DIM in these liver diseases and explore the potential of plant-derived substances in liver disease treatment. [Display omitted] •Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its main derivative 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) are dietary compounds from cruciferous vegetables.•I3C and DIM demonstrate dual regulatory roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and could alleviate nonmalignant liver diseases.•Mechanisms reveal that I3C and DIM modulate key processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipogenesis, in liver pathophysiology.•This review sheds light on the regulatory functions of I3C and DIM in liver diseases, emphasizing the potential of plant-derived compounds in liver disease management.