Indole-3-Carbinol Mechanisms Combating Chemicals and Drug Toxicities

The toxicity of chemicals and drugs is a common crisis worldwide. Therefore, the search for protective compounds is growing. Natural compounds such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) derived from cruciferous vegetables are preferred since they are safe for humans and the environment. This review focuses on I3C potential role in preventing and repairing damage caused by chemicals and drugs. Interestingly, I3C ameliorates hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), diethylnitrosamine (DENA), alcohol, gold nanoparticles, and microbial toxins. Additionally, it inhibits carcinogenesis induced by different chemicals and prevents the deleterious effects of different antineoplastic drugs including cisplatin, doxorubicin (DOX), and trabectidin on normal tissues. Moreover, it reduces fetal malformation and protects against micronuclei formation and calstogenecity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in bone marrow cells. It also attenuates methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity, mitigates neurotoxicity caused by thioacetamide and clonidine, and protects against aspirin side effects in gastric mucosa. Furthermore, its nanoparticles inhibit neuronal damage caused by glutamate and rotenone. Thus, I3C prevents the toxicities caused by chemicals in the surrounding environment as well as those of consumed drugs.