Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural compound formed during the autolytic breakdown of glucobrassicin present in food plants of the Brassica genus, including broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale. The autolytic breakdown of glucobrassicin requires the catalytic reaction of the enzyme myrosinase which is endogenous to these plants and released upon rupture of the cell wall. DIM is currently used to treat Recurring Respiratory Papillomatosis caused by the Human Papilloma Virus and is in Phase III clinical trials for Cervical Dysplasia. Cervical Dysplasia is a precancerous condition also caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Until recently, DIM's biological mode of action for these conditions was not clearly understood. When scientists at UC Berkeley discovered that
DIM is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system, this discovery finally shed light on DIM's global anti-viral properties, including anti-viral properties against the Human Papilloma Virus. As a result of this discovery, DIM is currently sold as an immune enhancing supplement.
