Cat. No.: HY-N0170

Indole-3-carbinol

(Synonyms: Indole-3-methanol)

18 Cited Publications

Customer Review

Based on 18 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) inhibits NF-κB activity and also is an Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, and an inhibitor of WWP1 (WW domain-containing ubiquitin E3 ligase 1).

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

Purity: 99.16%
CAS No.: 700-06-1
Formula: C₉H₉NO
Molecular Weight:147.18

Storage:

4°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Indole-3-carbinol Chemical Structure

CAS No.: 700-06-1

Size

Price

Stock

Quantity

Amount: USD 0.00

* Please select Quantity before adding items.

Top Publications Citing

Use of MCE Products

Fluorescent Dye

Strong Fluorescence Signal / Multi-Disciplinary Applications / High Fluorescence Specificity

Biological Activity
- Description
- IC₅₀ & Target
- Cellular Effect
- In Vitro
- Clinical Trial
Chemical Information
Publications (18)
Solvent & Solubility
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
Protocol
Purity & Documentation
References
Help & FAQs
Classifications
Bioz

Biological Activity

Description

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) inhibits NF-κB activity and also is an Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, and an inhibitor of WWP1 (WW domain-containing ubiquitin E3 ligase 1).

IC₅₀ & Target^[1]^[2]

NF-κB

AhR

Human Endogenous Metabolite

All NF-κB Isoforms :

All Endogenous Metabolite Isoforms :

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
GL261	IC₅₀	100 μM Compound: indole-3-carbinol	Anti-proliferative activity against mouse GL261 cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay Anti-proliferative activity against mouse GL261 cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay	[PMID: 37861443]
U-251	EC₅₀	390 μM Compound: 3; I3C	Cytotoxicity against human U251 cells assessed as decrease in cell proliferation after 72 hrs by SRB assay Cytotoxicity against human U251 cells assessed as decrease in cell proliferation after 72 hrs by SRB assay	[PMID: 28256372]
U-87MG ATCC	EC₅₀	290 μM Compound: 3; I3C	Cytotoxicity against human U87 cells assessed as decrease in cell proliferation after 72 hrs by SRB assay Cytotoxicity against human U87 cells assessed as decrease in cell proliferation after 72 hrs by SRB assay	[PMID: 28256372]
U-87MG ATCC	IC₅₀	>100 μM Compound: indole-3-carbinol	Anti-proliferative activity against human U-87 MG cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay Anti-proliferative activity against human U-87 MG cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay	[PMID: 37861443]
U-87MG ATCC	IC₅₀	526 μM Compound: 1, I3C	Antiproliferative activity against human U87MG cells assessed as inhibition of cell growth after 48 hrs by MTS assay Antiproliferative activity against human U87MG cells assessed as inhibition of cell growth after 48 hrs by MTS assay	[PMID: 23419325]

In Vitro

It is found that Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) inhibits the proliferation of THP-1 cells in a dose- and time dependent manner with minimal toxicity over normal monocytes. The AhR target genes (CYP1A1, IL1β) are overexpressed upon Indole-3-carbinol treatment (p<0.05 to p<0.001). The antiproliferative effects of Indole-3-carbinol are in association with programing cell death. Indole-3-carbinol downregulates BCL2 and upregulates FasR in THP-1 cells (p<0.05 to p<0.001). G1 cell cycle arrest is also observed using flow cytometry. G1-acting cell cycle genes (P21, P27 and P53) are overexpressed (p<0.05 to p<0.001), while CDK2 is downregulated upon Indole-3-carbinol treatment (p<0.01 to p<0.001)^[1].Indole-3-carbinol suppresses NF-κB activity and stimulates the p53 pathway in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells^[2].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Clinical Trial

NCT Number	Sponsor	Condition	Start Date	Phase A549
NCT01329991	Plexxikon\|		2011-05	PHASE1

Chemical Information

CAS No. 700-06-1
Appearance Solid
Molecular Weight 147.18
Formula C₉H₉NO
Color White to off-white
SMILES

OCC1=CNC2=C1C=CC=C2
Synonyms

Indole-3-methanol
Structure Classification
- Alkaloids
- Indole Alkaloids
Initial Source
- Plants
- other families
- Endogenous metabolite
Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
Storage

4°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Publications (18)

All WBIHCRT-PCR

Sort by:

Journal Impact Factor

Mol Biol Lett

YY1 induced USP13 transcriptional activation drives the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by deubiquitinating WWP1. [Abstract]

2025 May 3;30(1):56. PMID: 40319251

Indole-3-carbinol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Mol Biol Lett. 2025 May 3;30(1):56. [Abstract]

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C: 20/40 mg/kg). Immunohistochemical analysis of Ki67 expression in tumors.

Indole-3-carbinol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Mol Biol Lett. 2025 May 3;30(1):56. [Abstract]

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C: 20/40 mg/kg). Protein levels of USP13 and WWP1 in nude mouse tumors were detected by Western blot.
Cell Death Dis

E2F-mediated activation of mTORC1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome system promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression. [Abstract]

2026 May 19;17(1):635. PMID: 42156726
Int J Biol Macromol

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor alleviates intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced epithelial barrier damage by inhibiting the 5-hydroxytryptamine-mediated complement C3 cascade. [Abstract]

2026 Jun:369:152765. PMID: 42214532
Phytomedicine

Indole-3-carbinol attenuates cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure by activating Nrf2 through competitive binding of Keap1. [Abstract]

2026 May:154:158040. PMID: 41818942
Phytomedicine

Bruceantin inhibits the c-Myc/RL27A axis to suppress tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. [Abstract]

2025 Dec 24:150:157740. PMID: 41477978
Phytomedicine

Indole-3-carbinol inhibits PD-L1-mediated immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma via suppressing NF-κB p105 Ubiquitination. [Abstract]

2025 Apr 1:141:156692. PMID: 40215823
NPJ Precis Oncol

WWP1 inhibition increases SHP2 inhibitor efficacy in colorectal cancer. [Abstract]

2024 Jul 16;8(1):144. PMID: 39014007

Indole-3-carbinol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: NPJ Precis Oncol. 2024 Jul 16;8(1):144. [Abstract]

The combined use of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and SHP099 significantly inhibited pAKT levels. Different CRC cell lines were treated with I3C (200 μM) or SHP099 (20 μM), respectively.
Brain Behav Immun

Protective effect of Indole-3-carbinol, an NF-κB inhibitor in experimental paradigm of Parkinson's disease: In silico and in vivo studies. [Abstract]

2020 Nov;90:108-137. PMID: 32800927
Front Pharmacol

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) Protects the Heart From Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cellular Apoptosis in Mice. [Abstract]

2022 Jun 6:13:924174. PMID: 35734410
Int Immunopharmacol

I3C protects IPEC-J2 cells by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the AhR-Nrf2-SLC7A11-GPX4 pathways. [Abstract]

2025 Dec 11:169:116009. PMID: 41386181
Molecules

Isopsoralen Enhanced Osteogenesis by Targeting AhR/ERα. [Abstract]

2018 Oct 11;23(10). pii: E2600. PMID: 30314280

Indole-3-carbinol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Molecules. 2018 Oct 11;23(10). pii: E2600. [Abstract]

The cells are cultured with Indole-3-carbinol (I3C: 50 μM) or 3MC (1 μM) in the presence of IPRN (20 μM). The IPRN-induced inhibition of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of AhR is suppressed by I3C and 3MC.

Indole-3-carbinol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Molecules. 2018 Oct 11;23(10). pii: E2600. [Abstract]

The cells are cultured with Indole-3-carbinol (I3C: 50 μM) or 3MC (1 μM) in the presence of IPRN (20 μM). The mRNA expression of CYP1A1 is increased after the cotreatment of I3C and 3MC.
Mol Nutr Food Res

The Combination of Indole-3-Carbinol and Tryptophan Provides Additive Benefits in Enhancing Innate Immunity Against Salmonella Colitis in Mice. [Abstract]

2025 Sep 28:e70265. PMID: 41017216
Fish Shellfish Immunol

NEDD4 activates mitophagy by interacting with LC3 to restrain reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in Apostichopus japonicus challenged with Vibrio splendidus. [Abstract]

2023 Oct:141:109037. PMID: 37640120
Discov Oncol

Indole-3-carbinol prevented tumor progression and potentiated PD1ab therapy by upregulating PTEN in colorectal cancer. [Abstract]

2025 Feb 22;16(1):224. PMID: 39985695
Dev Comp Immunol

An HECT domain ubiquitin ligase CgWWP1 regulates granulocytes proliferation in oyster Crassostrea gigas. [Abstract]

2021 Oct:123:104148. PMID: 34097916
Res Sq

2024 Jul 19.
Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences

2024 May 31.
Research Square Print

2023 Mar 27.

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : 100 mg/mL (679.44 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Preparing Stock Solutions

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Concentration Solvent Mass

1 mg

5 mg

10 mg

Concentration

Solvent

Mass

1 mM

6.7944 mL

33.9720 mL

67.9440 mL

5 mM

1.3589 mL

6.7944 mL

13.5888 mL

10 mM

0.6794 mL

3.3972 mL

6.7944 mL

Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

Molarity Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Mass Mass

Concentration Concentration

Volume Volume

Molecular Weight Molecular Weight

Dilution Calculator

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

Concentration _(start) Concentration _(start)

Volume _(start) Volume _(start)

Concentration _(final) Concentration _(final)

Volume _(final) Volume _(final)

In Vivo:

Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

Stock Solution Working Solution

For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (16.99 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

Protocol 2

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (16.99 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

Protocol 3

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% Corn Oil

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (16.99 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown). If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL Corn oil, and mix evenly.

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

Dosage Dosage
mg/kg
Animal Weight (Per Animal) Animal Weight (Per Animal)
g
Dosing Volume (Per Animal) Dosing Volume (Per Animal)
μL
Number of Animals Number of Animals

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Please enter your animal formula composition:

%
DMSO +

Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
%
+
+
%
Tween-80 + +
%
Saline +

The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).

Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL

Protocol

Cell Assay^[1]

THP-1 cells are cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 mg/mL streptomycin and 2 mM Glutamax in a fully humidified atmosphere with 5% CO₂. Cells (2-5×10⁵ mL^-1) are seeded in six well plates followed by resuspension in complete growth media. THP-1 monocyte cells are then treated with 10 ng/mL phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate as a tumor promoter to induce stable differentiation into attaching macrophage-like cells and overexpression of AhR. The cells are then treated with varying concentrations of Indole-3-carbinol (1, 10 and 100 μM, and 1 mM). THP-1 cells and enriching normal monocytes are seeded at 5×10⁴ cells/well in 24-well plate with different concentrations of Indole-3-carbinol and observed for 24 and 48 h followed by MTT assay. The cells are incubated in triplicates in a final volume of 200 mL of Phenol Red free RPMI 1640 for 20 h . An aliquot of 20 mL of MTT solution (5 mg/mL) is added to each well and incubated for 4 h. Formazan crystals are formed. An amount of 300 mL DMSO is then added to each well as a cell lysis solution. Percentage of cell viability is assessed by spectrophotometry at 570 nm^[1].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Purity & Documentation

Select Batch:

Purity: 99.98%

Assay: 99.98%

ee.: 99.98%

Data Sheet (279 KB)
SDS (393 KB)
- English - EN (393 KB)
- Français - FR (393 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (393 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (393 KB)
- Español - ES (393 KB)
- Swedish - SV (393 KB)
- Italian - IT (393 KB)
- Korean - KR (393 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (393 KB)
COA (2659 KB)
Elemental Analysis Report (2659 KB)
HNMR (2659 KB)
CNMR (2659 KB)
RP-HPLC (2659 KB)
NP-HPLC (2659 KB)
MS (2659 KB)
LCMS (2659 KB)
IR (2659 KB)
GC (2659 KB)
OR (2659 KB)
SDS-PAGE (2659 KB)
SEC-HPLC (2659 KB)
Other Report (2659 KB)
Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

References

[1]. Mohammadi S, et al. Indole-3-carbinol induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through aryl hydrocarbon receptor in THP-1 monocytic cell line.J Recept Signal Transduct Res. 2017 Oct;37(5):506-514. [Content Brief]

[2]. Safa M, et al. Indole-3-carbinol suppresses NF-κB activity and stimulates the p53 pathway in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Tumour Biol. 2015 May;36(5):3919-30. [Content Brief]

[3]. Lee YR, et al. Reactivation of PTEN tumor suppressor for cancer treatment through inhibition of a MYC-WWP1 inhibitory pathway. Science. 2019 May 17;364(6441). pii: eaau0159. [Content Brief]

Help & FAQs

How should lyophilized recombinant proteins be reconstituted and stored?

1. Before opening the cap, centrifuge the vial at 13000 rpm for 20-30 seconds. This step will ensure that any lyophilized powder that may have adhered to the cap or walls is collected at the bottom of the vial, minimizing the risk of product loss.

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg
DMSO	1 mM	6.7944 mL	33.9720 mL	67.9440 mL	169.8600 mL
	5 mM	1.3589 mL	6.7944 mL	13.5888 mL	33.9720 mL
	10 mM	0.6794 mL	3.3972 mL	6.7944 mL	16.9860 mL
	15 mM	0.4530 mL	2.2648 mL	4.5296 mL	11.3240 mL
	20 mM	0.3397 mL	1.6986 mL	3.3972 mL	8.4930 mL
	25 mM	0.2718 mL	1.3589 mL	2.7178 mL	6.7944 mL
	30 mM	0.2265 mL	1.1324 mL	2.2648 mL	5.6620 mL
	40 mM	0.1699 mL	0.8493 mL	1.6986 mL	4.2465 mL
	50 mM	0.1359 mL	0.6794 mL	1.3589 mL	3.3972 mL
	60 mM	0.1132 mL	0.5662 mL	1.1324 mL	2.8310 mL
	80 mM	0.0849 mL	0.4247 mL	0.8493 mL	2.1233 mL
	100 mM	0.0679 mL	0.3397 mL	0.6794 mL	1.6986 mL

Keywords

Indole-3-carbinol

18 Cited Publications

100 mg Get Quote

Subscribe to the

MedChemExpress

Newsletter

Product Name:
Cat. No.:
Quantity:
MCE Japan Authorized Agent:

Product Name:
CAS No.:
Species:
Purity:
Quantity:

Indole-3-carbinol

Anti-Infection Compound Library

Immunology/Inflammation Compound Library

Metabolism/Protease Compound Library

NF-κB Signaling Compound Library

Stem Cell Signaling Compound Library

Natural Product Library

Anti-Cancer Compound Library

Clinical Compound Library

Human Endogenous Metabolite Compound Library

Anti-Aging Compound Library

Drug Repurposing Compound Library

Antioxidant Compound Library

Differentiation Inducing Compound Library

Oxygen Sensing Compound Library

Ubiquitination Compound Library

Anti-COVID-19 Compound Library

Pyroptosis Compound Library

Alkaloids Library

Anti-Breast Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Blood Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Cancer Metabolism Compound Library

Anti-Obesity Compound Library

Transcription Factor-Targeted Library

Food-Sourced Compound Library

Anti-Liver Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Cancer Natural Product Library

Antidepressant Compound Library

Plant-Sourced Natural Product Library

Human Metabolite Library

Anti-Prostate Cancer Compound Library

Osteogenesis Compound Library

Cancer Stem Cells Compound Library

Pain-Related Compound Library

Metabolic Enzyme Compound Library

Animal-Sourced Natural Product Library

Anti-Hematopathy Compound Library

Anti-Ovarian Cancer Compound Library

Multi-Target Compound Library

Radioprotector Library

Mitophagy Compound Library

Bioactive Compound Library Max

MCE Bioactive Compound Library

Natural Product Library Plus

Drug Repurposing Compound Library Plus

Clinical Compound Library Plus

Natural Product and Natural Product-Like Compound Library

Bioactive Compound Library

Anti-Fibrosis Compound Library

Amino Acid Metabolism Compound Library

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Compound Library

RO5 Drug-like Natural Product Library

Cell Proliferation Compound Library

High-Throughput Bioactive Compound Library

High-Throughput Natural Product Library

Mass Spectrometry Human Endogenous Metabolite Library

Mass Spectrometry Human Metabolite Library

Posttranslational Modification Library

Lipid Metabolite Compound Library

RNA Binding Bioactive Compound Library

Lactylation Compound Library

Mass Spectrometry Natural Product Library

Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Indole-3-carbinol

All NF-κB Isoforms

All Endogenous Metabolite Isoforms

Biological Activity

Chemical Information

Publications (18)

Solvent & Solubility

Protocol

Purity & Documentation

References

Help & FAQs

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Indole-3-carbinol Related Classifications

HY-N0170 Related Classifications