3,3'-Diindolylmethane

3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound derived from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale. It and its parent compound – indole-3-carbinol – are under laboratory research to determine their possible biological properties, particularly in anti-cancer mechanisms. DIM is sold as a dietary supplement.

Properties
In vitro, DIM has action as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, specifically against HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3. DIM is a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol. DIM was found to be a mild cannabinoid agonist with low binding affinity for both CB1 and CB2.

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in collaboration with teams from Sichuan University and the National University of Singapore, have identified that 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) – a naturally occurring molecule also referred to as bisindole – can reduce biofilms responsible for plaque and cavities by a remarkable 90%.