Chemical in Broccoli Blocks Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells
 (Berkley, CA, 5/12/2003)

Professor Leonard Bjeldanes of UC Berkley's College of Natural Resources and colleagues, report that in test tube experiments, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), a chemical produced during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, deters the proliferation of human prostate cells. The researchers believe that DIM's protective effect derives from its androgen - blocking property. This was confirmed in experiments where DIM inhibited the growth of androgen - dependent cancer cells by 70% compared with untreated cells, but did not affect the growth of androgen - independent cells. The scientists explain that DIM blocks androgens by competing for the same receptors as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thus limiting the opportunities for DHT to stimulate the production of prostate specific androgen (PSA).