Synthetic Methodologies and Therapeutic Potential of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and Its Derivatives

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural product contained in vegetables belonging to the Bras- sicaceae family and has been studied in recent decades for its biological and pharmacological prop- erties. Herein, we will analyze: (1) the biosynthetic processes and synthetic procedures through which I3C and its main derivatives have been obtained; (2) the characteristics that lead to believe that both I3C and its derivatives are responsible for several important activities—in particular, an- titumor and antiviral, through insights concerning in vitro assays and in vivo tests; (3) the mecha- nisms of action of the most important compounds considered; (4) the potential social impact that the enhancement of the discussed molecules can have in the prevention and treatment of the pa- thologies’ examined field—first of all, those related to respiratory tract disorders and cancer.