Other names for Indole

related indole compounds
Indole alkaloid (unspecified)

Synopsis of Indole

History

Indole, a naturally occurring organic compound, has a rich history tied to traditional medicine and natural remedies, even before its chemical structure was formally identified in the 19th century. Found abundantly in plants such as cruciferous vegetables and in certain medicinal herbs, indole and its derivatives have long contributed to the beneficial effects attributed to herbal therapies. In traditional medicine systems, especially those utilizing plant extracts, indole-containing herbs were valued for their potential to support digestive health, enhance mood, and maintain general well-being. For example, plants like Brassica species (broccoli, cabbage, and kale) and Indian herbs such as Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) were commonly used in remedies designed to boost health and vitality, partially due to their indole content.

Herbal combinations featuring indole-rich plants have been positively associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Practitioners of herbal medicine often combined these plants with other botanicals to create synergistic blends, amplifying their health-promoting properties. Beyond traditional remedies, the modern recognition of indole’s role in promoting gut health and supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms has led to its inclusion in contemporary nutritional supplements and wellness products.

Overall, indole’s contributions to medicinal practice—historically and today—are notable for their breadth and versatility. Its presence in time-honored herbal combinations highlights its enduring value, and ongoing research continues to reveal new facets of its positive impact on human health, reinforcing its esteemed place in the world of natural medicine.

Traditional and scientific validation

Indole is an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound naturally occurring in a variety of foods, especially those derived from plants such as cruciferous vegetables. It is produced endogenously in the human body as a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan, primarily through gut microbial fermentation. Historically, indole and its derivatives have been investigated for their diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

Scientific research has focused on the potential health contributions of indole and related compounds, such as indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane (DIM), which are found in broccoli, cabbage, and other vegetables. These compounds have been studied for their possible role in supporting detoxification pathways, modulating hormone metabolism, and promoting cellular health. Preclinical studies suggest that indole derivatives may help regulate immune responses and maintain intestinal barrier function, contributing to overall gut health.

Clinical studies on indole itself are limited, but its metabolites have garnered attention in nutritional science. Some small-scale trials and epidemiological studies have reported beneficial effects related to hormone balance and antioxidant status, though the evidence is not yet conclusive. While more rigorous, large-scale human studies are needed to fully establish the health benefits of indole in nutritional products, its presence in a diet rich in vegetables is generally associated with positive health outcomes. Overall, indole represents a promising natural compound with multifaceted biological activity, supporting its continued inclusion in nutritional formulations and ongoing scientific investigation.

Indole is used for these health conditions

Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)

Indole is used to support these body systems

Intestinal System (Scientific)

Products containing Indole

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.