Diindolylmethane (DIM) for Acne
Verdict: Taiwan Regulatory Restriction
Across 4 PubMed studies, the evidence for Diindolylmethane (DIM) in Acne grades Tier U — unverified / insufficient.
U ⚫ U Unverified Taiwan Regulatory Restriction
Why this grade7-layer evidence engine
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Scoring transparency
All scores computed by a 7-layer evidence engine — fully auditableRaw score 0.44
D
C
B
A
S
← counter-evidence / ineffectiveeffective / strong evidence →
Final grade
U · Taiwan Regulatory Restriction
Confidence
77%
Broadly consistent
Evidence level
E7
Single small RCT
▸View the full decision path (audit trail)
- compute_raw_score — 加權公式: L2×0.30 + L3×0.25 + L5×0.25 + L11×0.10 + L1×0.10 = 0.44
- tier_from_score — 依分數區間映射至 tier letter
- apply_hec_rules — 無高階證據可裁決
- tier_strict_requirement_check — Tier 條件達標，未降階
- detect_disputes — 偵測到 0 個 hard + 0 個 soft dispute
- decide_status — 依 tier + dispute 結果決定 status
PubMed studies (4)L2 · primary research & systematic reviews
DIM Inhibits Multispecies Biofilm Formation by Acne-Causing Bacteria and C. albicans
Finding: DIM at 0.1 mM significantly inhibited planktonic growth and biofilm formation by C. acnes (P<0.05); also blocked S. aureus + C. albicans co-biofilm and downregulated biofilm-related genes (lipase, hyaluronate lyase).
View on PubMed Impact of DIM on urinary estrogen profile of premenopausal women
Finding: DIM users showed significant differences in nearly all urinary estrogen metabolites (P<0.001) vs non-users; 2-OHE1:16-OHE1 ratio significantly increased in both whole-group and pre/post analyses, consistent with shift toward less-estrogenic metabolism. No acne or skin endpoint measured.
View on PubMed DIM modulates estrogen metabolism in thyroid proliferative disease patients
Finding: 2-OHE1:16-OHE1 ratio significantly increased (P<0.05), consistent with antiestrogenic activity. No skin/acne endpoints.
View on PubMed DIM is a strong androgen receptor antagonist in human prostate cancer cells
Finding: DIM is a strong competitive inhibitor of DHT-AR binding; blocks AR nuclear translocation and PSA transcription; functions as bifunctional hormone disrupter.
View on PubMed Regulatory & authoritative positionsL4/L5 · FDA / EMA / NIH ODS / Cochrane / Mayo …
L4a US FDA
Cautious
3,3'-DIINDOLYLMETHANE source↗
L4b EU EFSA
Against
Purified, synthetic 3,3'-diindolylmethane powder in supplement form is considered novel... 3,3'-diindolylmethane powder has been classified as a 'Novel Food' because it had not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the UK or the European Union before May 15, 1997. It has not been granted authorization for sale as a food supplement. source↗
L4e WHO
Supportive
3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM). CAS 1968-05-4. Source materials: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (cauliflower), var. capitata (cabbage), var. gemmifera (Brussels sprouts), var. italica (broccoli) — whole plant. Schedule 1, Item 2 (isolate). Approved Use(s) or Purpose(s): Source of/Provides antioxidants that help fight/protect cells against/reduce the oxidative effects of (or oxidative damage cause… source↗
L5a NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Cautious