The report (see last paragraph of article above) that indole-3-carbinol is a natural inhibitor of elastase suggests that it might be useful in the treatment of COPD, possibly slowing the progression of the disease. Since indole-3-carbinol is a safe dietary substance that is readily available as a constituent of cruciferous vegetables or as an indole-3-carbinol supplement, it could be worthwhile trying it if you have COPD. Whether decreased elastase expression in the lungs would allow for improvement (repairing) of elasticity or just slow the progressive loss of elasticity remains to be seen. Beneficial effects would probably not be immediately noticeable but might, in the long run, provide significant protection. Restoration of the natural anti-elastase compound alpha1-antitrypsin in COPD patients does slow progression. Indole-3-carbinol has not been clinically tested for this purpose.
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http://www.life-enhancement.com/article_template.asp?id=2085