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What it is
The maintenance-phase companion to Estera Phase 2, carrying forward the same I3C/DIM compound family from cruciferous vegetables. Where Phase 2 is framed around a woman's active transition, Phase III Maintenance is built for the ongoing, ordinary upkeep of that same estrogen-metabolism pathway once things have settled. Exact per-serving amounts are held as until the current label is verified.
Why the evidence supports it
The evidence rationale is the same one that supports Phase 2: human studies of I3C and DIM show a consistent shift in estrogen metabolism toward the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway, working with the liver's normal detox machinery rather than adding or blocking a hormone. Building a maintenance-specific formula is the sensible move — it keeps the mechanism in play for the long term instead of asking women to stay on a transition dose indefinitely. It is an evidence-based way to support the cell's Adapt function over time, and, like the whole Estera line, it is estrogen-metabolism support only, not treatment of any hormonal condition.
What it supports
- Supports the body's ongoing, healthy estrogen metabolism
- Supports the liver's normal detoxification pathways over the long term
- Provides the same I3C/DIM compound family as Estera Phase 2
- Complements a cruciferous-vegetable-rich diet as a maintenance habit
Which function it supports
Ties to the cell's Adapt function — the same I3C/DIM-driven liver detox and methylation-linked estrogen-metabolism support as Phase 2, positioned for long-term maintenance. This is estrogen-metabolism support only, not treatment of any hormonal condition.
Learn the why behind this pillarHow it relates to your cells and mind
Every product here ties back to a specific job your body does. This one touches the functions below — follow either link to see the mechanism in full, then dig into the studies.
What it is made of — and the mechanisms behind it
Each ingredient acts on several of the body's functions. Taken together, this product touches these cell and mind functions — follow any to see the mechanism in full.
The ingredients
Mechanisms drawn from our ingredient knowledge base (6 profiled ingredients). Structure and function only — not a treatment claim.
The science on the ingredients
Effect of Diindolylmethane on Estrogen-related Hormones, Metabolites and Tamoxifen Metabolism: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-controlled TrialRandomized controlled trial2017
In this year-long randomized trial in women on tamoxifen, DIM supplementation shifted estrogen metabolism toward the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway and raised SHBG, though it also altered tamoxifen's own metabolism.
Study authors — Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
Brazilian Tabernaemontana genus: Indole alkaloids and phytochemical activitiesClinical trial2016
Brazilian *Tabernaemontana* chemistry (Verified; not product validation)
Marinho et al — Brazilian *Tabernaemontana* chemistry
Tabernaemontana L. (Apocynaceae): a review of its taxonomy, phytochemistry, ethnobotany and pharmacologyEstablishedExpert review1984
Foundational review establishing that Tabernaemontana species, including sananga's source plants, are defined chemically by indole alkaloids across the genus.
Van Beek TA, Verpoorte R, Baerheim Svendsen A, Leeuwenberg AJM, Bisset NG — Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Melatonin and AgingEmergingExpert review2023
This overview describes how melatonin production declines across the lifespan and reviews the indole's antioxidant and mitochondrial properties in the context of age-related physiological changes.
Bondy SC — Sub-cellular biochemistry
Major Bioactive Alkaloids and Biological Activities of Tabernaemontana Species (Apocynaceae)EmergingExpert review2021
The plant genus behind sananga is a documented source of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, not sulfur compounds; this is the correct chemical framework for the practice.
Naidoo CM, Naidoo Y, Dewir YH, Murthy HN, El-Hendawy S, Al-Suhaibani N — Plants (Basel)
Melatonin transport into mitochondriaEmergingExpert review2017
This review describes how melatonin is carried into mitochondria against a concentration gradient by dedicated membrane transporters, positioning the indole where free radicals are generated to support mitochondrial antioxidant defense.
Mayo JC; Sainz RM; González-Menéndez P; Hevia D; Cernuda-Cernuda R — Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS
Genotoxicity Studies of Indole-3-carbinol and N-Methoxyindole-3-carbinol-The Effect of Sulphotransferases.2026
Study of indole-3-carbinol and N-methoxyindole-3-carbinol derivatives, some showing anti-carcinogenic activity, examined genotoxicity influenced by sulfotransferase enzymes, noting synthetic N-substituted variants being developed as antineoplastic drugs may vary widely in this safety property.
Glatt H; Schumacher F — Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
Diindolylmethane confers nootropic and neuroprotection effects against scopolamine-induced brain injury in Wistar rats.2026
In rats given scopolamine to impair memory, diindolylmethane improved cognitive test performance, raised acetylcholine levels, and reduced brain oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal apoptosis markers compared to untreated animals.
Anusha VL; Dontiboina HKR; Yadava S; Dumala N; Malothu N; Guntupalli C; Kaurav H; Ramakrishna K — 3 Biotech
Indole-3-carbinol ameliorates ER stress-mediated hyperleptinemia in western diet-fed apoE-/- mice.2026
Indole-3-carbinol reduced adipose weight, plasma leptin, and ER stress markers while boosting cholesterol efflux and fatty acid oxidation genes, partially easing ER stress in atherosclerotic lesions of western-diet-fed mice.
Kim HJ — Food & nutrition research
I3C protects IPEC-J2 cells by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the AhR-Nrf2-SLC7A11-GPX4 pathways.2026
In piglet intestinal epithelial cells, indole-3-carbinol reduced LPS-induced barrier damage by activating the AhR-Nrf2-SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway, which inhibited ferroptosis-related cell death.
Jiang H; Zhang Y; Hu X; Guo C; Shi L; Xun W — International immunopharmacology
3,3'-Diindolylmethane attenuates recognition memory impairment induced by binge ethanol exposure in mice.2026
In mice exposed to a binge ethanol protocol, DIM administration reduced ethanol-induced recognition memory deficits, suggesting a neuroprotective effect against alcohol-related cognitive impairment.
Morales-Puerto N; Vidal R; Gil de Biedma-Elduayen L; Giménez-Gómez P; Núñez-de la Calle C; Trueba Y; Pérez-Hernández M; Colado MI; Gutiérrez-López MD; O'Shea E — Biochemical pharmacology
Indole-3-carbinol attenuates cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure by activating Nrf2 through competitive binding of Keap1.2026
In mice, indole-3-carbinol activated Nrf2 by competitively binding Keap1, reducing ferroptosis and oxidative damage in ovarian tissue after cisplatin exposure by regulating GPX4, SLC7A11, and NNT redox pathways.
Zhu F; Zhang R; He Z; Zhang N; Li F; Li J; Chen H; Liu X; Cheng L; Zhong F — Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3,3'-Diindolylmethane ameliorates muscle atrophy by modulating mitochondrial function and calcium homeostasis.2026
In mice and C. elegans, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) improved grip strength and myofiber quality, reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, and countered dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy, suggesting a mechanistic approach to addressing sarcopenia.
Gao X; Feng X; Feng G; Zhong J; Liu Y; Pan S; Wang Z; Miao S; Lu R; Sun K; Ye Y — Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) suppression of IgG2b-triggered signaling in innate cells involves early suppression of p-Akt.2026
In an immune signaling study linked to multiple sclerosis research, indole-3-carbinol suppressed IgG2b-triggered Akt phosphorylation in innate immune cells, suggesting a nontoxic anti-inflammatory signaling mechanism worth further study.
Deb A; Miceli A; Kaplan BLF — Toxicology and applied pharmacology
Unveiling the Multifaceted Pharmacological Actions of Indole-3-Carbinol and Diindolylmethane: A Comprehensive Review.2025
This review summarizes how indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane, cruciferous vegetable compounds, show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory activity studied across cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, metabolic, bone, respiratory, liver, and immune conditions.
Srikanth Y; Reddy DH; Anusha VL; Dumala N; Viswanadh MK; Chakravarthi G; Nalluri BN; Yadagiri G; Ramakrishna K — Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Dietary phytochemical indole-3-carbinol regulates metabolic reprogramming in mouse prostate tissue.2025
A metabolomics study found dietary indole-3-carbinol altered pyrimidine, arginine-proline, porphyrin, and lipoic acid metabolism pathways in mouse prostate tissue, pathways proposed to underlie its health-beneficial effects.
Peter RM; Sarwar MS; Wang L; Chou P; Wang C; Wang Y; Su X; Kong AN — Pharmaceutical research
3,3'-Diindolylmethane improves pathology and neurological outcome following traumatic brain injury.2025
3,3'-Diindolylmethane, a cruciferous vegetable compound, modulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity and reduces pro-inflammatory signaling in central nervous system tissue in models of brain injury.
Dallera CA; Placeres-Uray F; Mastromatteo-Alberga P; Dominguez-Torres M; Balleste AF; Gorthy AS; Rahimzadeh TS; Aliancin I; Dietrich WD; de Rivero Vaccari JP; Jacobs IC; Chlipala EA; Benton H; Zeligs MA; Atkins CM — Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics
Indole-3-Carbinol and Its Derivatives as Neuroprotective Modulators.2024
Review describes indole-3-carbinol and its metabolite DIM as mimicking BDNF activity to induce Akt phosphorylation and block the Nrf2-Keap1 complex, activating antioxidant defenses proposed as neuroprotective against oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disease models.
Singh AA; Yadav D; Khan F; Song M — Brain sciences
The Senolytic Effect of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) on Mouse Embryonic (MEF) and Human Fibroblast Cell Lines.2024
In mouse and human fibroblast cell lines, indole-3-carbinol showed senolytic activity by promoting clearance of senescent cells, an effect linked to inhibition of the E3-ubiquitin ligases NEDD4 and WWP1.
Sax SL; Centomo ML; Centofanti F; Rizzacasa B; Cox S; Cox C; Latini A; D'Apice MR; Mannucci L; Novelli G; Pandolfi PP — International journal of molecular sciences
Indole-3-Carbinol: Occurrence, Health-Beneficial Properties, and Cellular/Molecular Mechanisms.2023
A review describes how indole-3-carbinol and its metabolite DIM, found in cruciferous vegetables, modulate cellular pathways governing oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis, with preclinical evidence suggesting potential to help prevent chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Amarakoon D; Lee WJ; Tamia G; Lee SH — Annual review of food science and technology
3, 3'-diindolylmethane enhances macrophage efferocytosis and subsequently relieves visceral pain via the AhR/Nrf2/Arg-1-mediated arginine metabolism pathway.2023
In mice with colitis, DIM enhanced macrophage efferocytosis through AhR-Nrf2/Arg-1 signaling, downregulating intracellular arginine and upregulating ornithine and putrescine, which reduced substance P and NGF release and eased visceral pain behaviors.
Yang L; Zheng C; Xia YF; Dai Y; Wei ZF — Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3,3'-Diindolylmethane attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in radiation-induced lung injury by regulating NF-κB/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways.2022
In mice, 3,3'-diindolylmethane reduced inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory cell counts, and fibrosis-related gene expression in a radiation-induced lung injury model by regulating NF-kB/TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathways.
Zhou X; Bao WA; Zhu X; Lin J; Fan JF; Yang Y; Du XH; Wang YZ — Experimental lung research
Day and blue light modify growth, cell physiology and indole-3-acetic acid production of Azospirillum brasilense Az39 under planktonic growth conditions.2021
In the plant growth promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense, daylight increased biomass and hormone production while blue light triggered cell aggregation and biofilm formation but reduced hormone output through photooxidation.
Molina R; López G; Coniglio A; Furlan A; Mora V; Rosas S; Cassán F — Journal of applied microbiology
Effects of glucosinolate-rich broccoli sprouts on urinary levels of aflatoxin-DNA adducts and phenanthrene tetraols, randomized clinical trial, QidongRandomized controlled trial
PMID 16284385. Real human RCT of sulforaphane-driven detox excretion, but for aflatoxin, not arsenic.
Study authors — China
Balanced by design — we show supporting and contradicting findings. Search all studies
No product works in isolation
Every cell function above — Sense, Exchange, Transform, Build, Maintain, Adapt — needs the same broad base of optimal micronutrient levels running underneath it, all the time. Estera Phase III Maintenance is not a stand-alone fix; it is one piece that plugs into that larger system. The foundation comes first, and this supports it.
Stacks well with
Pick your goal — here is what Estera Phase III Maintenance pairs with for each. Nothing works in isolation; these share the same systems.
For Women's Health
For Mood & Hormones
Foundational, or targeted?
Not everything in the shop is meant to be taken forever. Some products here are foundational — a daily nutrient base built for long-term, ongoing use. Others are targeted -- shorter-term support for a specific season, not a lifelong habit. If you are not sure which one this is, that is a fair question to ask us before you buy.
Learn more, on your terms
Do not take our word for it — go read. Each topic below opens a pre-loaded search so you can explore the nutrient, the mechanism, or the device for yourself.
Search the full studies libraryHow to use it
Take the labeled daily serving with a meal, following the current bottle directions, typically as an ongoing maintenance routine rather than a short course.
Where to get it
Ready when you are. This link takes you to the official, verified source for this product.
Get Estera Phase III MaintenanceThe studies
See the research behind the science we point to.
Explore studiesThe blog
Plain-language reads on how it all fits together.
Read the blogOptimal nutrients are the definition of longevity
Long-term cell function depends on having what it needs, at the level it needs it, for as long as it needs it. That is the whole thesis behind everything we point you to here.
When you buy through our links, we earn a small commission — and that is what funds all the free education here. It never costs you more. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.