Phytoestrogens: a review of the present state of research

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are a diverse group of plant-derived compounds that structurally or functionally mimic mammalian estrogens and show potential benefits for human health. The number of articles published on phytoestrogens has risen dramatically in the past couple decades. Further research continues to demonstrate the biological complexity of phytoestrogens, which belong to several different chemical classes and act through diverse mechanisms. This paper discusses the classification of phytoestrogens, methods of identification, their proposed mechanisms of action and botanical sources for phytoestrogens. The effects of phytoestrogens on breast and prostate cancers, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis will also be examined including research on benefits and risks.

Simultaneous Determination of Daidzein, Genistein and Formononetin in Coffee by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

“…These compounds are similar to 17β-estradiol in structure and function [3]. They have a dual-directional regulation function in the human body, meaning both anti-estrogen activity and estrogenic activity [4]. Such compounds have good curative effects for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and osteoporosis, etc.…”

Role of phytoestrogenic oils in alleviating osteoporosis associated with ovariectomy in rats

“…Fresh SbO contains other micronutrients such phytoestrogens which are effective antioxidants (Ima-Nirwana et al 2007). The phytoestrogens are numerous and nearly ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, having been found in almost all plants (Ososki and Kennelly 2003). The estrogenic activity of isoflavones is attributed to their structural similarity to 17b-estradiol and because they may modulate transcription of estrogen-responsive genes through the estrogen receptor (ER) (Lund et al 2007).…”

Antiosteoporotic compounds from seeds of Cuscuta chinensis

“…The active constituents of TSZ include flavonoids, lignans, quinic acids and polysaccharides (Du et al, 1998;Wang et al, 2000;Ye et al, 2002bYe et al, , 2005He et al, 2010). These compounds have been suggested to be responsible for the pharmacological activities observed from TSZ (Ososki and Kennelly, 2003). TSZ is often used as one major composite of many Chinese traditional medicine formulas for the treatment of osteoporosis.…”