A review on phytoestrogens: Current status and future direction

Phytoestrogens are plant secondary metabolite that is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian estrogens, which have been shown to have various health benefits in humans. Isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans are the three major bioactive classes of phytoestrogens. It has a complicated mechanism of action involving an interaction with the nuclear estrogen receptor isoforms ER alpha and ER beta, with estrogen agonist and estrogen antagonist effects. Depending on their concentration and bioavailability in various plant sources, phytoestrogens can act as estrogen agonist or antagonists. Menopausal vasomotor symptoms, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, menopausal symptoms, and osteoporosis/bone health have all been studied using phytoestrogens as an additional standard hormone supplemental remedy. The botanical sources, techniques of identification, classification, side effects, clinical implications, pharmacological and therapeutic effects of their proposed mode of action, safety issues, and future directions for phytoestrogens have all been highlighted in this review.

Automated summary

Phytoestrogens are plant secondary metabolites that resemble mammalian estrogens and have various health benefits in humans. They interact with nuclear estrogen receptor isoforms ER alpha and ER beta, acting as estrogen agonists or antagonists. This review highlights the botanical sources, identification techniques, classification, clinical implications, and safety issues of phytoestrogens.