title: [Phytoestrogens].
abstract: The soy-isoflavones genistein and daidzein and the flaxseed-lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol belong to the group of phytoestrogens. Epidemiological data suggest that phytoestrogens have a preventive effect against various estrogen-related diseases/symptoms such as breast cancer, menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. To prove these assumptions, available controlled clinical trials have been critically reviewed. Especially soy-isoflavones have been extensively studied. There is no scientific evidence for an effect of phytoestrogens on menopausal symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer. However, isoflavones-containing soy protein can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride serum levels. The strongest evidence exists for a preventive effect of soy isoflavones on postmenopausal bone loss of the lumbar spine. Distinct effects on estrogen-related diseases can be explained at least in part by the different affinity of isoflavones to estrogen receptors alpha and beta and the distinct tissue distribution of these receptors.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Ernährungswissenschaft, Universität Bonn. a.zittermann@uni-bonn.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zittermann
mesh_terms: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D019833:Genistein / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D007529:Isoflavones; D008055:Lipids; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations; C004742:daidzein; D019833:Genistein