[Phytoestrogens and human health.].
Recently there has been a growing interest in phytoestrogens, because they have been proven to play a protective role against many diseases that have been related to lifestyle in the westernized countries. The four main classes of phytoestrogens are: isoflavones, flavones, coumestrans and lignans. Known mechanisms of action include estrogen receptor agonism and possibly antagonism, influences on sex hormone binding globulin and/or key enzymes in sex hormone production and metabolism. Other effects not linked to sex hormones, such as antioxidant activity, antiproliferative activity and inhibition of angiogenesis, have also been suggested. A short review of the most studied health effects that have been linked to phytoestrogens is presented, such as prevention of certain types of cancer, osteoporosis and coronary heart disease.
Magnúsdóttir
Elín V
EV
Laaboratory of toxicology, University of Iceland, Armúla 30, 128 Reykjavík, Iceland. elinmag@hi.is.