A review on phytoestrogens: Current status and future direction

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are plant-based secondary metabolite that is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian estrogens that have been shown to have various health benefits for humans. Isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans are the three major bioactive classes of phytoestrogens. It has a complicated mechanism of action that involves interaction with the nuclear estrogen receptor isoforms ERα and ERβ, with estrogen-agonist and estrogen-antagonist actions. Phytoestrogens can act as estrogen agonists or antagonists depending on their concentration and bioavailability in various plant sources. Menopausal vasomotor symptoms, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis/bone health have all been studied using phytoestrogens as an additional standard hormone additional remedy. The botanical sources, techniques of identification, classification, side effects, clinical impacts, pharmacological and therapeutic effects of their suggested modes of action, safety aspects, and future directions for phytoestrogens were all highlighted in this review study.