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Phytoestrogens: What They Are and
How They Work
by G. Douglas Andersen,DC,DACBSP,CCN
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/21/03.html
Phytoestrogens are phytochemicals that have properties
similar to estrogens. They are bioflavonoids in the
isoflavone family. The isoflavones daidzein and genistein
appear to be the most important phytoestrogens yet
discovered. Other members of the isoflavone family with
varying degrees of phytoestrogenic activities include
glycetein, biochain, phytosterols, saponins and ligands.
Epidemiological evidence indicates that humans who have
diets rich in phytoestrogens have lower rates of breast and
prostate cancer. These populations also have less heart
disease, gallbladder disease, osteoporosis, menopausal
difficulties, lung, stomach, colon, and uterine cancers.
The best food sources of daidzein and genistein are
soybeans and clover. Daidzein and genistein are also
present in black beans and alfalfa. As our research into
these phytochemicals continues, it is likely that they will
show up in other types of vegetables, fruits, and whole
grains.
Phytoestrogens are adaptogens. This is their main
mechanism of action. They can be beneficial when estrogen
levels are either increased or decreased. When
phytoestrogens are metabolized, they bind on the same
cellular sites as do estrogens. Phytoestrogens are
considered to be weak estrogenic compounds. When a
phytoestrogen has attached itself to an estrogen receptor,
this prevents estrogen from exerting its effects. On average,
phytoestrogens have about two percent of the strength of
estrogens. Therefore, when estrogen levels are high,
substituting a phytoestrogen for an estrogen means that
there will be much less estrogenic activity at a given binding
site. Conversely, if estrogen levels are low and estrogen-
binding sites are empty, filling them with phytoestrogens
that contain two percent estrogen activity will result in a total
increase in systemic estrogenic effect.
A second mechanism of action for phytoestrogens may be
their ability to affect the endogenous production of
estrogen. The pituitary gland releases gonadotrophins that
stimulate estrogen synthesis in the ovaries. Phytoestrogens
appear to lower gonadotrophin levels, which will lengthen
the menstrual cycle. Women with longer menstrual cycles
have lower rates of breast cancer. Lower gonadotrophin
levels also reduce menopausal symptoms, including hot
flashes.
In men, phytoestrogens reduce the rate of prostate cancer,
but do not appear to lower testosterone levels. Two glasses
of soy milk a day reduced prostate cancer in a group of
Seventh Day Adventists by 70 percent.
In conclusion, it is apparent that the study of
phytochemicals and their effects on human health will
become an ever-increasing topic in the 21st century. As our
understanding of specific phytochemicals increases, there
will undoubtedly be a multitude of applications that will
benefit humans.
References
G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN Brea, California
gdandersen@earthlink.net
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How They Work
by G. Douglas Andersen,DC,DACBSP,CCN
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/21/03.html
Phytoestrogens are phytochemicals that have properties
similar to estrogens. They are bioflavonoids in the
isoflavone family. The isoflavones daidzein and genistein
appear to be the most important phytoestrogens yet
discovered. Other members of the isoflavone family with
varying degrees of phytoestrogenic activities include
glycetein, biochain, phytosterols, saponins and ligands.
Epidemiological evidence indicates that humans who have
diets rich in phytoestrogens have lower rates of breast and
prostate cancer. These populations also have less heart
disease, gallbladder disease, osteoporosis, menopausal
difficulties, lung, stomach, colon, and uterine cancers.
The best food sources of daidzein and genistein are
soybeans and clover. Daidzein and genistein are also
present in black beans and alfalfa. As our research into
these phytochemicals continues, it is likely that they will
show up in other types of vegetables, fruits, and whole
grains.
Phytoestrogens are adaptogens. This is their main
mechanism of action. They can be beneficial when estrogen
levels are either increased or decreased. When
phytoestrogens are metabolized, they bind on the same
cellular sites as do estrogens. Phytoestrogens are
considered to be weak estrogenic compounds. When a
phytoestrogen has attached itself to an estrogen receptor,
this prevents estrogen from exerting its effects. On average,
phytoestrogens have about two percent of the strength of
estrogens. Therefore, when estrogen levels are high,
substituting a phytoestrogen for an estrogen means that
there will be much less estrogenic activity at a given binding
site. Conversely, if estrogen levels are low and estrogen-
binding sites are empty, filling them with phytoestrogens
that contain two percent estrogen activity will result in a total
increase in systemic estrogenic effect.
A second mechanism of action for phytoestrogens may be
their ability to affect the endogenous production of
estrogen. The pituitary gland releases gonadotrophins that
stimulate estrogen synthesis in the ovaries. Phytoestrogens
appear to lower gonadotrophin levels, which will lengthen
the menstrual cycle. Women with longer menstrual cycles
have lower rates of breast cancer. Lower gonadotrophin
levels also reduce menopausal symptoms, including hot
flashes.
In men, phytoestrogens reduce the rate of prostate cancer,
but do not appear to lower testosterone levels. Two glasses
of soy milk a day reduced prostate cancer in a group of
Seventh Day Adventists by 70 percent.
In conclusion, it is apparent that the study of
phytochemicals and their effects on human health will
become an ever-increasing topic in the 21st century. As our
understanding of specific phytochemicals increases, there
will undoubtedly be a multitude of applications that will
benefit humans.
References
- Karch SB. Consumers Guide to Herbal Medicine.
Advanced Research Press, Hauppauge, New York;
1999. - Werbach MR and Murray MT. Botanical Influence on
Illness. Third Line Press, Tarzana, California; 1994. - Lichtenstein AH. Soy protein, isoflavones and
cardiovascular disease risk. Journal of Nutrition,
JNQTR, 128, 1589-1592, 1998. - Jacobsen B, Kanutsen FF and Fraser GE. Does high
soy milk intake reduce prostate cancer incidence?
Adventist health study, (United States), Cancer
Causes and Control, 1998, 9, 553-557.
G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN Brea, California
gdandersen@earthlink.net
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