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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
06:07
Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
Published on: June 7, 2020
[Lignan: an important natural estrogen from plants]
Xin Li1, Jian-Ping Yuan, Xin Liu
1College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering Research Center of State Education Ministry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
Summary
Lignans, plant compounds with estrogenic effects, show potential in preventing hormone-related cancers. Further research is needed to understand their anticancer mechanisms, genic toxicity, and optimal dosage for health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Lignans are phytoestrogens with antioxidant, antitumor, and antiviral properties.
- They show promise in preventing hormone-dependent diseases like breast and prostate cancer.
- Key scientific questions remain regarding their genic toxicity, anticancer mechanisms, and effective dosages.
Purpose:
- To systematically review existing literature on lignans.
- To cover their classification, distribution, metabolism, pharmacological activities, and analytical methods.
- To provide a prospective outlook for future lignan research.
Summary:
- This review consolidates current knowledge on lignans, highlighting their diverse bioactivities and potential health benefits, particularly in hormone-related diseases.
- It addresses critical knowledge gaps concerning the genotoxicity of lignan metabolites, detailed anticancer mechanisms, and dosage requirements for efficacy.
- The paper examines various aspects including lignan classification, natural distribution, metabolic pathways, pharmacological effects, and analytical techniques.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview for researchers in nutrition, pharmacology, and oncology.
- Identifies crucial areas for future investigation into lignan's therapeutic potential and safety.
- Aims to guide the development of lignan-based strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
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01:56Plant Hormones
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.
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In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
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About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
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