Estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids: Pathways, functions and applications.

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Terpenes and terpenoids, derived from isoprene units, are abundant plant compounds with significant biological activities.
• Estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids function as phytoestrogens, recognized for their use in traditional medicine.
• These compounds encompass a wide structural range, including hemi-, mono-, sesqui-, di-, tri-, tetra-, and polyterpenes, along with their derivatives and meroterpenes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids.
• To elucidate the signaling pathways and cellular functions associated with their estrogenicity.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying their estrogenic activity and their diverse applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids.
• Analysis of various experimental assays used to evaluate estrogenic activity, including ligand-binding, yeast two-hybrid, reporter-gene, transcription, protein, cell, and animal testing.
• Classification of signaling pathways involved in estrogenicity as bidirectional or unidirectional.

Main Results:

• A broad classification of estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids, covering various structural classes.
• Detailed categorization of signaling pathways, distinguishing between bidirectional and unidirectional mechanisms.
• Identification of key application areas, including cancer treatment, cardioprotection, and neuroprotection.

Conclusions:

• While estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids show promise in various therapeutic areas, their precise mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing their estrogenicity.
• The diverse applications highlight the therapeutic potential of these natural compounds, warranting continued investigation into their availability, stability, and variations.