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Phyto-oestrogens and Western diseases

H Adlercreutz1, W Mazur

  • 1Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Meilahti Hospital, Finland. herman.adlercreutz@helsinki.fi

Annals of Medicine
|April 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Dietary phyto-estrogens, like lignans and isoflavonoids, may offer cancer protection by influencing hormone metabolism and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Further research is needed to determine optimal dietary amounts for disease prevention.

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Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Cancer incidence, particularly breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is significantly higher in Western populations compared to Asian populations.
  • Dietary factors, specifically the Western diet versus semivegetarian diets common in Asia, are hypothesized to influence cancer rates through biochemical mechanisms.
  • Phyto-estrogens, including lignans and isoflavonoids found in soy, whole grains, seeds, and berries, are of interest due to their potential cancer-protective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of dietary phyto-estrogens (lignans and isoflavonoids) in cancer prevention.
  • To explore the biochemical mechanisms by which phyto-estrogens may modulate hormone production, metabolism, and action.
  • To review the evidence for phyto-estrogens in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and menopausal symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on phyto-estrogens, their dietary sources, and their biological effects.
  • Analysis of studies examining the conversion of plant lignan and isoflavonoid glycosides to active compounds by intestinal bacteria.
  • Examination of in vitro and animal experimental data on the effects of phyto-estrogens on hormone pathways, cell proliferation, and disease development.

Main Results:

  • Phyto-estrogens exhibit weak estrogenic activity and can influence sex hormone production, metabolism, and cellular actions, potentially inhibiting cancer development.
  • These compounds may modulate steroid biosynthesis, reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women, and potentially inhibit osteoporosis.
  • Soy intake has been linked to preventing LDL oxidation and improving plasma lipid profiles; animal studies suggest lignans and isoflavonoids may prevent cancer and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary lignans and isoflavonoids are strong candidates for natural cancer-protective compounds, potentially acting in both initiation and promotion phases of carcinogenesis.
  • Phyto-estrogens may offer benefits beyond cancer prevention, including cardiovascular health and relief from menopausal symptoms.
  • Definitive recommendations for dietary intake amounts of phyto-estrogens for disease prevention cannot yet be made.

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