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Phytoestrogens: a review of the present state of research
Author(s) -
Ososki Andreana L.,
Kennelly Edward J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.1364
Subject(s) - phytoestrogens , isoflavones , disease , medicine , osteoporosis , bioinformatics , biology , estrogen
Phytoestrogens are a diverse group of plant‐derived compounds that structurally or functionally mimic mammalian estrogens and show potential benets for human health. The number of articles published on phytoestrogens has risen dramatically in the past couple decades. Further research continues to demonstrate the biological complexity of phytoestrogens, which belong to several different chemical classes and act through diverse mechanisms. This paper discusses the classication of phytoestrogens, methods of identication, their proposed mechanisms of action and botanical sources for phytoestrogens. The effects of phytoestrogens on breast and prostate cancers, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis will also be examined including research on benets and risks. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.