Review Highlights Differences Among Phytoestrogens

Researchers from Frutarom (Haifa, Israel) and Wageningen University have published a review on the different actions of phytoestrogens. Published in the journal Food and Function, the review points to tissue-specific actions of phytoestrogens from different plants, and metabolism and bioavailability of these different plant sources.

“Research has shown that the estrogenic mechanisms in the body are very complex,” says study coauthor and Frutarom R&D manager Rudy Simons, PhD. “However, it appears that the molecular structure of phytoestrogens play a big role in the in vitro estrogenic activity as well as the type of clinical health benefits. Although their activity profiles are similar, they are not the same. For example, phytoestrogens from soy are associated with improved bone health and menopausal health, phytoestrogens from flax can delay the onset of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss, and licorice phytoestrogens are particularly associated with chemoprevention.”

Frutarom has spent considerable research on phytoestrogens, with more than 35 studies focusing on the company’s SoyLife soy-germ isoflavone and LinumLife flax lignans.