What is phytoestrogen?

Question

What is phytoestrogen?

Answer 1

Phytoestrogens, sometimes called "dietary estrogens", are a diverse group of naturally occurring non steroidal plant compounds that, because of their structural similarity with estradiol (17β-estradiol), have the ability to cause estrogenic or/and antiestrogenic effects

Their name comes from phyto = plant and estrogen = estrus (period of fertility for female mammals) + gen = to generate.

The similarities, at molecular level, of estrogens and phytoestrogens allow them to mildly mimic and sometimes act as antagonists to estrogen[1]. Phytoestrogens were first observed in 1926 but it was unknown if they could have any effect in human or animal metabolism. In the 1940s it was noticed for the first time that red clover (a phytoestrogens-rich plant) pastures had effects on the fertility of grazing sheep. Researchers are still exploring the nutritional role of these substances in such diverse metabolic functions as the regulation of cholesterol, and the maintaining of proper bone density post-menopause. Evidence is accruing that phytoestrogens may have protective action against diverse health disorders such as prostate, breast, bowel, and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, brain function disorders, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis

Answer 2

Definitions of  phytoestrogen on the Web:

    * An estrogen-like substance found in some plants and plant products. Phytoestrogens may have anticancer effects.

      www.ibcsurvivors.org/dictionary2.html

    * A natural compound found in plants, including soy beans and whole grain cereals, that acts like a weak estrogen in the body.

      www.soynutrition.com/AboutSoy/SoyGlossar...

    * Estrogen-like chemicals produced by plants that may aid in preserving bone density, but there is some concern they may also contribute to an ...

      www.red-wine-and-health.com/dictionary/r...

    * A plant substance with activity similar to human estrogen.

      www.enzy.com/go/EnzymaticTherapy/Glossar...

    * Phytoestrogens sometimes called "dietary estrogens" are a diverse group of naturally occurring non steroidal plant compounds that because of ...

      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoestrogen

    * any of a range of various compounds found in plants that function similarly to estrogens

      en.wiktionary.org/wiki/phytoestrogen

    * Found mostly in soy foods, this chemical is said to mimic estrogen and is considered healthy as it may reduce the risk of some types of cancers

      www.funkyfemale.com/health-and-fitness/n...

Answer 3

A phytoestrogen is a chemical produced by a plant that mimics the effects of estrogen. By mimicing  the effects of estrogens on animals body, it effects thier reproductive system by causing sterility and infertilty in animals that eat large quantities of those plants.

There was a case in Australia where a farmer fed his sheep almost exclusivley on a kind of clover. The sheep produced excellent wool, but within a few generations all the ewes were completely infertile, becuase the clover was very high in phytoestrogens. He has since got a new flock and fed them with a mixture of plant species.  

Many plants inlcuding those that we use for food and other products have evolved to produce phytoestrogens. Soy and lavender are the best known examples of these plants.