Phytoestrogen

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Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on some predictors of cardiovascular risk in osteopenic, postmenopausal women: a 2-years randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 92, 3068-3075. 66. Djuric, Z., Lu, M. H., Lewis, S. M., Luongo, D. A., Chen, X. W., Heilbrun, L. K., Reading, B. A., Duffy, P. H., and Hart, R. W. (1992). Oxidative DNA damage levels in rats fed low-fat, high-fat, or calorie-restricted diets. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 115, 156-160. 67. Djuric, Z., Heilbrun, L. K., Reading, B. A., Boomer, A., Valeriote, F. A., and Martino, S. (1991).

The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest Dan Buettner See book keywords and concepts

In addition, phytoestrogen seems to modestly lower cholesterol and promote healthy blood vessels. All of which is not to say that people who live a long time don't eat meat: Festive meals in Sardinia include lots of meat. Okinawans slaughter pigs during lunar New Year festivals. And Nicoyans raise family pigs as well. But meat is typically eaten only a few times a month. And most warnings concern red meat or processed meat like bacon. Both Dr. Robert Kane and Dr.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

HEALTH BENEFITS Yams contain a unique phytoestrogen called diosgenin that is used as a starting material for the synthesis of the hormones estrogen and progesterone by drug manufacturers. Contrary to some popular claims, the human body cannot convert diosgenin into the human hormone progesterone; however, yams are still a super-food for women, especially since they possess phytoestrogen activity and are a good source of vitamin B6.

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on bone metabolism in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized trial. Ann. Intern. Med. 146, 839-847. 15. Watanabe, S., Yamaguchi, M., Sobue, T., Takahashi, T., Miura, T., Arai, Y., Mazur, W., Wahala, K., and Adlercreutz, H. (1998). Pharmacokinetics of soybean isoflavones in plasma, urine and feces of men after ingestion of 60 g baked soybean powder (kinako). J. Nutr. 128, 1710-1715. 16. Gross, M. D., Pfeiffer, M., Martini, M., Campbell, D., Slavin, J., and Potter, J. (1996). The quantitation of metabolites of quercetin flavonols in human urine.

Phytoestrogen intake and endometrial cancer risk. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 95, 1158-1164. 259. Obermair, A., Kurz, C, Hanzal, E., et al. (1995). The influence of obesity on the disease-free survival in primary breast cancer. Anticancer Res. 15, 2265-2269. 260. Potischman, N., Swanson, C. A., Brinton, L. A., et al. (1993). Dietary associations in a case-control study of endometrial cancer. Cancer Causes Control 4, 239-250. 261. Shu, X. O., Zheng, W., Potischman, N., et al. (1993).

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

In vitro bioassays using a human endometrial cell line led to the identification of a potent phytoestrogen in hops, 8- prenylnaringenin, which showed equal or greater estrogenic activity than other established plant estrogens. The authors indicated that previous discrepancies over the potential estrogenic activity of hops were probably due to the variable nature of the extracts and the variety of assays used (Milligan et al, 1999). The effective use in hyperexcitable males is thought to be due to estrogenic, antiandrogenic, and antigonadotropic activity (Salvador, 1994).

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

Phytoestrogen exposure correlation with plasma estradiol in postmenopausal women in European Prospective Investigation of Cancer and Nutrition—Norfolk may involve diet-gene interactions. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 14, 213-220. 14. Le Marchand, L., Haiman, C. A., Wilkens, L. R., Kolonel, L. N., and Henderson, B. E. (2004). MTHFR polymorphisms, diet, HRT, and breast cancer risk: The multiethnic cohort study. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 13, 2071-2077. 15. Ann, J., Gammon, M. D., Santella, R. M., et al. (2006).

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Quercetin is considered a phytoestrogen (i.e., a plant substance with similar functions as that of estrogen). Some phytoestrogens are believed also to have antiestrogenic effects that might lead to reduced risks of certain cancers (page 87). Quercetin was found to have this antiestrogenic activity by inhibiting breast cancer (page 65) cells in a test tube.1 In a double-blind trial, 67% of people taking quercetin had an improvement of prostatitis (page 377) symptoms, compared with a 20% tesponse rate in the placebo group.2 Where is it found?

You Don't Have to be Afraid of Cancer Anymore Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts

J Womens Health Gender Based Med 9:315-20, 2000] DONG QUAI Dong quai is an herbal phytoestrogen from China. It is not as popular as red clover, soy or black cohosh. Dong quai may thin the blood, induce skin light sensitivity, and induce abnormal heart rhythm. It should not be used with blood thinners. [Pharmacotherapy 19: 870-76, 1999] Like red clover, because of its potential to over-thin the blood or interfere with drugs, its widespread use may be unwise.

The increasing popularity and availability of phytoestrogen dietary supplements necessitates additional research in order to counsel patients regarding their safety and efficacy." [European Journal Cancer Prevention 13:481-4, 2004] —? "Consensus in the biomedical community has been hampered by conflicting data from various in vitro and in vivo models of estrogenic activity." [Integrative Cancer Therapy 2:120-38, 2003] —?

This study provides some evidence to support epidemiologic studies claiming that male populations who consume high phytoestrogen diets have a reduced risk of development and progression of prostate cancer. [Urology 64:510-5, 2004] Among 39 men with prostate cancer who were given 100 mg of soy isoflavone (Novasoy) taken by mouth twice daily for a minimum of three or maximum of six months, their mean PSA score stabilized in 83% of patients in the hormone-sensitive group and in 35% of the non-hormone sensitive group.

Breast cancer Resveratrol is a unique molecule for study in regard to breast tissue because its structure resembles estrogen, making it a phytoestrogen (plant-based). Additionally, it is a potent antioxidant (breast tissue preserver) and blocker of abnormal cell growth. In rats given a cancer-causing chemical, resveratrol "produced a striking reduction" in the incidence and number of breast tumors. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme called NF-kappaB. [Cancer Research 62: 4945-54, 2002] Vitamin D is known to inhibit breast cancer cell growth.

J Med Food 6: 1-11, 2003] However, another researcher (MS Kurzer) from the University of Minnesota writes that "until safety with respect to breast cancer is established, phytoestrogen supplements (like soy) should not be recommended." [J Nutrition 133: 1983-86S, 2003] Other researchers in Finland say "no negative effects of soy on breast cancer have been observed' and that soy may be "slightly protective" against breast cancer.

Generally speaking, phytoestrogen extracts in pill form all deliver about 50-100 mg of active ingredient. Doses below 2 mg per kilogram of body weight are considered safe. Thus, a 100-pound female could safely consume up to 90 mg, a 160-pound female up to 145 mg and a 200-pound female up to 180 mg of plant estrogen extract. [British Journal Nutrition 89: 898-906, 2003] Plant estrogens reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes by a modest 10-20 %. [J Nutrition 133: 1983-86S, 2003] That's not enough to be considered reliable.

The Whole Soy Story: The dark side of America's favorite health food Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN See book keywords and concepts

Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia warns us that the isoflavonoids and other estrogenic plant chemicals are generally lumped together under the general rubric of phytoestrogen, but that they are actually a diverse group with a variety of biological properties. Each type needs to be characterized in terms of its sites of action, properties, potency, and short-term and long-term effects.33 In general, she sees three roles for phytoestrogens, all of which have a potential for good or for evil.

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

Soybean phytoestrogen intake and cancer risk. J. Nutr. 125, 757S-770S. 148. Kurzer, M. S. (2000). Hormonal effects of soy isoflavones: Studies in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. J. Nutr. 130, 660S-661S. 149. Messina, M. J., and Loprinzi, C. L. (2001). Soy for breast cancer survivors: A critical review of the literature. J. Nutr. 131, 3095S-3108S. 150. Prentice, R. L., Caan, B., Chlebowski, R. T., et al. (2006). Low-fat dietary pattern and risk of invasive breast cancer: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial. JAMA 295, 629-642. 151. Boyd, N.

The Whole Soy Story: The dark side of America's favorite health food Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN See book keywords and concepts

Cooking and processing will sometimes reduce phytoestrogen concentrations and alter the chemical form of the phytoestrogens present in foods but it will not eliminate the isoflavones. Only alcohol extraction at the processing plant can do that.1921 Which forms of isoflavones are the most bioavailable? No one knows for sure. The old-fashioned fermented soy products miso and tempeh contain lower levels of isoflavones than modern products, but contain the more absorbable form.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Contrary to the opinion of some authors, dong quai does not qualify as a phytoestrogen and does not appear to have any hormone-like actions in the body. This is partially supported by a double-blind trial with menopausal (page 311) women that found no estrogenic activity for the herb.2 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dong quai is rarely used alone and is typically used in combination with herbs such as peony and ligusticum for conditions such as menstrual cramps.

Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating Jeffrey M. Smith See book keywords and concepts

At the end of his letter, Monsanto's attorney went into some detail claiming that the phytoestrogen levels were no different between the Roundup Ready soybeans and conventional soybeans. Lappe and Bailey found this defense quite interesting, since they merely stated in the Coast article that no studies have been published examining the possible alterations in phytoestrogen levels. But the attorney's fervent defense of the issue tipped them off that there may be a problem, and they decided to investigate.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has been widely promoted as an alternative approach to hormone therapy, yet it does not seem to have any benefit related to phytoestrogen intake. It contains dioscin, a progesterone precursor which the body is unable to convert to progesterone. It may possibly work because it also contains other precursors which are convertible, but limited studies show no benefit.39 Other herbs which may have a similar action include ginseng (Panax ginseng). Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) (see Photo 18.7) and angelica (dong quai).

Effect of soybean phytoestrogen intake on low density lipoprotein oxidation resistance, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95: 3106-3110; Caccetta, R.A.A., Burke, V., Mori, T.A., Beilin, L.J., Puddey, I.B., and Croft, K.D., 2001, Red wine polyphenols, in the absence of alcohol, reduce lipid peroxidative stress in smoking subjects, Free Radical Biol. Med., 30: 636-642; Wolf, 2001, Chemoprevention. 40. Rice Evans, C, 2001, Flavonoid antioxidants, Curr. Med. Chem., 8: 797-807; Halliwell, B., Zhao, K., and Whiteman, M., 2000, The gastrointestinal tract: A major site of antioxidant action?

Effect of soybean phytoestrogen intake on low density lipoprotein; Halliwell, Zhao, and Whiteman, 2000, The gastrointestinal tract. 47. Malins, D.C., Hellstrom, K.E., Anderson, K.M., Johnson, P.M.. and Vinson, M.A., 2002, Antioxidant-induced changes in oxidized DNA, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 99: 5937-5941; Wolf, 2001, Chemoprevention. 48. Ames, B.N., Magaw, R., and Gold, L.S., 1987, Ranking possible carcinogenic hazards, Science, 236: 271-280. 49. Staprans, I., Pan, X. M., Rapp, J.H.. and Feingold, K.R.

Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel See book keywords and concepts

It is estimated, for example, that dietary phytoestrogen intake is up to 30 times higher in Eastern Asia than in Europe and North America. Because these substances have a relatively weak receptor affinity, it is assumed that they cannot exert their hormone-like effects as long as endogenous estrogens and progestins are predominant. But as the production of these hormones wanes with the onset of menopause, phytoestrogens can help compensate for the hormone deficits and thereby moderate the withdrawal symptoms.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

This variability points out how important it is to fully characterize each phytoestrogen in terms of its sites of action, balance of agonistic and antagonistic properties, natural potency, and short- and long-term effects.32 Thus, a plethora of variables are encountered when drawing conclusions about phytoestrogens. Phytosterols, lignans, and isoflavones have all been shown to possess both estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity.

Foods That Fight Disease: A Simple Guide to Using and Understanding Phytonutrients to Protect and Enhance Your Health Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D. See book keywords and concepts

Lignans, which are found in whole-grain products and flaxseed oil, are also phytoestrogens. Estrogen and phytoestrogen both bind to the cell on estrogen receptors, which are located on the outside of the estrogen-sensitive cell. Phytoestrogens can work in two ways, depending upon the estrogen status of the woman. In the premenopausal woman, they can compete with the body's own estrogen for attachment to the estrogen receptors, thus diminishing the amount of genuine estrogen that enters the cell.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

Soy sauce contains very little phytoestrogen content, and many processed foods made from soybean concentrates have low levels of phytoestrogens. Supplements containing isoflavones extracted from soy are commercially available, and flaxseed (as opposed to flaxseed oil) is also a good source of phytoestrogens. Although natural progesterone (p. 326) has been anecdotally linked to reduction in symptoms of menopause,7,8'' clinical research has not yet supported the use of natural progesterone for this purpose.

Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating Jeffrey M. Smith See book keywords and concepts

They reported that the phytoestrogen levels in their experiment varied so much, they couldn't even do a valid statistical analysis. When Lappe and Bailey investigated Monsanto's claim, however, they discovered how Monsanto had apparently designed the experiment in order to force this conclusion. In the research conducted by Lappe and Bailey, the extraction of phytoestrogens was done using the most up-to-date method. It had replaced an older extraction technique, which gave widely varied and less reliable results.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

In addition to the phytoestrogen effect, flaxseed lignans bind to male hormone receptors and promote the elimination of testosterone. In a study conducted at the Duke University Medical Center and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center involving men with prostate cancer, a low-fat diet (in which fat represented no more than 20 percent of total calories) supplemented with 30 grams (roughly 2 tablespoons) of ground flaxseed reduced serum testosterone by 15 percent, slowed the growth rate of cancer cells, and increased the death rate of cancer cells after only thirty-four days.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Anethole has been documented to have phytoestrogen activity in test tubes and animals;6 the relevance of this to humans is unknown. No clinical trials have been conducted to support any of these uses, though anise is approved for use by the German Commission E for relieving coughs and indigestion.7 How much is usually taken? Three grams ('A tsp) of the seeds can be used three times per day to treat indigestion. To make a tea, boil 2 to 3 grams (M tsp) of crushed seeds in 250 ml (1 cup) of water for ten to fifteen minutes, keeping the pot covered. Three cups of this tea can be drunk per day.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Contrary to some popular claims, the human body cannot convert diosgenin into the human hormone progesterone; however, yams are still a super-food for women, especially since they possess phytoestrogen activity and are a good source of vitamin B6. One cup of baked cubed yam contains 24 percent of the daily value of B6, which is required by the liver, along with folic acid and other B vitamins, to detoxify excess estrogen. This action is particularly beneficial in helping women improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

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