Abstract
Isoflavones are phenolic compounds with a chemical structure similar to that of estradiol. They are present in several vegetables, mainly in legumes such as soy, white and red clover, alfalfa and beans. The most significant food source of isoflavones in humans is soy-derived products. Isoflavones could be used as an alternative therapy for pathologies dependent on hormonal disorders such as breast and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, as well as to minimize menopausal symptoms. According to the results gathered in the present review, it can be stated that there is scientific evidence showing the beneficial effect of isoflavones on bone health and thus in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis on postmenopausal women, although the results do not seem entirely conclusive as there are discrepancies among the studies, probably related to their experimental designs. For this reason, the results should be interpreted with caution, and more randomized clinical trials are required. By contrast, it seems that soy isoflavones do not lead to a meaningful protective effect on cardiovascular risk. Regarding cancer, scientific evidence suggests that isoflavones could be useful in reducing the risk of suffering some types of cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer, but further studies are needed to confirm these results. Finally, isoflavones could be useful in reducing hot flushes associated with menopause. However, a limitation in this field is that there is still a great heterogeneity among studies. Lastly, with regard to isoflavone consumption safety, it seems that they are safe and that the most common adverse effect is mild and occurs at the gastrointestinal level.
Highlights
Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites, which are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against infection, water stress, cold stress, ultraviolet radiation and high visible light, among others [1,2]
Properties.InInthis thissense, sense,itithas has been described that both isoflavones and other estrogenic molecules could mediate their beneficial been described that both isoflavones and other estrogenic molecules could mediate their beneficial effects effectsdue duetototwo twodifferent differentmechanisms: mechanisms:the theclassical classicalestrogen estrogenreceptor receptor(ER)-mediated (ER)-mediatedsignaling signaling pathway and the activation of intracellular pathways such as protein tyrosine kinase, phospholipase pathway and the activation of intracellular pathways such as protein tyrosine kinase, phospholipase and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
Soy isoflavones have been proposed as beneficial because, in theory, they may contribute to the maintenance of good bone health in women who are at this stage in their life
Summary
Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites, which are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against infection, water stress, cold stress, ultraviolet radiation and high visible light, among others [1,2]. Properties.InInthis thissense, sense,itithas has been described that both isoflavones and other estrogenic molecules could mediate their beneficial been described that both isoflavones and other estrogenic molecules could mediate their beneficial effects effectsdue duetototwo twodifferent differentmechanisms: mechanisms:the theclassical classicalestrogen estrogenreceptor receptor(ER)-mediated (ER)-mediatedsignaling signaling pathway and the activation of intracellular pathways such as protein tyrosine kinase, phospholipase. Available [8].consumption, its consumption, to epidemiological and clinical studies, postulated to be related to a decrease in the risk of different diseases. The aim of the present toreview gatheristhe evidence existing nowadays on nowadays the main beneficial effects of isoflavones toscientific gather the scientific evidence existing on the main beneficial effectsonof health: bone health, cardiovascular risk, cancer and menopausal symptoms. The specific mechanisms isoflavones on health: bone health, cardiovascular risk, cancer and menopausal symptoms. Mechanismsthese of action these effects and derived the reported derived from their consumption
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
