Kurzer M S, Xu X
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, USA.
Annu Rev Nutr. 1997;17:353-81. doi: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.17.1.353.
Broadly defined, phytoestrogens include isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans. A number of these compounds have been identified in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains commonly consumed by humans. Soybeans, clover and alfalfa sprouts, and oilseeds (such as flaxseed) are the most significant dietary sources of isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans, respectively. Studies in humans, animals, and cell culture systems suggest that dietary phytoestrogens play an important role in prevention of menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease. Proposed mechanisms include estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects, induction of cancer cell differentiation, inhibition of tyrosine kinase and DNA topoisomerase activities, suppression of angiogenesis, and antioxidant effects. Although there currently are no dietary recommendations for individual phytoestrogens, there may be great benefit in increased consumption of plant foods.
广义上讲，植物雌激素包括异黄酮、香豆雌酚和木脂素。在人类日常食用的水果、蔬菜和全谷物中已鉴定出多种此类化合物。大豆、三叶草和苜蓿芽以及油籽（如亚麻籽）分别是异黄酮、香豆雌酚和木脂素最重要的膳食来源。对人类、动物和细胞培养系统的研究表明，膳食植物雌激素在预防更年期症状、骨质疏松症、癌症和心脏病方面发挥着重要作用。提出的机制包括雌激素和抗雌激素作用、诱导癌细胞分化、抑制酪氨酸激酶和DNA拓扑异构酶活性、抑制血管生成以及抗氧化作用。尽管目前尚无针对个别植物雌激素的膳食建议，但增加植物性食物的摄入量可能会带来很大益处。
