The Potential Health Effects of Dietary Phytoestrogens

Dear Colleagues,

Phytoestrogens are weak estrogens produced by plants which have shown reproductive effects in animals and human beings. These estrogenic effects can be either beneficial or adverse according to the physiological status of the consumers. In estrogen deficiencies, they can be of help; in estrogen-dependent pathologies such as estrogen-dependent cancers, they can have adverse effects. When they are physiologically without need—in infancy, adolescence or male reproduction—they are better avoided.

Because estrogens exhibit ubiquitous effects through their nuclear or membrane receptors, they are known to act on many tissues. These include reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, testes, uterus, vagina, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and mammary gland. They also act on fetuses, bones, blood vessels, brain areas controlling temperature, behavior and memories, gut permeability, liver metabolism, skin renewal, and taste perception, amongst others. Consequently, estrogens may be involved as protectants or deleterious factors in multifactorial chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Some phytoestrogens can also interact with other functions like thyroid control or immunity.

Finally, this Issue deals with the health effects of phytoestrogens observed in humans, either in population studies or through documented clinical research. Additionally, data collected from animals or in vitro at relevant doses are provided to highlight the mechanisms of action of these phytoestrogens.

Prof. Dr. Catherine Bennetau-Pelissero
Guest Editor

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