<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>There are many biological activities attributed to isoflavonoids. The majority of them could be beneficial and some of them may be detrimental, depending on specific circumstances. Isoflavonoids play an important role in human nutrition as health promoting natural chemicals. They belong to plant secondary metabolites that mediate diverse biological functions through numerous pathways. They are structurally similar to estrogens, exerting both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties in various tissues. The results of epidemiologic studies exploring the role of isoflavonoids in human health have been inconclusive. Some studies support the notion of a protective effect of their consumption in immunomodulation, cognition, risk reduction of certain cancers, cardiovascular and skin diseases, osteoporosis and obesity, as well as relief of menopausal symptoms. Other studies failed to demonstrate any effects.</p></abstract>

There are many biological activities attributed to isoflavonoids. The majority of them could be beneficial and some of them may be detrimental, depending on specific circumstances. Isoflavonoids play an important role in human nutrition as health promoting natural chemicals. They belong to plant secondary metabolites that mediate diverse biological functions through numerous pathways. They are structurally similar to estrogens, exerting both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties in various tissues. The results of epidemiologic studies exploring the role of isoflavonoids in human health have been inconclusive. Some studies support the notion of a protective effect of their consumption in immunomodulation, cognition, risk reduction of certain cancers, cardiovascular and skin diseases, osteoporosis and obesity, as well as relief of menopausal symptoms. Other studies failed to demonstrate any effects.

Isoflavonoids — an overview of their biological activities and potential health benefits

Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Interdisciplinary Toxicology

There are many biological activities attributed to isoflavonoids. The majority of them could be beneficial and some of them may be detrimental, depending on...

Isoflavonoids — an overview of their biological activities and potential health benefits

Published Online: Jan 06, 2010

Page range: 211 - 218

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-009-0021-3

Keywords
isoflavonoids, phytoestrogens, health benefits, mechanisms of action

This content is open access.

Isoflavonoids — an overview of their biological activities and potential health benefits

Published Online: Jan 06, 2010

Page range: 211 - 218

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-009-0021-3

Keywordsisoflavonoids, phytoestrogens, health benefits, mechanisms of action

This content is open access.

Keywords
isoflavonoids, phytoestrogens, health benefits, mechanisms of action