Estrogens and phytoestrogens in body functions

Ilaria Ceccarelli; Lucia Bioletti; Sofia Peparini; Erminia Solomita; Comasia Ricci; Ilenia Casini; Elisangela Miceli; Anna Maria Aloisi

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.007

Estrogens and phytoestrogens in body functions

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022 Jan:132:648-663. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.007. Epub 2021 Dec 7.

Authors

Ilaria Ceccarelli¹, Lucia Bioletti¹, Sofia Peparini¹, Erminia Solomita¹, Comasia Ricci², Ilenia Casini¹, Elisangela Miceli¹, Anna Maria Aloisi³

Affiliations

¹ Department Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
² Department Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
³ Department Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. Electronic address: aloisi@unisi.it.

PMID: 34890602
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.007

Abstract

Estrogens are the hormones of reproduction in women as well as of many other important functions in the male and female body. They undergo significant changes in the different phases of life, e.g. during puberty, pregnancy or at menopause/andropause. Phytoestrogens are natural non-steroidal phenolic plant compounds that can mimic the activity of estrogens and their beneficial effects in women and in men. This narrative review summarizes the literature on the physiological role of estrogens and the several potential health benefits of phytoestrogens, with particular attention given to the possible role of phytoestrogens in aging.

Keywords: Aging; ER; Estrogens; Gonadal hormones.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Estrogens / pharmacology
Estrogens, Non-Steroidal*
Female
Humans
Isoflavones*
Male
Phytoestrogens / pharmacology
Plant Preparations

Substances

Estrogens
Estrogens, Non-Steroidal
Isoflavones
Phytoestrogens
Plant Preparations