Phytoestrogens: Dilute Xenoestrogen-Type Carcinogens

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Phytoestrogens: Dilute " Xenoestrogen-Type " Carcinogens JoAnn Guest Oct 09,

2005 20:54 PDT

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Sharol Tilgner N.D.

 

The term phytoestrogen is used loosely in the herbal community. There is

no current agreed upon definition for this term. Basically the term is

used for any plant that has one or more constituents with similar

chemical structure to estrogen or is changed into a similar compound in

vivo or clinically produces effects that the clinician would expect from

giving exogenous estrogens.

 

Plants may have compounds that are structurally similar to human

endogenous estrogens that mimic estrogenic activity or effect estrogen

metabolism. Some plants may show an estrogenic effect in laboratory

studies, animal studies or in clinical settings but the specific

constituent or mode of action has not been identified.

 

It is thought that the weaker phytoestrogens can compete for estrogen

receptors with the more potent endogenous estrogens thereby decreasing

the overall estrogenic activity when it is deemed to be too high. When

endogenous estrogens are low and phytoestrogens are used in large

quantities phytoestrogens have been shown to exert an estrogenic effect

in animals.

 

The phytoestrogens can take up receptor sites that are empty due to low

estrogen levels.

 

Most of the identified phytoestrogen constituents consist of sterols,

coumestans and isoflavones.

 

There are more than 300 plants, which have been identified as possessing

estrogenic or uterotropic activity.

 

Phytoestrogens compete with estradiol for " estrogen binding " sites in

the reproductive tracts of animals in vivo and in human breast cancer

cells in vitro. 220-2222, 223

 

Phytoestrogens will produce similar results to estrogens such as growth

and increased weight of the uterus. Research measuring weight increase

of uteri in mice showed sterols to have the most activity, followed by

coumestans and then isoflavones. 224, 291

 

Coumestans have a high affinity for the human estrogen receptor. 283

They are estimated to be 200 times less potent than estrone and 3000

times less potent than diethylstilbestrol, and 30-100 times more potent

than isoflavones.

 

Animal studies have shown coumestans can reduce follicle-stimulating

hormone and lutenizing hormone levels.

 

Coumestans produce uterine growth in rats at natural dietary levels and

competitively inhibit binding to the estrogen receptors.

 

Not all isoflavones have estrogenic effects, but many of them do.

 

Some of them need to be converted by gut bacteria to other compounds to

be effective.

 

If a person is using antibiotics or ingesting other substances that

destroy gut flora, there would be decreased isoflavone conversion in the

gut, and the herb would not work as expected.

 

The isoflavone, Genistein, has shown " antiproliferative effects " against

estrogen-dependent and independent human breast carcinoma cell lines.

 

 

Phytoestrogens can act as anti-estrogens to compete with estradiol for

cytoplasmic receptors in estrogen-sensitive tissues.

 

Soybeans, which also contain estrogenic isoflavones, have been

implicated as being responsible for the low incidence of breast and

other female reproductive cancers in Japanese woman who consume large

amounts of soybean products.

 

Studies show a " correlation " between high levels of urninary lignans

and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens, specifically genistein, and a " low

incidence " of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and prostate

cancer.

 

In vitro studies show genistein and daidzein inhibit growth of both

estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative human breast

cancer cell lines (IC50=24-44um).

 

Dietary phytoestrogenes " dilute " *xenoestrogen-type* " carcinogens " by

binding at the receptor sites and acting as antiestrogens. 433

 

The phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein tend towards normalizing

estrogen and progesterone levels. 434 Lignans are phenolic compounds

with weak estrogenic activity. They have been linked to a lowered

incidence of breast cancer. 287, 294 The highest concentrations of

estrogenically-active lignans are in the defatted portion of flax seeds.

 

 

They are converted by gut bacteria to mammalian lignans, the primary

ones being enterolactone and enterodiol. They are structurally similar

to estrogen and bind with low affinity to estrogen receptors. They also

increase sex hormone binding protein. 294

 

The most potent phytoestrogens are the phytosterols. Common foods, which

contain phytosterols, are chestnuts, sesame, safflower, sunflower and

pumpkin seeds.

 

Phytosterols are most common in organic whole grains, nuts, seeds and

legumes. The sterol, beta-sitosterol has phytoestrogen activity as well

as anti-inflammatory activity and antipyretic activity. 228229

 

It can be found in Achillea millefolium, Anemone pratensis, Angelica

sinensis, Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hypericum

perforatum, Larrea spp., Panax spp., Piscidia erythrina, Plantago

psyllium, Serenoa repens, Symphytum spp., Taraxacum officinale,

Trifolium pratense, Turnera spp., Tussilago farfara, Valeriana

officinalis, Viburnum prunifolium. 289, 290 A fat soluble extract of

Humulus lupus was found to contain small amounts of estradiol. 225

Water-soluble glycoproteins from Hops strobiles are antigonadotropic and

suppress progesterone production by luteal cells in rats. 226,227

 

Dioscorea species contain the steroidal sapogenin called diosgenin.

Diosgenin is manipulated chemically in laboratories to create estrone,

testosterone, and progesterone as well as adrenocortical hormones. In

current research on animals, it appears that diosgenin usually turns

into smilagenin due to action on it by gut flora 230 Both animals and

humans poorly absorb diosgenin itself. 231 When diosgenin was given

orally to female rats they had an increase in uterine weight, vaginal

opening and vaginal cornification. 232 When injected into ovariectomized

mice there was a growth of mammary epithelium. 233 Chamaelirium and

Aletris both contain diosgenin and have produced estrogenic activity in

rats. 234 Cimicifuga (Black cohosh) contains the isoflavone formononetin

and two other unidentified endocrine-active compounds, which appear to

have estrogenic activity via competition for estrogen receptors. 235

 

Black cohosh has been shown to suppress luteinizing hormone secretion in

menopausal woman and competes in vitro with 17-beta-estradiol for

estrogen receptor binding sites. 37

 

Black Cohosh has an inhibitory activity in vitro and in vivo on bone

resorption in ovariectomized rats as well as rats on low calcium diets.

265, 266 The active constituents in black cohosh are thought to be 1.)

Triterpene glycosides, principally actein, 27-deoxyactein,

cimicifugoside and cimigenol 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and related

aglycones, 2.) Isoflavones including formonoetin,

 

3.) Aromatic acids including isoferulic acid, ferulic acid, and

salicylic acid.

 

Legumes are a good source of edible phytoestrogens.

 

Soybeans are one of the most highly researched source of phytoestrogens.

They are currently thought to be one of the best sources of edible

phytoestrogens.

 

Additionally, soybean sprouts have the highest concentration of

isoflavones.

 

Research has shown that women consuming high amounts of phytoestrogens

in their diet have had a decreased incidence of breast cancer rates.

292, 293, 294

 

Practitioners should be cautious giving phytoestrogens to patients on

tamoxifen or other anti-estrogenic drugs since the phytoestrogens could

(theory, not known) interfere with " drug therapy " .

 

Sharol Tilgner (Author of Herbal Medicine: From the Heart of the Earth:)

 

 

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Phytoestrogens Offer Women Drug-Free Support

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Phyto- is from the Greek phyton meaning plant.

A phytoestrogen is a naturally-occurring plant nutrient that exerts an

estrogen-like action on the body.

 

Scientists have discovered hundreds of phytoestrogens including dried

unprocessed beans, whole grain organic grains, seeds and their cold

pressed unrefined oils, nuts (especially walnuts) and many other herbs

as well.

 

 

In a study conducted at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in

Winston-Salem, researchers found a significant " reduction " in

female problems when women supplemented their diets with cooked dried

unprocessed beans.

 

 

When presenting their findings at the American Heart Association's

annual scientific sessions, a spokesperson for the research group

noted that Japanese women, who consume relatively high amounts of

soybeans, report only one-eighth as many " female symptoms " as American

women. (United Press, Nov. 10, 1996)

 

The major phytonutrients that have been studied for their

estrogen-like activity are two classes of nutrients known as

isoflavonoids (most notably genistein and daidzien, from beans)

and lignans (from nuts and seeds.) These nutrients are converted

by the flora, the " beneficial bacteria " of the digestive tract, into

compounds that have estrogen-like actions.

 

To derive the most benefit from these phytonutrients the flora of the

intestinal tract must be in a " healthy balance " .

Unfortunately, the intestinal flora is killed

off by many drugs that women commonly use, especially antibiotics.

(See article on yeast infections.)

 

 

Herbalists have discovered that many of the herbs

traditionally used by women for the health concerns unique to women

contain some of the highest amounts of these beneficial

phytonutrients.

 

The list includes Vitex (chasteberry), red clover (Trifolium pratense),

alfalfa (Medicago sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),

Kudzu root (Puerariae lobata), and others.

 

Mexican wild yam

(Dioscorea villosa) is not a phytoestrogen but contains a

phytonutrient that is a precursor for *progesterone*, which is also

important for balancing a women's *glandular* system.

 

New Dietary Guidelines Include Soy:

The 5th edition of the " Dietary Guidelines for Americans " , released this

year by the United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services

(DHHS), includes organic non-gmo soybean-based foods as a means to meet

the dietary

recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.

 

The guidelines provide recommendations based on current scientific

knowledge about how diet

may improve health and reduce risks for major chronic diseases. The

2000 Guidelines recognize one cup of a calcium-rich soy-based

beverage as equal to one serving from the dairy group, and 1/2 cup of

non-gmo tofu as equal to a serving in the meat and beans group.

 

http://www.edenfoods.com

 

 

 

Phytoestrogens Reduce Cancer Risk

 

 

In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives

(103;Suppl 7:103-112;1995), researchers reported that, in addition to

their benefits for the glandular system,

phytoestrogens have been

shown to have " antioxidant activity " and can influence intracellular

enzymes, protein synthesis, growth factor action, and cell

proliferation in a way that makes them " strong candidates " for a role

as natural " cancer-protective " compounds. "

 

The authors point out that countries or regions that consume the highest

amounts of phytoestrogens tend to have the lowest cancer rates.

 

In a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology (Sept.

97) foods high in phytoestrogens were found to have a protective

effect against endometrial cancer.

In this nine-year study involving

over 800 women, those who ate a diet rich in phytoestrogens showed a

54 percent reduction in the incidence of this cancer.

 

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Phytoestrogens Reduce Risk for Stroke

 

 

Stroke is the third most common cause of death for middle-aged and

older women. A 50-year-old women has about a one in five chance of

suffering a stroke in her remaining lifetime. One of the most common

causes of stroke is blockage due to atherosclerosis of the carotid

arteries in the neck—the arteries responsible for a major portion of

the blood flow to the brain.

 

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Estrogen Replacement Therapy commonly prescribed for Menopause.

 

Unfortunately, doctors prescribing ERT

usually rely on drugs such as Premarin. The good news for women who

are looking for a more natural way is that a team of medical

researchers has reported to the American Heart Association's Annual

Conference of Cardiovascular Disease that the phytoestrogens in soy

protein provide just as much protection from atherosclerosis as ERT

drugs, and without the harmful side-effects associated with such

drugs.

 

 

Menopause

Menopause refers to the time in a woman's life marked by the

permanent cessation of menstrual activity. It can occur between 25

and 58 years of life. The menses may stop suddenly, but usually there

is a gradual decrease each month until final cessation occurs; or in

many cases the interval between periods gradually becomes longer

until complete cessation occurs.

Natural menopause occurs in 25% of women by age 47, in 50% by age

50, 75% by age 52 and 95% by age 55. Menopause due to surgical

removal of the ovaries occurs in almost 30% of U.S. women past the

age of 50.

 

Menopause may be accompanied by hot and cold flashes, feelings of

weakness, irritability, and in some cases mental depression. These

changes are brought about by a natural decline in the secretion of

hormones by the woman's body. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is

the medical treatment for these symptoms. However, most doctors

routinely prescribe powerful synthetic hormones such as Premarin that

lead to many undesirable side effects. About nine million women now

use Premarin for hormone (estrogen) replacement. The women experience

problems, and all

experience an increased risk for certain types of cancer.

 

Premarin is derived from the urine of pregnant mares. There are

over 50 horse estrogens in Premarin—not one of which is naturally

found in a woman's body. To manufacture the drug, between 75,000 and

85,000 mares are kept on some 500 farms in North Dakota and Canada.

 

 

To collect their urine, these mares are confined in stalls throughout

the duration of their pregnancy. Water is restricted because a

concentrated urine is desired. Exercise is also denied. As soon as

they give birth, they are immediately impregnated again.

 

Premarin production is bad news for the mares that " donate " it.

Many women, particularly those who have experienced its undesirable

side effects, have concluded that it may not be the best choice for

them either.

 

Some of the potential side-effects of HRT with drugs

such as Premarin are:

 

a.. Depression

 

b.. Headaches or Migraines

 

c.. Breast tenderness

 

d.. Hair loss

 

e.. Nausea or vomiting

 

f.. Unusual vaginal bleeding

 

g.. Jaundice

 

a.. Candidiasis (systemic yeast infections)

 

b.. Weight gain

 

c.. Loss of libido (sexual drive)

 

d.. Blood clots

 

e.. Increased risk of gall bladder disease

 

f.. Increased risk of uterine and breast cancer

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Phytoestrogens Offer Alternatives to Drugs Like Premarin!

 

 

Many women have discovered a better way, using a natural

nutritional approach for the changes that accompany menopause.

Several of the herbs that have proven to be the most useful are

discussed below:

 

 

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is probably the most widely-

used herb for female concerns—from dysmenorrhea or difficult

menstruation to menopause—and with good reason for the research

supporting the benefits of this herb is substantial. Black Cohosh is

native to Eastern North America and has been valued by Native

Americans and American colonists alike for the nutritional support of

the female reproductive system, particularly to relieve menstrual

cramps, and to aid amenorrhea.

 

It was also used for fever,

sore throat, bronchitis, hysteria, itch, lumbago, malaria, nervous

disorders, snakebite, uterine disorders, St. Vitus' dance (chorea)

and yellow fever.

 

The German Commission E (the German equivalent of the FDA) approved

black cohosh for dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. The herb is

widely used in Europe for the treatment of PMS and for juvenile

menstrual problems and even as a support for women who have had a

hysterectomy.

 

Black cohosh is considered an emmenogogue, or a

substance that promotes menstrual flow, but it is also successfully

used by women with excessive menstrual flow, since it has a *balancing*

effect on a woman's glandular system.

 

No adverse drug interactions have been identified with black

cohosh.

 

The herb has even been used in conjunction with conventional

estrogen replacement therapy without any problems. In fact, studies

indicate that black cohosh may actually reduce some of the negative

side effects associated with conventional drug estrogen replacement

therapy.

 

The constituents of black cohosh do not enter into breast milk.

There are no contraindications for lactation nor any problems found

for nursing children.

 

Effects on the nervous system: Black cohosh binds to serotonin

receptors in the brain which may be helpful for individuals suffering

from depression.

 

One study of over 900 peri-, pre- and post-

menopausal women with mood disorders found a synergistic effect

between black cohosh and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), the

herb most commonly used by individuals suffering from mild

depression. (Liske et al. 1997)

 

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Wild Yam - known to nourish the female reproductive system.

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Not to be confused with tuberous sweet potato yam, wild yam is widely

used in the world today to supply nutrients essential for optimal

glandular function. It nutritionally benefits the urinary, nervous

and respiratory systems as well.

 

Wild yam was commonly called Colic root and Rheumatism root a hundred

years ago in America. It is also

used in Chinese herbal medicine. It has traditionally been used for

hot flashes, irritability, depression, insomnia, and for other

symptoms of menopause.

 

 

Conclusion:

In this short article we have obviously only scratched the surface

on the subject of phytoestrogens. Many other herbs and foods could also

have been mentioned.

It is important to note that many of our natural foods, i.e. organic

whole grains and nuts, also contain small amounts of these

beneficial nutrients, and a healthy *plant*-based diet (along

with a healthy balance of intestinal flora) goes a long way in

helping women maintain a healthy and balanced glandular system.

 

Your doctor does not know what is taking place inside your body. In the

final analysis you are the best judge of this. I encourage you to listen

to your body, to learn about more

natural alternatives, and to find the approach that works best for

you.

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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