Abstract
Isoflavones are molecules with the ability to bind to estrogen receptors and are among the best probádaným fytoestrogenům. In plants act as antioxidants, they are able to inhibit the formation of superoxide anions.
Although isoflavones called phytoestrogens, are not identical with estradiol and show the ability of cell proliferation. They are often also the adjective, anti-aging, and for its ability to protect itself from aggressive plant sunlight.
This assertion is supported by the observation that plants in alpine regions have a higher content of isoflavones. Isoflavones However, in addition to antioxidant activity show activity on estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors, with different affinity and intrinsic activity, which probably lies behind their higher safety compared to conventional preparations containing sex hormones.
The isoflavones from red clover was described a significant inhibitory effect on aromatase (reduction of 17beta-estradiol in specific fatty tissues such as breast tissue), which logically indicates the antitumor effect of the estrogen-dependent tumors. Very significant is also seems to be lower affinity for alpha-isoflavones estradiolovému receptor (ER-alpha) before beta-estradiolovým.
While the beta-ER are mainly in the bones, in the epithelium of the blood capillaries, prostate and higher centers of the CNS, alpha-ER are present particularly in breast and uterine tissue (1). Genistein and biochanin A are potent competitive inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase, which can be extremely important in patients with prostate cancer.
Genistein, daidzein, and biochanin A also induce apoptosis in vitro and inhibit the growth of T-47D and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. (1-3) Studies with ploštičník indicate the selective estrogen-modulating properties and affinity for dopamine D2 receptors. Now agonistic effects on dopamine receptors may explain the reduction in hot flushes change pulsed release of FSH and LH (4).