Isoflavones

• Belongs to the Flavonoids
• Isoflavones and lignans are the most common phytoestrogens
• Isoflavones are a group of molecules that are similar in chemical structure. Isoflavones are produced only by plants in the Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae) family, frequently called the legume or bean family.
• Foods that contain high amounts of isoflavones include soy, peanuts, chick peas, alfalfa, fava beans, kudzu and liquorice. When consumed by humans, isoflavones may behave like estrogen in the body.

Special Precautions of Isoflavones

• Some experts believe that isoflavones may actually behave as an anti-estrogen. This means that the isoflavones may impair the ability of estrogen to perform its roles in the body. In this case, consuming larger amounts of isoflavones may actually increase the chance of developing some diseases. Isoflavones are sometimes eaten for breast cancer prevention and as a cancer treatment. Ultimately, it is unclear if isoflavones have estrogenic or anti-estrogenic properties in the body. Though some experts have concluded that isoflavones may reduce a person's likelihood of developing some health problems, this idea is based on the prevalence of these diseases in cultures where these chemicals are a regular part of the foods in the diet.
• Although isoflavones were able to prevent growth of breast cancer cells, early evidence that plants produced estrogen-like compounds was first manifested in the infertility among sheep that ate large amounts of clover in Australia. Similarly, California Quails fed on the leaves of high-isoflavone desert annuals during periods of food shortage had reduced fertility.Studies using chemically pure isoflavones or plant materials with known concentrations of these compounds have indicated both positive and negative effects of isoflavones on disease progression and fertility.Studies on mice indicate that isoflavones may cause thymic and immune system abnormalities and reduction in immune system activity.There may be a link between soybean and health problems in certain animals.
• However, there is not agreement among how much isoflavones may help or harm a patient, because not enough well designed studies in humans have been conducted. The potential health risks and benefits of consuming isoflavones is currently under investigation.
• People who are trying to fall pregnant, those who have difficulty urinating under normal circumstances, breastfeeding moms, those with kidney problems and prostate cancer and anyone suffering from peanut allergies should avoid this ingredient.

The benefits of Isoflavones are

• Isoflavones are substances found in soybeans that have several anti-cancer properties. These include inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, slowing down their DNA synthesis and cell division, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Isoflavones seem to stimulate genetic changes, returning cancer cells back into non-cancerous ones.
• Isoflavones are associated to the prevention of many cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis and more. Because of their diversity, isoflavones can have diverse effects on human and animal health.Isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, were able to prevent the growth of estrogen-receptor positive and negative breast cancer cells in vitro.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.