Due to some of the unfavorable results of hormone replacement therapy, plant source estrogens, in other words, phytoestrogens have recently received great attention. The nıaj or classes of phytoestrogens include isoflavones, lignans and coumestans. Among these the most comınon and widely investigated is the class of isoflavones. The active components of isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, are similar in structure to estrogen and have selective estrogenic actions. Soy is the main source of isoflavones. The favorable effects of soy consumption on lipid profile has been known for many years. The theories put fo rward to explain such an effect are the facilitation of fecal bile acid excreation, the changes in hormone concentrations and the direct effects on hepatic ınetabolisın. The non-lipid effects of phytoestrogens are currently under investigation. Reduction in platelet aggregation, increased vascular reactivity, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects are the main non-lipid cardiovascular system effects of phytoestrogens. With the addition of recently discovered bone protective role against osteoporosis and antineoplastic effects, phytoestrogens have the potential of being a good alternative to hormone replacement therapy. The aiın of the present review was to evaluate the effects of phytoestrogens on cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular systems.
Keywords: Phytoestrogens, hyperlipidemia, endothelial functionsCopyright © 2025 Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology