Author(s): Alshehri, MM ; Sharifi-Rad, J ; Herrera-Bravo, J ; Jara, EL ; Salazar, LA ; Kregiel, D ; Uprety, Y ; Akram, M ; Iqbal, M ; Martorell, M ; Torrens-Mas, M ; Pons, DG ; Dastan, SD ; Martins, N ; Ozdemir, FA ; Kumar, M ; Cho, WC
Date: 2021
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/153794
Origin: Repositório Aberto da Universidade do Porto
Daidzein is a phytoestrogen isoflavone found in soybeans and other legumes. The chemical composition of daidzein is analogous to mammalian estrogens, and it could be useful with a dual-directional purpose by substituting/hindering with estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) complex. Hence, daidzein puts forth shielding effects against a great number of diseases, especially those associated with the control of estrogen, such as breast cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. However, daidzein also has other ER-independent biological activities, such as oxidative damage reduction acting as an antioxidant, immune regulator as an anti-inflammatory agent, and apoptosis regulation, directly linked to its potential anticancer effects. In this sense, the present review is aimed at providing a deepen analysis of daidzein pharmacodynamics and its implications in human health, from its best-known effects alleviating postmenopausal symptoms to its potential anticancer and antiaging properties.
