Popis: |
As the metabolite of daidzein following soy food intake, equol exhibits more potent biological activity than its precursor. Its weak estrogenic activity has been considered as a potential health risk, although clinical and epidemiological studies show that equol intake significantly correlates with lower incidence of hormone-related cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In this Chapter, we will discuss the in vitro effects of equol on cell proliferation at molecular level, with focuses mainly on the receptor binding properties and on certain cancer cells. Its other in vitro effects, such as on nervous system, reproductive system, immune system, cardiovascular diseases and drug metabolism, will also be discussed. |