Genotoxic and genoprotective effects of phytoestrogens: a systematic review

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are xenoestrogens found in plants with a myriad of health benefits. However, various studies reported the genotoxic effects of these substances. Thus, we reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies published in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to evaluate the genotoxic and the genoprotective potential of phytoestrogens. Only studies written in English and intended to study commercially available phytoestrogens were included. The screening was performed manually. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of action of phytoestrogens was described. Around half of those studies (43%) reported genoprotective results. However, several studies revealed positive results for genotoxicity with specific model organisms and with dose/concentration dependence. The assessment of the selected articles showed substantial differences in the used concentrations and a biphasic response was recorded in some phytoestrogens. As far as we know, this is the first study to assess the genotoxic and genoprotective effects of phytoestrogens systematically.

Keywords:

• DNA damage
• mutation
• micronucleus tests
• oxidative stress
• phytochemicals

Author contributions

Writing – original draft: G.T.; Methodology: G.T., B.Y., M.G., A.Y.K.; Writing – review and editing: B.K., B.Y., M.G.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.