Phytoestrogens from Egyptian Plants

Estrogen plays key role in many biological processes. Its role in not limited to the development of secondary sex characters in females it also regulates several metabolic processes including glucose and lipid metabolism adipose tissue distribution calcium disposition and energy expenditure in females. Therefore post-menopausal women as well as cases of estrogen deficiency suffer dramatic decline in their body performance. Serious side effects are reported due to the use of synthetic hormone replacement therapies therefore the replacement of these therapies becomes essential. Phytoestrogens are plant substances that induce biological responses that mimic or modulate the actions of endogenous estrogens usually by binding to estrogen receptors. This study attempts for the discovery of new phytoestrogens that can be utilized as safe hormone replacement therapy from available and economic Egyptian plants through a bioassay guided study.