What is the Origin of Dietary Aromatase Inhibitors?

This term is a clinical and nutritional adaptation of the pharmacological concept of Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs), which are potent drugs used in oncology. The "Dietary" prefix specifies that the compounds are derived from food sources. Research into the anti-cancer and hormonal balancing properties of plant-based compounds, particularly cruciferous vegetables and certain seeds, led to the identification and classification of these weaker, natural inhibitors.

What is the Mechanism of Dietary Aromatase Inhibitors?

The mechanism involves non-competitive or competitive inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzyme aromatase, primarily found in adipose tissue, muscle, and breast tissue. Phyto-compounds, like those derived from indole-3-carbinol in broccoli or lignans in flaxseed, structurally interact with the active site of the aromatase enzyme, reducing its efficiency in converting testosterone and an-drostenedione into estradiol and estrone. This reduction in peripheral estrogen synthesis is the key action by which these dietary factors contribute to a favorable hormonal milieu.

Dietary Aromatase Inhibitors

Meaning

Dietary Aromatase Inhibitors are naturally occurring compounds found in various foods that possess the biological capability to reduce the activity of the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens into estrogens. These substances, often phytochemicals such as polyphenols and lignans, can help modulate the balance between sex hormones, particularly in individuals with estrogen dominance or those seeking to maintain healthy androgen levels. Incorporating these compounds through diet is a non-pharmacological strategy used in hormonal wellness and preventive health.