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Phytoestrogen Binding

Meaning

Phytoestrogen Binding refers to the physiological process where plant-derived compounds, such as isoflavones and lignans, interact with and attach to the human body’s estrogen receptors (ERs) on target cells, thereby exerting weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects. These compounds, known as phytoestrogens, are structurally similar to endogenous estradiol and can selectively bind to either the ER-alpha or ER-beta receptor subtypes, leading to a modulation of estrogen-dependent gene expression. Understanding the specificity and magnitude of this binding is crucial in clinical nutrition and hormonal wellness, particularly in managing symptoms related to estrogen deficiency or excess.