Isoflavones Potentials for the Treatment of Osteoporosis: An Update on In-vivo Studies

Abstract In plant-derived compounds, phytoestrogens are biologically active substances that exhibit various estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. With the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis among older women caused by estrogen deficiency, identifying natural substances that can potentially treat the disease is of utmost significance. This review study aimed to explore how phytoestrogen metabolites mimic mammalian estrogens and prevent bone loss following menopause. Phytoestrogens derived from plants have gained considerable attention due to their similarity to mammalian estrogens and lower impact on sensitive tissues, such as the uterus and breasts. One well-established approach to simulate postmenopausal conditions is by using ovariectomized rats or mice (OVX). The administration of phytoestrogens in the OVX murine model has inhibited osteoclast differentiation, activation, and Pyridinoline secretion. Furthermore, these compounds have been shown to enhance bone formation and increase bone mineral density and the expression levels of various osteoblast markers, such as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and alpha-1 collagen. Several natural phytoestrogen compounds in plants possess a chemical structure akin to 17 beta-estradiol, a steroid hormone. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, can potentially treat the disease by binding to estrogen receptors on the surface of target cells. Mechanistic investigations have demonstrated that phytoestrogens can retard bone resorption and promote bone formation. Novel approaches in phytoestrogen research could involve investigating the synergistic effects of combining different phytoestrogen compounds, exploring their interactions with other signaling pathways, or assessing their effects on various bone types. Furthermore, identifying novel sources of phytoestrogens could lead to the discovery of new compounds with potent osteoprotective effects. https://jlar.rovedar.com/index.php/JLAR/article/view/1