Effects of genistein aglycone on cardiovascular risk The effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on the cardiovascular apparatus

Asian women ingesting high amounts of phytoestrogens which are structurally and functionally similar to estradiol, have less coronary artery disease ( CAD). The phytoestrogen genistein showed beneficial effects on endothelial function and in reducing LDL levels and LDL oxidation in both in vitro and in vivo experimental settings. Furthermore, genistein aglycone (54 mg/day) has been proved to be efficacious in reducing some predictors of cardiovascular risk in a cohort of Caucasian women. Collectively, recent evidences suggest that genistein aglycone has a favourable impact on markers of endothelial function and might play a preventive role in the development of CAD in postmenopausal women.