Harnessing nature's potential: Exploring phytoestrogens in cervical cancer

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with structural similarity to 17-β-estradiol and have attracted increasing research interest due to their estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the types, metabolism, and bioavailability of major phytoestrogens, including isoflavones and lignans, and their potential role in cervical cancer prevention. Isoflavones and lignans found primarily in soy-based foods and are more abundantly in flaxseeds and whole grains, respectively are the two main phytoestrogen classess. The metabolism of these compounds is complex, influenced by gut microbiota and genetic factors, and leads to the production of bioactive metabolites such as equol and enterolactone, respectively. These metabolites interact with estrogen receptor pathways, producing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic effects, which supports their role modulating hormone-sensitive conditions. Some epidemiological data suggest a possible inverse association between phytoestrogen intake and cervical cancer risk, although findings remian inconsistent due to variations in dietary assessment methods and inter-individual metabolic responses. Molecular and experimental studies show that phytoestrogens inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, and reduce oxidative stress, aligning with their proposed preventive and therapeutic benefits. This review also outlines several methodological challenges in phytoestrogen research, including the lack of standardized measurement techniques, variability in the dietery intake assessment, and the influence of genetic and ethnic differences on metabolism and bioavailability. These factors highlight the need for interdisciplinary research to improe precision and comparability. The implications for female health are significant. Phytoestrogens represent a cost-effective, dietary-based strategy that may complement existing interventions—such as HPV vaccination and cervical screening—to improve cervical health outcomes. Emerging technologies, including metabolomics and genomic profiling, may support the development of personalized dietary recommendations and expand understanding of the therapeutic potential of phytoestrogens. The synthesis of current evidence underscores the importance of phytoestrogens in preventive medicine and suggests new directions for advancing women's health and cervical cancer management.