Coumestrol

Coumestrol is a natural organic compound in the class of phytochemicals known as coumestans. It has garnered research interest because of its estrogenic activity and its prevalence in some foods, such as soybeans and herbs such as Pueraria mirifica.

Coumestrol was first identified by E. M. Bickoff in alfalfa in 1957. It has since be found in a variety of legumes, soybeans, brussels sprouts, and spinach. Clover and soybeans have the highest concentrations.

Coumestrol is a phytoestrogen, mimicking the biological activity of estrogens. The chemical shape of coumestrol orients its two hydroxy groups in the same position as the two hydroxy groups in estradiol, allowing it to inhibit the activity of aromatase and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. These enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, and inhibition of these enzymes results in the modulation of hormone production.

Pueraria mirifica or White Kawo Krua has been found to contain concentration of Coumestrol where Cu²⁺ at 1000 ppm the highest concentration was to be found where CuCl₂, MnCl₂ and FeCl₂ at 1,000 ppm can in fact stimulate coumestrol accumulation.

References