coumestrol

Coumestrol is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen belonging to the class of coumestans, polycyclic aromatic compounds derived from pterocarpan oxidation[3][2]. It is found in various plants including alfalfa, clover, legumes, soybeans, green beans, miso, and fruits[3][2]. Coumestrol mimics estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, with a notably higher affinity for ERβ[3][5]. Its estrogenic potency is 30–100 times greater than that of typical isoflavones, but much less than estradiol[3]. Coumestrol acts as a competitive agonist at estrogen receptors, regulating metabolic, bone, and neuroprotective functions, and it can be used as a substitute for hormone therapy in conditions like menopause[3][5]. Mechanistically, it also inhibits aromatase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, affecting steroid hormone biosynthesis[3]. Additional activities include selective and competitive inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and inhibition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, potentially useful in treating depression and Alzheimer's disease[1]. Coumestrol reversibly inhibits casein kinase II (CK2) as an ATP-competitive inhibitor[6]. It shows estrogen-mimetic effects on metabolic regulation, reducing fat accumulation and promoting bone mineralization[5]. Its metabolic and neuroprotective effects are primarily mediated via ERβ agonism[5]. Coumestrol exhibits mutagenic and clastogenic properties at high concentrations[3].

Other names

coumestrol3,9-Dihydroxy-6H-[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]chromen-6-one3,9-Dihydroxy-6H-benzofuro(3,2-c)(1)benzopyran-6-one