equol

Equol is a nonsteroidal estrogen and a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein, produced by specific gut bacteria in some individuals. It acts predominantly as an agonist of the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), with weaker action at estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and can function as a weak estrogen or competitive inhibitor of endogenous estradiol at these receptors[1][2][3][5]. Equol also exhibits antiandrogenic activity by binding dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and preventing its stimulatory effect on target tissues, despite not binding to the androgen receptor[5]. It has demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, modulation of nitric oxide pathways, and vasorelaxant effects[5]. Equol is under investigation for menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer prevention (notably breast and prostate cancer), and may aid in hormone regulation[3][5][6][7].

Other names

S-equol(S)-equol(±)-equol(R)-equol4',7-isoflavandiol