Erythrina excelsa exhibits estrogenic effects in vivo and in vitro and is cytotoxic on breast and colon cancer cell lines.

Context: Eythrina excelsa Baker (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant used to treat various ailments including those of the female genital tract.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the estrogenic and cytotoxic effects of the ethanol extract of the stem bark of E. excelsa.

Physical activity and estrogen treatment reduce visceral body fat and serum levels of leptin in an additive manner in a diet induced animal model of obesity.

Estrogen replacement and physical activity have been demonstrated to reduce the risk to develop a metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. In this study we investigate the combined effects of endurance training and estrogen substitution in a rat animal model of diet induced obesity. Effects on lipid and glucose metabolism were evaluated.

Oral treatment with genistein reduces the expression of molecular and biochemical markers of inflammation in a rat model of chronic TNBS-induced colitis.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans has a high incidence in Europe and the USA, whereas in East Asia, incidence has been historically low. The risk of IBD appears to increase in Asian immigrants adopting western lifestyles, suggesting a strong link of environmental/dietary factors in the development of IBD. Exposure to high levels of isoflavones such as genistein (Gen) in traditional East Asian diets has been associated with a decreased risk of developing breast cancer and may also be beneficial for the prevention of IBD.

In utero and postnatal exposure to a phytoestrogen-enriched diet increases parameters of acute inflammation in a rat model of TNBS-induced colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is very common in Europe and USA. Its incidence in East Asia has been traditionally low, albeit the risk of IBD increases in Asian immigrants adopting western lifestyles, suggesting a strong role of environmental/dietary factors in IBD. A lifelong exposure to phytoestrogen-rich diets has been associated with a decreased risk of developing breast cancer and might also be protective against IBD.