4.2.3 Effects of Foods on Aromatase Function

Apr 7, 2025

Mindmap

Nutrigenomics Impacts on Aromatase Function

Overview

  • Aromatase: An enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of estrogens.
  • Nutrigenomics: Study of the effects of foods and their constituents on gene expression.

Key Ingredients and Their Effects on Aromatase

  • Allium species (Garlic, Wild Garlic)

    • Active ingredients: Allicin, S-allyl cysteine, S-allyl mercaptocystein, organosulfides.
    • Targets: Cell signaling, Glutathiontransferase, Apoptosis.

  • Brassica species (Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, etc.)

    • Active ingredients: Indole-3 carbinol, organosulfides, sulpharophanes, isothiocyanate.
    • Targets: Aromatase, cell signaling, angiogenesis, VEGF receptor, NF-κB, apoptosis.

  • Citrus species (Grapefruit, Orange, Mineola)

    • Active ingredients: Prolin, betain, naringenin, monoterpenes, D-limonene.
    • Targets: Aromatase, COX-2, cell signaling.

  • Coffee

    • Active ingredients: Melatonin, melanoidins.
    • Targets: Aromatase, COX-2, cell signaling, metabolic regulation.

  • Turmeric

    • Active ingredient: Curcumin.
    • Targets: COX-2, ROS scavenging.

  • Fruits and Berries

    • Active ingredients: Ellagitannin, ellagic acid, sitosterol, anthocyanidines, phenolic acids.
    • Targets: Aromatase, COX-2, cell signaling, glutathiontransferase, angiogenesis/VEGF, NF-κB, apoptosis.

  • Ethanol

    • Effect: Inducer of aromatase.

  • Fatty Acids (Omega-3, Omega-6)

    • Effect: Anti-oxidation, nuclear receptor targeting.

  • Grape Seed

    • Active ingredient: Resveratrol.
    • Targets: Aromatase, COX-2, ROS scavenging.

  • Green Tea

    • Active ingredient: Epigallocatechingallate.
    • Target: Aromatase.

  • Honey and Sugarcane Molasses

    • Active ingredients: Melatonin, melanoidins.
    • Targets: Aromatase, COX-2, cell signaling, metabolic regulation.

  • Liquorice

    • Active ingredients: Glycyrrhizin, Glycyrrhic acid.
    • Effect: Inducer of aromatase.

  • Mushrooms (Various types)

    • Target: Aromatase.

  • Nuts (Walnut, Hazelnut, Cashew)

    • Targets: Nuclear receptor, VEGF receptor.

  • Soy

    • Active ingredients: Phytoestrogens, stilbenes, genistein.
    • Target: Aromatase.

  • Flavonoids and Polyphenols

    • Effect: Anti-oxidation, targets aromatase and COX-2.

  • Vitamins (A, C, E, Provitamins)

    • Targets: Aromatase, COX-2, cell signaling.

  • Wholegrain (Buckwheat, Millet, etc.)

    • Targets: Aromatase, nuclear receptor, VEGF receptor, COX-2.

Special Mentions

  • Foods with Specific Components:
    • Buckwheat, millet, rice, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bock choy contain indole-3 carbinol and carotinoid.
    • Mangosteen, grapefruits, citrus fruits contain monoterpenes.
    • Grapeseed contains procyanidin B dimer and resveratrol.
    • Pomegranates contain ellagitannins, potent as urolithin B.
    • Mushrooms contain conjugated linoleic acid.

Risks

  • Ethanol: Induces aromatase, potentially increasing breast cancer risk.
  • Liquorice: Glycyrrhizin may also induce aromatase.