Evidence supporting the use of: Coumesterol
For the body system: Estrogen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Coumestrol is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen found in various plants, such as alfalfa, clover, and soybeans. Its use to support the estrogen body system is primarily rooted in tradition and the broader historical use of phytoestrogen-rich plants to address symptoms associated with low estrogen, such as menopausal discomfort. Phytoestrogens like coumestrol have structural similarities to human estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors, albeit with lower affinity. This has led to their traditional inclusion in herbal remedies and diets intended to modulate estrogenic activity.
However, scientific research specifically studying coumestrol’s effects in humans is limited. Most available data are in vitro or animal studies that demonstrate weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic properties depending on the context. While some epidemiological studies suggest diets rich in phytoestrogens may have mild effects on menopausal symptoms, the evidence does not robustly single out coumestrol as a primary contributor, nor does it confirm clear therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, coumestrol is considerably less abundant in common diets compared to other phytoestrogens such as genistein or daidzein. Thus, while coumestrol’s use is based on traditional practices and plausible biological mechanisms, current scientific validation remains modest, and direct clinical evidence is lacking.
Other ingredients that support Estrogen
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)black cohosh
chaste tree
d-glucarate
daidzin
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
fennel
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
ginseng
HMR lignan
hops
indole-3-carbinol
licorice root
lignans
maca
sage
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
soybean
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
anise
yarrow
dioscorea
Equol (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
8-Prenylnaringenin
Agnuside
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
Bugbane
biochanin
Barbasco
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cruciferous
Casticin
Coumesterol
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
formononetin
Ginsenosides
Glycetein
Glabridin
Isoflavones
Soy Protein