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Common flavonoid nutraceuticals may be endocrine disruptors
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The flavonoid nutraceuticals luteolin and quercetin have endocrine-disrupting activity that could help and hinder certain types of cancer, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
“Even outside these specific findings with cancer, what we’re saying is that flavonoids are active and not always in good or even predictable ways,” Steven K. Nordeen, PhD, professor emeritus in the department of pathology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and investigator at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, said in a press release.
Researchers examined the effects of luteolin — a common over-the-counter supplement used for a variety of purpose including treatment of pediatric autism spectrum disorders, among others — and quercetin on cell models of breast and endometrial cancer.
Steven K. Nordeen
They found that both flavonoids have progesterone antagonist activity, which is beneficial in models of breast cancer but harmful in endometrial cancer.
The Women’s Health Initiative and Million Women studies showed that progestin increases breast cancer incidence and mortality. “Progestins have been shown to induce a population of drug-resistant, basal-like, tumor-initiating cells. Thus, the progestin antagonist activity of luteolin may be beneficial in this context,” they wrote.
However, in an endometrial cancer model, the progestin agonist activity blocks the “progestin-mediated brake on estrogen-driven growth.”
In addition, luteolin works as an estrogen agonist with the potential to to cause cell growth in estrogen-dependent tissues. Thus, according to the researchers, luteolin is a multifunctional endocrine disruptor, and as such, flavonoid supplements such as this warrant a signal of caution especially when used in a pediatric population.
Furthermore, additional studies in vivo are needed to assess the complex nature of flavonoid pharmacokinetics and the potential for hormone disruption, they wrote.
“These studies highlight the promise and peril of supplementation with nutraceuticals and suggest caution in supplementing well beyond the intake of a normal, healthy diet,” they wrote.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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