Two things have been related to the development of cancer: chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance. There are two main nuclear estrogen receptors (ER) in the body: ER-alpha and ER-beta. Many diseases are related to the 17 beta-estradiol which act through estrogen receptors ER-alpha and beta. The role of ER alpha and ER beta expressed by phytoestrogen is expressed in cardiovascular protection and cancer protection. ER-alpha and ER-beta signal in opposite ways with ER-beta acting as cancer protection.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has been attributed to a pro cancerous effect because of the stimulation of alpha estrogen receptors (ER). Phytoestrogen is plant-based derived estrogen that exhibits estrogenic activity that might become better therapeutic agents for postmenopausal hormonal treatment because of tumor protective properties. Phytoestrogen seems to stimulate the beta estrogen receptors (ER) that have not been correlated with overgrowth. Phytoestrogen (apigenin, quercetin, genistein) bind to estrogen receptor (ER) and appear to inhibit breast cell cancer including HER positive.

Phytoestrogens like pinoresinol was found to be pro-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-tumor and act as a chemo-preventative compound. Another phytoestrogen is Arctigenin (lignin from Arctium lappa), which helps with menopausal symptoms, heart disease, and bone benefits. Phytoestrogen appears to be a possible answer for pre and post-menopausal symptoms, even for those that have a family history of hormone-related cancers.