Coumestrol is a phytoestrogen that occurs naturally in soybeans, spinach, and clover. It competitively (vs. 17β-estradiol, ) binds the estrogen receptors ERα (IC50 = 11 nM) and ERβ (IC50 = 2 nM) and can induce ER-dependent gene expression in isolated cells. Coumestrol is also a weak antagonist of pregnane X receptor (IC50 = 12 μM) as well as a potential inverse agonist of the constitutive androstane receptor (EC50 = 30 μM).
This compound has estrogenic activity. It exhibits bright blue fluorescence in neutral or acid solution, and greenish-yellow fluorescence in strong alkali solution.
ChEBI: A member of the class of coumestans that is coumestan with hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 9.
Coumestrol has anti-estrogenic actions in the brain and pituitary, mediated through estrogen receptor-α.
An experimental
teratogen. Other experimental reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes.
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[3]. wang h, li h, moore lb, et al. the phytoestrogen coumestrol is a naturally occurring antagonist of the human pregnane x receptor. mol endocrinol. 2008 apr;22(4):838-57.
