BACKGROUND

Phytoestrogens are a diverse group of nonsteroidal plant compounds which have similar effects to endogenous estrogens in humans and have been ascribed potential anticarcinogenic activities. We tested the effects of phytoestrogen extracts from different plant organs of flax, Linum usitatissimum, on cell proliferation in trophoblast tumour cells of the cell line Jeg3.

METHODS

Phytoestrogen extracts were prepared from leaves, stems and roots of L. usitatissimum using different extraction methods. The isolated phytoestrogens were identified using HPLC-MS analysis. The influence on cell proliferation (MTT test) was determined in the trophoblast tumour cells, Jeg3.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation of trophoblast tumour Jeg3 cells was significantly affected by the phytoestrogens isolated from leaves, stems and roots of L. usitatissimum. Root extracts inhibited Jeg3 cell growth significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

A cell culture model system of the human trophoblast tumour cell line, Jeg3, was established to test the effect of potential phytoestrogens on cell proliferation. It was shown that the roots of L. usitatissimum contain measurable concentrations of lignans and isoflavones.