Presentations from the Second International Conference on Phytoestrogens Little Rock,Arkansas October 17-20,1993 Preface

Abstract

The effects of phytoestrogens on human reproduction were known by the early Greeks and Egyptians who used plant preparations as fertility and postpartum agents. In the last 50 years, plant estrogens have emerged as a factor in human economic and health issues. As concern over the effects on human health of estrogenic chemicals in the environment continues to mount, more attention will be focused on those estrogenic compounds found naturally in plants

In November 1990, the First International Conference on Phytoestrogens, sponsored and organized by the National Center for Toxicological Research NCTR)/Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was held in Little Rock, Arkansas. The conference was attended by nine investigators representing two countries. The program was aimed at determining the status of research on phytoestrogens and identifying research needs. This was the first opportunity for investigators concerned with phytoestrogens to compare resources, assess problems and research approaches, and present data. The conference confirmed a critical need for the continued development of methods to detect and measure physiological levels of phytoestrogens in animals and humans. The meeting participants established several collaborative studies between investigators at different institutions and agreed to meet again in the near future to discuss the progress of these studies.

The Second International Conference on Phytoestrogens on October 17-20, 1993, was also sponsored by the NCTWFDA and held in Little Rock. Forty-twoscientists representing six countries attended this conference. The discussions centered on the following topics:

• In vivo biochemical and morphological responses

• Alterations in brain morphology

• Preventive and therapeutic uses in neoplasia

• Methods for analytical detection

• Future of phytoestrogen research

An open discussion demonstrated the need for the FDA to keep abreast of relevant findings from phytoestrogen research and to pursue an active role in conducting research in this area. The FDA requires a substantial data base from which to make regulatory decisions.