Coumestans
Coumestans are a class of naturally occurring plant compounds classified within the broader category of phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived substances that can mimic or modulate the action of estrogen in animals. Structurally, coumestans are characterized by a fused aromatic ring system known as the coumestan nucleus, which is a derivative of the flavonoid family.
These compounds are predominantly found in leguminous plants, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa), clover (Trifolium spp.),
Coumestans have attracted scientific interest due to their potential health effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic
The biological activity of coumestans depends on their concentration in plants, the method of preparation (such
In summary, coumestans are plant-derived bioactive compounds with distinctive chemical structures and notable biological activities, primarily