Product Name: Genistein

Synonym Name: 5,7-Dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-

Molecular formula: C₁₅H₁₀O₅

Molecular weight: 270.24 
CAS No: 446-72-0

What is Genistein?

Genistein is an isoflavone belonging to the group of flavonoids. Because of this similarity of the structure of genistein to that of estrogen genistein is also a phytoestrogens, together with daidzein. Genistein is the aglycone (without sugar component) of the glycoside genistin.

Distribution

The main source of genistein are soybeans. Other legumes, such as chickpeas, contain small amounts of genistein.

Properties

Genistein has may health benefits and works on several fronts: it acts as a phytoestrogens, antioxidant, anti-cancer agent and it could help people with metabolic syndrome.

Estrogenic effect

The estrogenic activity of genistein has been confirmed in many studies. Of all the isoflavones, genistein has the strongest estrogenic activity. The estrogenic effect of genistein may explain its protective action against osteoporosis and its possible effect on body weight reductions. Genistein is also used to ease menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes.

Antioxidant

Genistein is a strong antioxidant. Genistein removes damaging free radicals and reduces lipid peroxidation. Only oxidized LDL cholesterol is absorbed by the arterial cells and prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol will reduce the risk for arteriosclerosis. Gensistein prevents the formation of hearth attacks and strokes by acting as anticlotting agent. Genistein increases the activity of other antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase. Studies have shown that genistein can also influence the growth of cells which are not hormone-dependent. Genistein seems to inhibit the activity of tyrosine kinase, which plays an important role in cell growth. Reduction of tyrosine activity will result in a reduced cancer risk.

Anticancer

Genistein seems to reduce the risk for some hormone related cancers, principally breast cancer and prostate cancer. Epidemiological studies show that consumption of isoflavones may protect against breast and prostate cancer. High dietary intake of soy products China and Japan are linked with low incidence of these cancers. There are lots of theories to explain the anti-cancer action of genistein: inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of tyrosine kinases, antioxidant property, and anti-estrogen action (it is known that estrogen increases risk for certain cancers). Genistein binds with estrogen receptors, preventing the estrogen from binding and initiating cancer growth.

Facts about Genistein

The main source of genistein is the glucoside genistin. Before genistein can act it first needs to be released from genistin. This normally happens in the stomach (acid hydrolysis) and intestine (action of bacterial enzymes). Some genistein supplements contain genistein which has been hydrolysed in a chemical process.