Genistein: A promising phytoconstituent with reference to its bioactivities

Genistein, a potent phytoconstituent, has garnered significant attention for its diverse bioactivities, making it a subject of extensive research and exploration. This review delves into the multifaceted properties of genistein, encompassing its antioxidant and anticancer potential. Its ability to modulate various cellular pathways and interact with diverse molecular targets has positioned it as a promising candidate in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. This review provides a comprehensive examination of Genistein, covering its chemical properties, methods of isolation, synthesis, therapeutic attributes with regard to cancer management, and the proposed mechanisms of action as put forth by researchers.

Genistein: A Potent Anti-Breast Cancer Agent

Genistein is an isoflavonoid present in high quantities in soybeans. Possessing a wide range of bioactives, it is being studied extensively for its tumoricidal effects. Investigations into mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity have revealed many pathways including induction of cell proliferation, suppression of tyrosine kinases, regulation of Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling, modulation of epigenetic activities, seizing of cell cycle and Akt and MEK signaling pathways, among others via which the cancer cell proliferation can be controlled. Notwithstanding, the observed activities have been time- and dose-dependent. In addition, genistein has also shown varying results in women depending on the physiological parameters, such as the early or post-menopausal states.

The effect of genistein on insulin resistance, inflammatory factors, lipid profile, and histopathologic indices in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menstruation, ovulatory dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Recent studies have reported the possible role of phytoestrogens in PCOS. This animal study aimed to evaluate the effects of genistein on insulin resistance, inflammatory factors, lipid profile, and histopathologic indices on PCOS.

METHODS

PCOS was induced by 1 mg/kg of letrozole in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats then received normal saline (PCOS group), 150 mg/kg of metformin, or 20 mg/kg of genistein dissolved in 1% methylcellulose solution for 42 days. Body weight, the glycemic and lipid profile, and inflammatory, antioxidative, and histopathological parameters were assessed at the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

Treatment with genistein significantly alleviated the increased level of fasting blood insulin (p=0.16) and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (p=0.012). In addition, the genistein group had significantly lower levels of serum malondialdehyde (p=0.039) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p=0.003), and higher superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (p<0.001). Furthermore, the histopathological analysis indicated that genistein administration led to an increase in luteinization and the development of fewer cysts (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Biochemical and histopathological analyses indicated that genistein administration to rats with PCOS induced significant remission in oxidative, inflammatory, and glycemic and histopathologic parameters.

Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Genistein in Cancer: Recent Advances

Background: Genistein is one among the several other known isoflavones that is found in different soybeans and soy products. The chemical name of genistein is 4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone. Genistein has drawn attention of scientific community because of its potential beneficial effects on human grave diseases, such as cancer. Mechanistic insight of genistein reveals its potential for apoptotic induction, cell cycle arrest, as well as antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to unravel and analyze various molecular mechanisms of genistein in diverse cancer models.

Data sources: English language literature was searched using various databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBOSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Key words used in various combinations included genistein, cancer, anticancer, molecular mechanisms prevention, treatment, in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies.

Study selection: Study selection was carried out strictly in accordance with the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.

Data extraction: Four authors independently carried out the extraction of articles.

Data synthesis: One hundred one papers were found suitable for use in this review.

Conclusion: This review covers various molecular interactions of genistein with various cellular targets in cancer models. It will help the scientific community understand genistein and cancer biology and will provoke them to design novel therapeutic strategies.

A multidirectional investigation of stem bark extracts of four African plants: HPLC-MS/MS profiling and biological potentials

The practice of traditional medicine, especially herbal medicine, is still prevalent across the African continent. Yet, their in-depth pharmacological and chemical exploitation by the scientific community remain a necessity. The aim of the present study was to investigate into the phenolic components, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory activities of three solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of the stem bark of four African plant species (Senna siamea, Distemonanthus benthamianus, Harrisonia abyssinica, and Pycnanthus angolensis). It was found that D. benthamianus followed by P. angolensis, displayed the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging, ferric and cupric reducing, and total antioxidant capacity in the phosphomolybdenum assay. A similar result was observed for AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase inhibition. The two plants also showed comparable α-amylase inhibitory effect. On the other hand, H. abyssinica showed high metal chelating and α-glucosidase inhibition. Among the solvents used, the methanol extract seemed to be the most bioactive. In addition, TPC was highest in D. benthamianus (135.33-192.29 mg GAE/g) while P. angolensis was richest in TFC (7.68-12.48 mg RE/g). A range of bioactive compounds were identified in the extracts, with variations observed among the plants. Senna siamea stem bark showed the presence of nine compounds; where flavonoids (e.g. naringenin, kaempferol, dihydroquercetin) were recorded. Genistein (m/z 271.06), procyanidin B (m/z 577.13) and C (m/z 865.19) isomers were common in stem barks extracts of D. benthamianus and P. Angolensis. To conclude, D. benthamianus and P. angolensis can be considered as potential pharmaceutical agents or functional food components that could reduce the risks of oxidative stress-related disorders.