Biological properties of genistein. A review of in vitro and in vivo data.

Genistein--a soy derived isoflavone has recently attracted much attention of the medical scientific community. This compound was found to be a potent agent in both prophylaxis and treatment of cancer as well as other chronic diseases. The great interest that has focused on genistein led to the identification of numerous intracellular targets of its action in the live cell. At the molecular level, genistein inhibits the activity of ATP utilizing enzymes such as: tyrosine-specific protein kinases, topoisomerase II and enzymes involved in phosphatidylinositol turnover. Moreover, genistein can act via an estrogen receptor-mediated mechanism. At the level one step higher, i.e., at the cellular level, genistein induces apoptosis and differentiation in cancer cells, inhibits cell proliferation, modulates cell cycling, exerts antioxidant effects, inhibits angiogenesis, and suppresses osteoclast and lymphocyte functions. These activities make genistein a promising innovative agent in the treatment of cancer. Additionally, genistein health beneficial effects have been shown in osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and menopause. Genistein was also successfully used as an immunosuppressive agent both in vitro and in vivo. All these effects at the three biological levels of action need varied genistein concentrations and only some of them are relevant in people consuming soy-rich diet. The others would occur after purified genistein administration at higher doses. The main genistein advantage as a potential drug is its multidirectional action in the live cell and its very low toxicity.