Genistein: Its role in metabolic diseases and cancer

- We discussed the role of genistein in both anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory functions.
- We explored the mechanism of genistein in metabolic pathways.
- We studied genistein's role in cell growth and progression.
- We reviewed the role of genistein in anti-metastasis and in the induction of apoptosis.

Genistein is an isoflavone present in soy and is known to have multiple molecular effects, such as the inhibition of inflammation, promotion of apoptosis, and modulation of steroidal hormone receptors and metabolic pathways. Since these molecular effects impact carcinogenesis, cancer propagation, obesity, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndromes, genistein plays an important role in preventing and treating common disorders. The role of genistein has not been adequately evaluated in all these clinical settings. This review summarizes some of the known molecular effects of genistein and its potential role in health maintenance and treatment.