Biochanin A: A phytoestrogen with therapeutic potential

Publication date: September 2018Source: Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 79Author(s): Shikha Raheja, Amit Girdhar, Viney Lather, Deepti PanditaAbstractBackgroundBiochanin A, a bioactive constituent obtained from Trifolium pratense (red clover) and many other legumes, has drawn considerable attention of researchers in recent years owing to its wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. It exhibits multifaceted biological activities viz. neuroprotective, anticancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, osteogenic, anti-hyperglycemic and protective effect on endothelial cell integrity and function. The therapeutic potential of this isoflavone has been explored in various in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models. However, in vivo evidences are limited due to its low bioavailability.Scope and approachThis review highlights the therapeutic potential of biochanin A along with the methods of its extraction, isolation and identification, and supplemented further with approaches to enhance its bioavailability. The various molecular targets through which it displays different biological roles have also been spotlighted.Key findings and conclusionBiochanin A, a potent molecule exhibits its molecular actions by targeting different phases of cell cycle; various signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ). In cancer cells, biochanin A suppres...
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research