Definition: Genistein is an isoflavone that is derived from soy. Genistein has some anti-tumor activity, and it acts similar to weak estrogens.
Similar to the way that targeted biological therapies work, genistein binds to tyrosine kinase and disrupts cell growth signals. Genistein has some antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and immunosuppressive properties.
Pronunciation: JEH-nis-teen
Also Known As: genestein, genisteol, genisterin, prunetol, sophoricol
Examples:
In a Japanese study on breast cancer and soy in diet, researchers found that women who had the most consistently high levels of genistein (isoflavone from soy) had the lowest rates of breast cancer. Genistein from soy works best when consumed from childhood, or at least from pre-puberty.
