4 research outputs found
Genistein: a natural isoflavone with a potential for treatment of genetic diseases
Genistein [4�,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone or 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] is a
natural isoflavone occurring in many plants known to possess various biological activities, ranging from
phyto-oestrogenic to antioxidative actions. Recent studies indicated that this isoflavone can also be
considered as a drug for as yet untreatable genetic diseases. In the present review, we discuss a plausible
use of genistein in treatment of two genetic disorders: CF (cystic fibrosis) and MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis).
Although various biological actions of genistein are employed in these two cases, in vitro studies, tests on
animal models and pilot clinical trials suggest that this plant-derived compound might be a real hope for
patients suffering from severe inherited disorders with relatively complicated pathomechanisms, including
those affecting the central nervous system