Biological activities and therapeutic potential of soy isoflavones: a focus on anticancer activity
Molecular biology reports · May 2026 · narrative review
This is a narrative review of the biological activities and potential therapeutic roles of soy isoflavones (including genistein and daidzein). The authors summarize proposed anticancer mechanisms (estrogen receptor modulation, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, epigenetic effects, etc.) and report that in vitro and in vivo studies have shown promising results across a range of tumor types. They conclude that further research—especially studies combining isoflavones with established chemotherapeutics—is needed.
Studied with: chemotherapeutic agents.
Key findings
- Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) have estrogenic and non-estrogenic activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
- Proposed anticancer mechanisms include modulation of estrogen receptors, copper ion-dependent induction of cell death, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, regulation of epigenetic processes, and effects on platelet function.
- Because of estrogen receptor interactions, isoflavones have been studied particularly in hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
- In vitro and in vivo studies have reported promising results in multiple malignancies (gliomas, neuroblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung and bladder cancers, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma).
- Authors recommend further investigation, particularly combining isoflavones with established chemotherapeutics, to evaluate potential synergy.
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text