Vol. 5, Issue 6 (2016)

Author(s):
Gupta Aarushi, Sahoo PK and Arora Tejpal

Abstract:
‘Cancer’ is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. In today’s scenario, diet and various dietary supplements have been seen as the efficient and potential adjuvant to prevent the different types of cancers. Soy isoflavones are one of the most potent types of natural compounds that are consumed in high amount in Asian countries. Genistein is a type of small and biologically active isoflavonoid which is found in soy foods and its products. It possesses various types of biological activities, but best known for its ability to cure and inhibit the progression of cancer. It is an inhibitor of cancer metastasis, cell cycle arrest, cancer cell growth and induction of apoptosis. Various in vivo and as well as in vitro studies have proved that genistein is a promising agent for prevention and therapy of cancer. In this review, we attempt to provide a sneak peak of genistein and its mechanism and therapeutic effects in various types of cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer etc. The main aim is to highlight the potential effects of genistein in cancer therapy.