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Genistein: a promising modulator of apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer

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Abstract

Genistein, a commonly occurring isoflavone, has recently gained popularity owing to its ever-expanding spectrum of pharmacological benefits. In addition to health benefits such as improved bone health and reduced postmenopausal complications owing to its phytoestrogen properties, it has been widely evaluated for its anti-cancer potential. Several studies have established the potential for its usage in the management of breast, lung, and prostate cancers, and its usage has significantly evolved from early applications in traditional systems of medicine. This review offers an insight into its current status of usage, the chemistry, and pharmacokinetics of the molecule, an exploration of its apoptotic mechanisms in cancer management, and opportunities for synergism to improve therapeutic outcomes. In addition to this, the authors have presented an overview of recent clinical trials, to offer an understanding of contemporary studies and explore prospects for a greater number of focused trials, moving forward. Advancements in the application of nanotechnology as a strategy to improve safety and efficacy have also been highlighted, with a brief discussion of results from safety and toxicology studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India

    Hemant Joshi

  2. Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM’s NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, 400056, India

    Dhruv Sanjay Gupta, Nosheen Kamruddin Abjani & Ginpreet Kaur

  3. Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570006, India

    Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan

  4. Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia

    Jagjit Kaur

  5. Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India

    Diwakar Aggarwal & Hardeep Singh Tuli

  6. Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Medical Sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, 134007, Ambala, India

    Isha Rani

  7. University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India

    Seema Ramniwas

  8. Continuous Education Department, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, 56001, Iraq

    Hadi Sajid Abdulabbas

  9. Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110017, India

    Madhu Gupta

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Contributions

HJ, HST, DSG, GK, NKA, CDM, JK, SR, IR, and DA conceived the conceptualization, methodology, validation, and writing, a review. MG and HSA performed the formal analysis and resources. HST did the data curation and editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. The authors declare that all data were generated in-house and that no paper mill was used. 

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Correspondence to Hardeep Singh Tuli.

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Joshi, H., Gupta, D.S., Abjani, N.K. et al. Genistein: a promising modulator of apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 396, 2893–2910 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02550-1

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