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Genistein: Advances on Resources, Biosynthesis Pathway, Bioavailability, Bioactivity, and Pharmacology

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Handbook of Dietary Flavonoids

Abstract

Genistein is considered one of the most active natural flavonoids. It has an isoflavonoid structure and expresses a variety of health benefits. This compound is considered one of the first choices for the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases and several types of cancer as well. Since it is classified in the group of phytoestrogens, the area and complexity of its action are highly multidirectional. The main sources of genistein for human use are soy and soy-derived functional foods, but also some other plant species like dyer’s broom and red clover. It is biosynthesized via the shikimate pathway in plants and can be present in the form of its glucoside genistin. Genistein is quite simply metabolized after ingestion, but low absorption and biotransformation processes direct its bioavailability and further activity. Numerous in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies were conducted to evaluate a broad range of genistein effects. It showed significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties, which, in combination with its estrogenic potential, may lead to the most profound effects on human health. Considering all aspects of genistein biosynthesis, bioavailability, metabolism, and biological activity, this chapter aimed to provide insight into most of the details related to its characteristics, resources, and usage in the general population.

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Acknowledgment

The Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia supported the authors’ work (Agreements No. 451-03-47/2023-01/200378 and 451-03-47/2023-01/200122).

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Correspondence to Jelena S. Katanić Stanković .

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Katanić Stanković, J.S., Mihailović, N., Mihailović, V. (2023). Genistein: Advances on Resources, Biosynthesis Pathway, Bioavailability, Bioactivity, and Pharmacology. In: Xiao, J. (eds) Handbook of Dietary Flavonoids. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94753-8_45-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94753-8_45-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-94753-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-94753-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Biomedicine and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences

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