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Genistin is an isoflavone found in soy, beans, and coffee that acts as an antioxidant and anthelmintic. It has shown promise in fighting cancer but can cause concerns for male fertility when consumed in large amounts. Its consumption varies by region and is not considered a necessary nutrient.
Genistin is an isoflavone. Isoflavones are derived from plants and are polyphenic, meaning they have more than one phenol unit per molecule. Phenol is also known as carbolic acid. Many isoflavones act as phytoestrogens when ingested by mammals, meaning they bear a close molecular resemblance to estradiol, the main sex hormone in women. Phytoestrogens can either stimulate or depress estrogen activity in the body.
The most common dietary source of genistin is soy, but it is also found in beans and coffee. This compound acts as an antioxidant, which means it can slow down or prevent the damage caused by free radicals in the body. Genistin also has functions as an anthelmintic. Anthelmintics are used to expel parasites, such as worms, from the body. Genistin is present in one of the traditional anti-parasitic remedies used by the Khasi tribes of India, which uses the Felmingia vestita plant. It contains high levels of genistin, which was identified in a 1997 study as its primary anthelmintic compound.
This compound has also shown some promise in the fight against cancer. This and other isoflavones can prevent the formation of new blood vessels, giving them an antiangiogenic effect. It is believed that genistin may prevent the unbridled growth of cancer cells by limiting their ability to divide and survive. Multiple studies have shown that this isoflavone has inhibitory properties in colon, brain, breast and cervical cancers. This compound has also been used to treat estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women using its phytoestrogenic properties, but the extent of its effect is not well documented.
Several concerns have been raised about the consumption of isoflavones in large amounts by males. First, isoflavones like genistin can act as phytoestrogens, mimicking estrogen in the body and causing an increase in female sexual characteristics. Second, several studies have shown that at certain concentrations, isoflavones can cause apoptosis, or preprogrammed cell death, of testicular cells. This has raised concerns about the effect of these compounds on male fertility.
Genistin consumption is much higher in some parts of the world than others. In Japan, the average daily intake of this compound is between seven and 12 milligrams (mg). North Americans and Europeans generally consume much less. Genistin and other isoflavones are not considered nutrients, as they are not required for any essential bodily function, nor does the lack of any isoflavone cause symptoms.
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