Isoflavones: Promising Natural Agent for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Abstract

Isoflavones are currently being investigated by researchers in order to demonstrate their ability to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells. The current review aimed to demonstrate the potential of isoflavones to eliminate cancerous cells in the stomach, liver, lung, breast, and prostate, as their anticancer properties are due to the ability to block the signaling pathways of the extracellular signal-controlled kinase (MAPK/ERK) and proteasome (PI3K/AKT/mTOR). Isoflavones can inhibit the cell division of various cancer cells. Isoflavones can block the androgen receptor (AR), a protein that is required for the growth and dissemination of prostate cancer. It initiates the caspase cascade and obstructs the production of new proteins to eliminate lung cancer cells. These inhibit colon cancer cells by entering their G2/M cell cycle phase and inducing apoptosis. These are also known to inhibit the production of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin B1, two proteins that are related to an enhanced risk of colon cancer. These suppress the breakdown of cyclin B1 and CDK2 to stop the development of cancer. Preclinical evidence consistently supports the efficacy of isoflavones in suppressing tumor growth; however, human clinical trials show variability due to differences in bioavailability, metabolism, and dosage. Despite their promise as alternative or adjunctive cancer therapies, limitations such as low solubility, interindividual metabolic variations, and inconsistent clinical outcomes necessitate further large-scale, controlled trials. Future research should focus on improving bioavailability and exploring synergistic effects with conventional therapies.