Plant isoflavones as anticancer agents in nanomedicine

Abstract

Isoflavones are natural phytoestrogens and belong to a subgroup of flavonoids that can be found mainly in legume plants, especially soybeans (Glycine max L.) and the other plants of the Fabaceae family. They have a structure similar to 17β-estradiol, which allows them to bind estrogen receptors and exhibit estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects. They are found in non-fermented products mainly as glycosides. During the fermentation process, they are converted into bioactive aglycones. Isoflavones are also linked to antioxidant and therapeutic benefits, supporting bone health and cholesterol regulation. Soybean-derived isoflavones, especially genistein, show strong anticancer potential by inhibiting cell growth. Epidemiological studies indicate, that consumption of isoflavones may reduce the risk of some diseases, including breast cancer but these compounds' clinical application is limited due to poor bioavailability, solubility, and stability. Today, integrating traditional medicine and medicinal plants with modern medicine could offer new opportunities for treating various diseases. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, dendrimers, and nanoparticles have been developed to enhance the bioavailability and controlled release of soy isoflavones, enabling their targeted delivery to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects. In this review, we examine how nanotechnology synergizes with Glycine max-derived isoflavones to enhance their bioavailability and biological activity, considering the challenges and limitations of this approach for therapeutic development.