491-80-5

Biochanin A is a natural isoflavone with diverse biological actions, most notably as a phytoestrogen. It can affect hormone levels by inhibiting 5α-reductase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase or altering aromatase (CYP19A1) activity. Also known as 4’-methyl genistein, biochanin A can be metabolized in vivo to genistein (Item No. 10005167), another phytoestrogen with diverse effects. Biochanin A also intersects with signaling through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), as it activates PPARγ (EC₅₀ = 19 μM) and has also been shown to activate a PPARα promoter. Moreover, it increases the expression of the PPARγ coactivator PGC-1α, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Biochanin A also inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase (IC₅₀ = 2.4 μM) and acts as an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (EC₅₀ = 0.25 μM).

Off-White Solid

An isoflavone with anticancer proliferation, differentiation and chemopreventitive properties. Inhibits metabolic activation of benzo[a]pyrene

phytoestrogen

ChEBI: Biochanin A is a member of the class of 7-hydroxyisoflavones that is 7-hydroxyisoflavone which is substituted by an additional hydroxy group at position 5 and a methoxy group at position 4'. A phytoestrogen, it has putative benefits in dietary cancer prophylaxis. It has a role as a phytoestrogen, a plant metabolite, an EC 3.5.1.99 (fatty acid amide hydrolase) inhibitor, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and an antineoplastic agent. It is a member of 7-hydroxyisoflavones and a member of 4'-methoxyisoflavones. It is a conjugate acid of a biochanin A(1-).

Biochanin A is an isoflavone phytoestrogen found in red clover (Trifolium pratense) that is a selective agonist at ER-β estrogen receptors, and may have chemopreventive efficacy against breast cancer. In line with its low activity at ER-α estrogen receptors, it is essentially devoid of uterotrophic activity. Biochanin A is also a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It reduces arterial resistance and enhances microcirculation perhaps via effects on potassium and/or calcium ion channels. Induction of sulfotransferases for xenobiotic detoxification has been proposed as a mechanism of its cancer preventive effects.