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Formononetin is an O-methylated isoflavone.
Found in several plant sources, including:
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense):
Astragalus membranaceus:
Other Leguminous Plants:
-Various plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) may also contain formononetin, although the levels and bioavailability can differ depending on the plant species and extraction methods.
Pathways:
PI3K/Akt Pathway: formononetin may inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt
(MAPK) Pathway: may modulate components of the MAPK pathway
STAT3 Signaling Pathway: formononetin can downregulate STAT3 activity
NF-κB Pathway: modulating NF-κB activation
Apoptotic Pathways: via mitochondrial-dependent pathways, enhancing caspase activation
Induce cell cycle arrest at different checkpoints (e.g., G1 or G2/M phases)
Formononetin, a naturally occurring isoflavone found in red clover, Astragalus membranaceus, and other leguminous plants, shows promise as an anticancer agent. Its ability to modulate key signaling pathways—including PI3K/Akt, MAPK, STAT3, NF-κB, and apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory mechanisms—suggests a multifaceted potential in cancer prevention and therapy.