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The potential role of formononetin in cancer treatment: An updated review

Sheik Aliya1, Munirah Alhammadi1, Uichang Park1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|November 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Formononetin, a natural compound, shows potent anticancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. This review highlights its potential as a less toxic therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cancer remains a leading research area due to high incidence and drug resistance.
  • Formononetin, a phytoestrogenic natural product, exhibits anticancer properties with lower toxicity than other isoflavones.
  • Its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent warrants comprehensive investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review in vitro and in vivo studies on formononetin's anticancer effects.
  • To consolidate evidence from patents and clinical trials related to formononetin.
  • To provide a comprehensive perspective on formononetin's potential as an anticancer agent.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature, including proof-of-concept studies.
  • Analysis of patents and clinical trial data concerning formononetin.
  • Focus on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways targeted by formononetin.

Main Results:

  • Formononetin inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
  • It induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by modulating key proteins (e.g., p53, p21, NF-κB).
  • Formononetin targets multiple signaling pathways (e.g., AKT, MAPK, JAK/STAT) and regulates the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Formononetin demonstrates significant anticancer potential through various mechanisms.
  • It offers a promising therapeutic candidate with reduced toxicity compared to existing drugs.
  • Further research and clinical trials are supported by current evidence.
Keywords:
Anticancer activityFormononetinMolecular mechanismSignaling pathwayTumor

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