Solubilization of Genistein in Phospholipid Vesicles and Their Atioxidant Capacity

Abstract

Introduction Genistein is one of the isoflavones found in soy and soy products 1, 2. It has extraordinary advantages for its antioxidant 1 3 , anticancer 1, 2, 4 and estrogen effects 5, 6. Three hydroxyl groups in the aromatic rings of genistein contribute to its excellent antioxidant capacity 3. Moreover, genistein can inhibit the induction of stress proteins on tumor cells and retard the action of tyrosine kinase. This ultimately contributes to its anticarcinogenic benifits 4, 6. Genistein is also a kind of phytoestrogen contained in plants and is capable of showing estrogen effect. The structure of 17β-estradiol is similar to genistein therefore has the ability to bind to the estrogen receptor. Furthermore, genistein acts as a weak agonist or antagonist of estradiol depending its amount 5, 6. Despite having greater beneficial effects on the human body, genistein is hard to use because of its poor water-solubility 1. Therefore, it requires a novel solubilization treatment when genistein is intended to use in

Differential Effects of Soy Isoflavones on the Biophysical Properties of Model Membranes

“…It is possible that there is competition between GEN and cholesterol in the hydrophobic core, and the partitioning of GEN to the extent observed in pure DOPC membranes is inhibited, likely due to a relative lack of free volume in the DOPC/cholesterol system. It has been reported that the maximum solubility of GEN in DOPC vesicles decreases with an increasing composition of cholesterol, with about a 20% decrease in the presence of 30% cholesterol . In the cholesterol-free DOPC system, GEN can interact with both the headgroups and the acyl chain region of lipid bilayers.…”

“…It has been reported that the maximum solubility of GEN in DOPC vesicles decreases with an increasing composition of cholesterol, with about a 20% decrease in the presence of 30% cholesterol. 77 In the cholesterol-free DOPC system, GEN can interact with both the headgroups and the acyl chain region of lipid bilayers. However, in the presence of cholesterol, which is well-known to reside closer to the membrane hydrophobic core, it is likely that GEN is limited to positioning itself closer to the headgroups through hydrogen bonding interactions with the phosphate and ester groups of lipids.…”

Nano-traditional Chinese medicine: a promising strategy and its recent advances

“…25 As an ideal nanocarrier, liposomes have some desirable attributes. Firstly, they can improve the solubility and stability of hydrophobic TCM components, such as curcumin, 55 genistein, 56 and vincristine. 57 Curcumin is sensitive to light, heat and oxidation, and exhibits less solubility in water (o1 mg mL À1 ); these properties have limited its clinic applications and led to low bioavailability.…”