One isoflavone, called genistein, has especially caught the attention of scientists. When genistein is added to many different types of cancer cells growing in laboratory test tubes, the growth of these cells stops. More than 100 studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of genistein. Genistein is thought to act against cancer in several ways. Genistein may actually work in ways similar to some of the common drugs used by physicians to treat cancer.
Scientists believe that certain enzymes in the body convert normal cells to cancer cells.
Often, cancer drugs work by inhibiting these enzymes. These cancers depend on hormones for their growth. Genistein may interfere with these hormones and thus stop cancer cells from developing and tumors from growing. There may even be a role for genistein in treating cancer. Some research indicates that genistein can interfere with the process by which tumors receive nutrients and oxygen, which are needed for tumor growth.