Biochanin A, the Most Potent of 16 Isoflavones, Induces Relaxation of the Coronary Artery Through the Calcium Channel and cGMP-dependent Pathway
Abstract
The consumption of isoflavonoids is increasing in the general population, especially due to the use of food supplements and a variety of isoflavonoid-rich foods. However, there are no detailed studies on the vascular influence of individual pure isoflavonoids. 16 isoflavonoids were screened for their vasorelaxant properties on rat aortas.
The 2 most potent of them, biochanin A and glycitein, were further tested for the mechanism of action. It seems that the major mechanism of action of biochanin A was the inhibition of L-type calcium channels.
Hence isoflavonoids, in particular biochanin A, are able to have vasodilatory effects in micromolar concentrations, which is of potential clinical interest for the management of cardiovascular pathologies.