Genistein in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Review

Abstract

Genistein, a natural compound belonging to the group of isoflavones has a confirmed positive effect in such diseases as hormone-dependent cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases, including arterial and pulmonary hypertension. The multiway hypotensive effect is based on vasodilation with simultaneous inhibition of vasoconstriction and RAA interference. It impacts both vascular smooth muscles and endothelium due to its influence on many molecular pathways and peptides; among them: protection against oxidative stress, RhoA/Rho pathway inhibition, enhancing cAMP activation, modification of cellular calcium influx, and the increase of eNOS concentrations. Despite little research on genistein effect on pulmonary hypertension, it seems that the natural compound reduces harmful hypoxia effects and, consequently, inhibits vessels remodelling. In our review, we present mechanisms of lowering blood pressure and juxtapose in vivo research on both animal and human models. On the basis of our results, it might be deduced that the abovementioned isoflavone seems to be a safe and effective hypotensive drug. Its impact on arterial and pulmonary hypertension should be further estimated, both in monotherapy, and in combination treatment.

Keywords: Genistein; hypertension; isoflavones; natural compounds; phytoestrogen; pulmonary hypertension.