Daidzein from Dietary Supplement to a Drug Candidate: An Evaluation of Potential

Abstract

Daidzein (DDZ) is a well-known nutraceutical supplement belonging to the class of isoflavones. It is isolated from various sources such as alfalfa, soybean, and red clover. It demonstrates a broad array of pharmacological/beneficial properties such as cardiovascular exercise, cholesterol reduction, and anticancer, antifibrotic, and antidiabetic effects, which make it effective in treating a wide range of diseases. Its structure and operation are the same as those of human estrogens, which are important in preventing osteoporosis, cancer, and postmenopausal diseases. It is thus a promising candidate for development as a phytopharmaceutical. Addressing safety, efficacy, and physicochemical properties are the primary prerequisites. DDZ is already ingested every day in varying amounts, so there should not be a significant safety risk; however, each indication requires a different dose to be determined. Some clinical trials are already being conducted globally to confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential. Furthermore, as a result of its therapeutic influence on health, in order to establish intellectual property, patents are utilized. In light of the vast potential of eugenol, this review presents a detailed data collection on DDZ to substantiate the claim to develop it in the therapeutic category.

Figure 1

Daidzein chemical structure.

Figure 2

Market surveillance of daidzein by region. North America has the highest proportion (35%), followed by Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East; the lowest contribution (5%) is by Africa. https://www.datalabforecast.com/industry-report/386257-daidzein-market/.

Figure 3

Biological sources of DDZ which include red clover (Trifolium pratense), soybean (Glycine max), lucerne (Medicago sativa), kudzu (Pueraria radix), and red lentils (Lens esculenta).

Figure 4

A seven-step biosynthesis pathway of DDZ which starts in the presence of phenylalanine as it acts as a precursor. DDZ is formed from liquiritigenin in the presence of glucosyl transferase.

Figure 5

Three metabolites of DDZ. Equol is formed in the intestine, O-desmethylangolensin is formed in the colon, and an intermediate product, dihyrodaidzein, is formed in the intestine.

Figure 6

Proposed molecular basis for daidzein and protective effects against faulty glucose metabolism.

Figure 7

Anti-inflammatory activity of DDZ in coculture of adipocytes and macrophages. In adipocytes DDZ causes increased activity of PPARγ and adiponectin gene expression, while in macrophage it causes downregulation of NF κB, JNK, PARP 1 and AP-1, thus decreasing the activity of pro-inflammatory cell and resulting in anti-inflammatory activity.