China Most Professional Factory Supply High Qulity Formononetin CAS 485-72-3

I. Overview

Formononetin is an isoflavone compound widely found in leguminous plants such as Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (gancao), Pueraria lobata (gegen), and Trifolium pratense (red clover). Its chemical name is 7-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, with a molecular formula of C₁₆H₁₂O₄ and a molecular weight of 268.26. Formononetin exhibits a variety of biological activities, including anti-cancer, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects.

II. Pharmacological Effects

1. Anti-cancer Effects
   Formononetin inhibits the proliferation of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells by enhancing cell cycle arrest, suppressing tumor cell migration, and promoting apoptosis.

2. Estrogenic Effects
   As a phytoestrogen, formononetin can bidirectionally regulate hormone levels, effectively treating conditions caused by estrogen deficiency.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
   It inhibits the release of inflammatory factors, reduces inflammatory responses, and exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging oxygen free radicals.

4. Lipid-Lowering Effects
   Formononetin significantly reduces blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thereby regulating lipid metabolism.

5. Other Effects
   It also demonstrates antiarrhythmic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and anti-lipid peroxidation properties, improving atherosclerotic lesions and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

III. Applications

1. Pharmaceutical Field
   • Anti-cancer Drugs: Formononetin is used in the prevention and treatment of breast, prostate, and colon cancers by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
   • Osteoporosis Treatment: It improves osteoporosis symptoms and enhances bone density.
   • Menopausal Symptom Relief: Its estrogenic effects alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating.
   • Cardiovascular Protection: Formononetin’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-atherosclerotic properties protect the cardiovascular system.
   • Anti-inflammatory Drugs: It inhibits the release of inflammatory factors, reducing inflammatory responses and treating inflammatory diseases.
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2. Health Supplement Field
   • Antioxidant Supplements: Formononetin’s antioxidant properties delay aging and prevent chronic diseases.
   • Female Health Supplements: Its estrogenic effects regulate female endocrine function and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
   • Cardiovascular Health Supplements: It lowers blood lipids and prevents atherosclerosis, safeguarding cardiovascular health.
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3. Cosmetic Field
   • Anti-aging Cosmetics: Formononetin’s antioxidant effects reduce free radical damage to the skin, delaying aging.
   • Skin-lightening Cosmetics: It inhibits melanin production, making it suitable for skin-lightening products.
   • Anti-inflammatory Cosmetics: Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate skin inflammation, suitable for sensitive skin.
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   • Agricultural Field
4. • Plant Protectants: Formononetin enhances plant resistance to environmental stress and reduces disease occurrence.
   • Soil Conditioners: Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects improve soil environment and promote plant growth.