Genistein
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Genistein is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,650 participants, researched for Bone Health, Menopause Symptoms, Cardiovascular Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Bone Health
StrongMenopause Symptoms
StrongCardiovascular Health
ModerateAnti-cancer Activity
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Bone Health
To evaluate Genistein aglycone on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Genistein aglycone on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Dose
54 mg Genistein aglycone daily
Participants
389 postmenopausal women
Duration
24 months
Results
Genistein aglycone supplementation significantly increased lumbar spine BMD (+2.1%) and prevented femoral neck bone loss compared to placebo. Bone turnover markers favorably modulated. Well tolerated.
How They Measured It
DXA scan at lumbar spine and femoral neck, bone turnover markers (CTX, P1NP)
To evaluate the effects of phytoestrogen supplementation including Genistein on bone mineral density
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of phytoestrogen supplementation including Genistein on bone mineral density
Dose
Genistein and soy isoflavone formulations
Participants
Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (n=608)
Duration
Various
Results
Genistein and soy isoflavones significantly increased lumbar spine BMD (SMD 0.32) and prevented femoral neck bone loss in postmenopausal women. Effects largest in early postmenopausal period.
How They Measured It
Meta-analysis of BMD data from RCTs at lumbar spine and hip
Menopause Symptoms
To evaluate Genistein aglycone on hot flushes and menopausal symptoms
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Genistein aglycone on hot flushes and menopausal symptoms
Dose
54 mg Genistein aglycone daily
Participants
248 postmenopausal women
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Genistein aglycone supplementation significantly reduced hot flush frequency (−56% vs −36% placebo), improved Kupperman index, and modestly reduced FSH and LH without stimulating endometrial thickness.
How They Measured It
Hot flush frequency and severity, Kupperman index, FSH, LH, estradiol
To evaluate the efficacy of Genistein and soy isoflavones in reducing menopausal hot flushes
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Genistein and soy isoflavones in reducing menopausal hot flushes
Dose
Genistein-rich soy isoflavone formulations (54 mg Genistein/day average)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (n=1117)
Duration
Various
Results
Soy isoflavones (primarily Genistein) significantly reduced hot flush frequency (average −20.6% greater than placebo). Effects were modest but consistent. Genistein content >18 mg/day showed stronger effects.
How They Measured It
Meta-analysis of hot flush frequency data from RCTs
Cardiovascular Health
To evaluate the effects of Genistein supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of Genistein supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women
Dose
54 mg Genistein aglycone daily
Participants
200 postmenopausal women
Duration
12 months
Results
Genistein supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (−14%), total cholesterol, blood pressure, and CRP compared to placebo. HDL modestly increased. Endothelial function (FMD) significantly improved.
How They Measured It
LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, CRP, fibrinogen, endothelial function
To elucidate the estrogen receptor-mediated cardiovascular effects of Genistein
Study Type
In vitro and animal study
Purpose
To elucidate the estrogen receptor-mediated cardiovascular effects of Genistein
Dose
1-100 nM Genistein (in vitro), 10 mg/kg (animal)
Participants
Vascular endothelial cells and 20 ovariectomized rats
Duration
24 hours (in vitro), 8 weeks (animal)
Results
Genistein preferentially activated ER-β in vascular tissue, enhanced eNOS expression and NO production, suppressed ICAM-1, and improved arterial compliance in ovariectomized rats without uterotrophic effects.
How They Measured It
ER-α/β receptor binding, eNOS expression, NO production, ICAM-1, arterial compliance
Anti-cancer Activity
To examine the association between dietary Genistein intake and breast cancer risk in Asian women
Study Type
Prospective cohort study
Purpose
To examine the association between dietary Genistein intake and breast cancer risk in Asian women
Dose
Dietary Genistein (mean 14 mg/day)
Participants
A meta-analysis of 18 prospective cohort studies (n=381,000)
Duration
8-15 years follow-up
Results
Higher dietary Genistein intake was associated with a 14% reduction in breast cancer risk in Asian women (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96). No significant association found in Western women, possibly due to dosage and life-stage exposure differences.
How They Measured It
Breast cancer incidence, dietary Genistein intake assessment, lifetime exposure analysis
To evaluate Genistein in sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To evaluate Genistein in sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy
Dose
1-50 μM Genistein + various chemotherapy agents
Participants
MCF-7 (breast), PC-3 (prostate), A549 (lung) cancer cell lines
Duration
72 hours
Results
Genistein sensitized cancer cells to various chemotherapy agents by downregulating MDR1 drug efflux pumps and anti-apoptotic proteins, enabling effective killing at reduced drug concentrations. Synergistic effects confirmed.
How They Measured It
Cell viability, apoptosis, drug efflux pump expression (MDR1), drug synergy
To evaluate Genistein supplementation for prevention of prostate cancer progression in men with biopsy-negative disease
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Genistein supplementation for prevention of prostate cancer progression in men with biopsy-negative disease
Dose
60 mg Genistein daily
Participants
85 men with elevated PSA but negative biopsy
Duration
6 months
Results
Genistein supplementation significantly reduced PSA velocity, modestly reduced prostate volume, and reduced proliferative cell markers in repeat biopsy specimens. Well tolerated with no hormonal side effects.
How They Measured It
PSA levels, prostate volume, cell cycle markers in subsequent biopsies
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Genistein research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Genistein (Genistein), involving 1,650 total participants. Research covers Bone health, Menopause symptoms, Cardiovascular health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (9 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Genistein has been researched for: Bone health, Menopause symptoms, Cardiovascular health, Anti-cancer activity. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 9 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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