Insights into the neuroprotective properties of Biochanin-A

Abstract

The global morbidity and mortality caused by neurological disorders are significant. Neurodegenerative disorders are anticipated to rise as the population ages because they typically manifest in mid-to-late life. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050 two billion individuals would be 60 or older. So there is an emerging need for neuroprotective agents derived from natural sources with favorable efficacy and high safety profile. One of these natural agents is biochanin A(BIO-A), an isoflavone belonging to phytoestrogens, mainly found in red clover, soy, and chickpea, commercially available tablets. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antimicrobial, Estrogen-like, glucose and lipid metabolism modulatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. BIO-A was proven to be promising when investigated in multiple models of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, depression, anxiety, and glioblastoma. This review focuses on the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the neuroprotective effects of BIO-A in various neurological disorders.