Genistein

Overview

Genistein is an isoflavone polyphenol found primarily in soybeans and soy products. It supports brain health through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, thereby enhancing endocannabinoid signaling. Genistein also exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting neurons from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been studied for its potential neuroprotective effects in various neurological conditions.

Recipes

no recipes found

Foods

4 foods containing this substance

Edamame

Young soybeans providing NMN (NAD+ precursor) and complete plant protein

Soy

Complete plant protein with isoflavones (genistein) and choline

Tempeh

Fermented soy providing probiotics and enhanced nutrient bioavailability

Tofu

Soy-based protein source with isoflavones and choline

Biological Mechanisms and Implications

Biological Target	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), preserving anandamide levels and enhancing ECS tone; modulates dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling
Inflammation	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD	Anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory properties; reduces neuroinflammation
Neurochemical Balance	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD	Enhances endocannabinoid activity; modulates dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling pathways
Oxidative Stress	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD	Prevents neuronal death; increases hippocampal glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); lowers lipid peroxidation, ROS, and nitric oxide production

References

• Polyphenols such as genistein may further enhance ECS tone by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for anandamide degradation Gibellini and Smith 2010
• Genistein may amplify the ECS's ability to regulate dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling, all key pathways to regulate in ADHD
• Genistein has been confirmed to alleviate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress on neuronal injury, preventing neuronal death, increasing hippocampal glutathione and superoxide dismutase production, and lowering lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species Fuloria et al. 2022
• Genistein is believed to pass the blood–brain barrier and is extensively applied in the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's Fuloria et al. 2022