| Therapeutic Dosages | Therapeutic Uses | What Is the
Scientific Evidence for Genistein? | Safety Issues Genistein, a
naturally occurring chemical present in soy, has attracted
scientific interest for its possible benefits in cancer and
heart disease prevention. Genistein is a type of chemical called
a phytoestrogen—an estrogen-like substance present in some
plants. There are two main types of phytoestrogens: is the most
abundant source of isoflavones, with genistein the most abundant
isoflavone in soy. Red clover is also a good source of
genistein. Like other phytoestrogens, genistein can work in two
ways: either by increasing or decreasing the effects of
estrogen. This happens because genistein binds to special sites
on cells called estrogen receptors. Genistein stimulates these
receptors, but not as strongly as real estrogen; at the same
time, it blocks estrogen itself from attaching. The net result
is that when there is a lot of estrogen in the body, such as
before menopause, genistein may partly block i