Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

Biochanin A has been used to evaluate its effect on the ergotamine (ERT)-induced contractility in bovine mesenteric vasculature. It may be used to test its anticancer potential in human glioblastoma cell lines. It has been used as a reference standard in high-performance liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Biochanin A is an isoflavone phytoestrogen found in red clover (Trifolium pratense) that is a selective agonist at ER-β estrogen receptors, and may have chemopreventive efficacy against breast cancer. In line with its low activity at ER-α estrogen receptors, it is essentially devoid of uterotrophic activity. Biochanin A is also a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It reduces arterial resistance and enhances microcirculation perhaps via effects on potassium and/or calcium ion channels. Induction of sulfotransferases for xenobiotic detoxification has been proposed as a mechanism of its cancer preventive effects.

General description

Biochanin A (BCA) is synthesized in vitro from phloroglucinol. A series of steps involving Friedel−Crafts reaction results in an intermediate product 1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4 methoxyphenyl) ethanone, which post cyclization leads to BCA. It is catabolized to isoflavone genistein post ingestion.

Other Notes

Tandem Mass Spectrometry data independently generated by Scripps Center for Metabolomics is available to view or download in PDF. D2016.pdf Tested metabolites are featured on Scripps Center for Metabolomics METLIN Metabolite Database. To learn more, visit sigma.com/metlin.