Biochanin A

Biochanin A is an isoflavone phytoestrogen found in red clover that acts as a selective agonist at ER-β estrogen receptors, and may have chemopreventive efficacy against breast cancer. 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. Also acts as a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, which inhibits FAAH with IC50s of 1.8, 1.4 and 2.4 μM for mouse, rat, and human FAAH, respectively.