Biochanin A
Red-clover isoflavone with preclinical neuroprotective activity via MAO-B inhibition and reduced microglial inflammation.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS BIOCHANIN A?
Detailed overview
Biochanin A is an O-methylated isoflavone (a phytoestrogen) found mainly in red clover (Trifolium pratense), chickpea, and alfalfa. It is a reversible, competitive MAO-B inhibitor and has protected dopaminergic neurons in several preclinical studies by suppressing microglial activation and inflammatory cytokines. It also shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moderate estrogen receptor beta activity, and is partly converted to genistein in the body. There is no human neurological clinical evidence: the neuroprotective data come from rodent and cell models.
Mechanism
MAO-B inhibition + reduced microglial inflammation
Source
Red clover, chickpea (isoflavone)
Evidence
Preclinical (no human neuro data)
Receptor profile
- MAO-B enzyme (reversible, competitive inhibition)Strong
- Estrogen receptor beta (phytoestrogen)Moderate
- AMPK / SIRT1 signalingModerate
- NF-kB inflammatory pathway (inhibition)Weak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 4
- Estrogen-like activity: theoretical risk in hormone-sensitive conditions, caution advised
- Generally well tolerated at dietary amounts; human safety data as a concentrated supplement are limited
- Digestive discomfort (bloating, nausea) possible at higher doses
- Low oral bioavailability: rapidly metabolized to genistein, so effect size in humans is uncertain
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to phytoestrogen activity
- Estrogen-dependent tumors (breast, endometrium): avoid without medical consultation
- With MAO inhibitors or serotonergic drugs: theoretical additive effect, consult a clinician
- Not an approved medicine for any neurological indication; the evidence is preclinical
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
The Benzopyrone Biochanin-A as a reversible, competitive, and selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitor
Jeong GS, et al.
Biochanin A Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Damage of Dopaminergic Neurons Both In Vivo and In Vitro via Inhibition of Microglial Activation
Wang J, et al.
Biochanin A protects dopaminergic neurons against lipopolysaccharide-induced damage through inhibition of microglia activation and proinflammatory factors generation
Chen HQ, et al.
Prophylactic effect of Biochanin A in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells
et al.
Harnessing Therapeutic Potentials of Biochanin A in Neurological Disorders: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Overview
et al.
Neurotherapeutic effects of quercetin-loaded nanoparticles and Biochanin-A extracted from Trifolium alexandrinum on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling in the cerebral cortex of male diabetic rats
et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Red-clover isoflavone with preclinical neuroprotective activity via MAO-B inhibition and reduced microglial inflammation.
Telegram
Have a question about Biochanin A?
Reach out to us on Telegram for a personalized stack. We'll be happy to help.
Personalized consultation
Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?
Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.
Fill out the form~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant
Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.